The American Families Plan: Free Pre-School And College?

Even if you don’t know what President Biden’s American Rescue Plan entails, you’ve probably been reaping its rewards as of late. Why? Because after it was approved and made into law in March, the plan resulted in school reopenings, stimulus payments of $1,400, and rapid vaccine rollouts to keep us protected from the coronavirus.

While the American Rescue Plan continues to do what its name suggests, Biden has some more assistance up his sleeve. The President recently announced the details of his American Families Plan.

As you can guess, it focuses on helping children and families stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. How? By lowering health insurance costs, helping with basic everyday expenses, improving nutrition, and more. And while all of those areas are essential, the American Families Plan’s educational goals may be its top highlight.

Education Issues the American Families Plan Hopes to Solve

Students of all ages could use a helping hand when it comes to advancing their learning. That’s why the American Families Plan tackles educational issues for children as young as three up to college students and workers looking to improve their marketable skills.

Here’s a closer look at the educational benefits the American Families Plan could provide if it gets signed into law.

$200 Billion to Provide Free Pre-School

The American Families Plan’s educational benefits begin at a very early age. If approved, it would offer complimentary pre-school for three and four-year-olds. This would help lower-income households where parents cannot afford to send their kids to pre-school like their higher-income counterparts. And it could help the average family save a whopping $13,000 per year in childcare expenses.

Those looking to work as early childhood educators would benefit as well. To incentivize early childhood education, interested students would receive free community college. They would then receive on-the-job training to advance their career, plus competitive wages.

$109 Billion for Free Community College

Fewer people are enrolling in college, and it’s not because they don’t want to improve their education and future. Instead, they’re skipping college due to costs.

The American Families Plan would kickstart enrollment by offering free community college. Workers looking to earn a credential and first-time students aiming to get their degree could do so at no cost. DREAMers would be included too. In all, free community college could put 5.5 million people through school.

Improved Pell Grant Benefits

While free community college could help low-income students achieve their dreams of getting a degree, increased Pell Grants could do the same. As the costs of college increase, the effectiveness of Pell Grants has decreased. The American Families Plan would boost Pell Grant benefits by $1,400.

Although that amount may not seem like a lot, every bit helps when it comes to paying for college. And as with no-cost community college, DREAMers could also qualify for these Pell Grant benefits.