Education is the foundation for opportunity and a better life. Scott went to college with the help of student loans and a federal work-study program, when college cost 1,482.63% less than today. Scott believes all students deserve a quality, affordable education and that technical training and STEM education must be expanded to meet the demands of the 21st century workforce. Scott is working to improve early childhood education, increase access to education for veterans and active-duty military, support teachers, and create dynamic and safe schools to realize this goal.
Improving San Diego Public Education and Affordability
All students deserve a safe place to get a quality education. Education should provide a path to level the playing field for all children. Scott is dedicated to investing in our education workforce to support a public education system where students are treated equitably and feel supported. Scott introduced and passed the Employer Participation in Repayment Act, which incentivizes employers to support their workforce by making employer-provided student loan payments tax-exempt up to $5,250/year. He has consistently supported expanding access to Pell Grants, including supporting efforts to increase the maximum individual award, increase the amount of total semesters a student may receive a Pell Grant, and index Pell Grant awards to inflation.
Promoting Access to STEM Education
The growing demand for jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) requires that the U.S. workforce is prepared to fill the jobs of the future. Yet, data shows we are not doing enough to equip students with the skills they need. San Diego leads in science, benefitting from top institutions and companies that teach and value software skills like programming and data analytics. Those skills need to be cultivated at an early age, which is why supporting STEM education is so important.
Supporting Military Families and Veterans
1.2 million veterans, active-duty military, and military-connected family members and survivors live in San Diego County, making up 39% of the county’s population. It is crucial to support both those who have served our country and their families – we owe it to them. Servicemembers and students from military families often face many challenges, including trouble transitioning back to civilian life, turbulence in their personal life due to frequent moves and parent deployment, and struggles with service-related disabilities. Scott works to ensure our servicemembers have access to quality educational opportunities.