As a member of the Education and Labor Committee and the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities, access to higher education is a top priority. Long Island's students are some of the best and the brightest in the nation. Unfortunately, this does not make college more affordable or accessible.

I have been working for many years with a group committed to increasing access to higher education. Project GRAD USA is a national program aimed at increasing the number of low-income students who attend college and earn degrees. Unlike other groups, Project GRAD USA is a comprehensive non-profit K-12 education reform organization. The program serves low-income students, beginning in kindergarten and staying with them through college, by offering programs in reading, math, classroom management, social services, and college preparation. Each year, Project GRAD USA offers students college scholarships to help make their education affordable.

Project GRAD works. In 2003, Project GRAD helped 135,000 students in 217 schools across the country, with more schools slated to be added depending on funding availability. At the site of their longest running program the number of high school graduates has increased by 94 percent and those who have gone on to attend college have earned college degrees at a rate 89 percent above the national average.

Project GRAD has begun working with the Westbury Union Free School District to help students achieve their dreams of earning a college degree. I want to see this great program expanded to help as many of Long Island's students as possible. That is why I have introduced the Graduation Really Achieves Dreams Act. This bill recognizes the work of Project GRAD and gives them financial support to continue their work.

I will continue my work in Washington to increase college accessibility for all of Long Island's students. With the help of groups like Project GRAD USA, the dream of a college degree can become reality.