Hello everyone,

The majority of this week’s update will focus on last Tuesday’s State of the Union address. In his speech, the President laid out a blueprint for an economy that’s built to last–an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.

The President believes this is a make or break moment for the middle class and those trying to reach it. Education is one of the key parts of this blueprint. To the applause of teachers and students across the nation, the President proposed plans to reward good teachers, revise the broken one-size-fits-all testing system, and urge states to guarantee every child remains in school until they turn 18. Adding to his promise to help college students with their student loans, the President emphasized the American Opportunity Tax Credit worth up to $10,000 over four years. To read more about the President’s proposal to increase student aid and rely on a system of income based payments, check out his “Pay As You Earn” plan. All are key steps.

On Friday, the President went to the University of Michigan where he laid out acomprehensive approach to tackle rising college costs. The fact is, higher education can’t be a luxury–it’s an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford.

President Barack Obama hugs Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., on the floor of the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., before delivering the State of the Union address, Jan. 24, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

We Can’t Wait: Taking Action for the Middle Class

Since President Obama announced last October that he was tired of waiting for Congress, he’s initiated 20 actions to revitalize the economy. You can track exactly how the President is stepping up for Americans in this new video detailing each initiative.

Women Working to Do Good

In this edition of ”Women Working to Do Good“, HelloGiggles profiles Quinn Fitzgerald, a recent White House intern empowering women and building community.

For the Win

Clay McMullen, a 17 year old senior from Munson Township, Ohio, shares why he started WET, an organization dedicated to saving the wetlands.

The Week Ahead

We are in the process of narrowing the finalists for the College Campus Champions of Change and expect to post these projects online in the coming week. You will then be able to go online, vote for your favorite, and decide the top five projects. There were an incredible number of inspiring submissions, so thank you for your tremendous service and dedication.

R. Cho

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