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The State of Union address saw our President discussing a range of issues that are geared towards taking our nation towards a better future. President Obama spoke about a lot of pressing issues that are not really helping today’s tough economic situation including health care, deficit, economy, social security and joblessness.

These are issues faced by most of the American households today. Among these, a vital issue that attracted the attention of social work students was higher education.  According to our President, enhanced efforts are being made to make college tuition more affordable by re-funneling funds generated through ending taxpayer subsidies that were previously enjoyed by the banks.

He reiterated his commitment to asking Congress to make tuition tax credit for four year colleges to the tune of $10,000 permanent. This sounds indeed like a fairy tale. However, ask any California student and they will tell you how scary this is. For the CSU and UC systems, a $500 million reduction in funding was included in the state’s budget proposal.

This means, tuition and fees will continue to rise and lead to lesser courses for students, furlough days and teacher layoffs. Programs in California state system have already started recalculating on what they can provide the following year and have started cutting back on student populations and faculty.

All these hurdles make our President’s highest number of college graduates by 2020 practically impossible. The situation makes graduating a tedious and long drawn process for many Californians.

Social Work students who are commencing in May are hugely concerned about the accessible and affordable education legacy on offer for students of coming generations. It is imperative to realize at this stage that in order to stand tall amidst stiff global competition and stay afloat in the changing world economy, students require higher standards of education.

In terms of number of young with college degrees, we as a nation are ranked ninth in the world today. Concerned students called upon leaders to take all efforts in finding funds for education. They feel that this investment is absolutely essential to keep pace with other developing nations around the world.

Social Work students feel strongly that our President has taken the right step in placing all vital issues on the country’s Agenda. This will definitely help enhance competitiveness and stability in our country, they feel. Of course, it will take time for positive effects to manifest as a result of these proposed changes.

These students challenge all citizens of America to be heard in this political process. They feel that students especially must take interest and voice their views. Those that bolster higher education must come forward to advocate for reforms in their capacity as California’s State University System’s members.

Equipped with our knowledge on what is happening in Washington towards this endeavor, we must hold our nation’s leadership accountable for implementation of programs. Every citizen must be socially and politically aware irrespective of their political preferences, in the general interest of our nation.