Julián Castro Unveils ‘People First Education’ Plan
First-in-the-field comprehensive education plan proposes universal pre-K, tuition-free college, student loan debt relief, and new federal commitments to teachers and school infrastructure
SAN ANTONIO, TX (May 13, 2019) – On Monday, May 13, presidential candidate, former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro, unveiled his ‘People First Education’ plan, a sweeping new approach to education that would reshape public education from pre-kindergarten through college.
Secretary Castro’s People First Education plan calls for, among other tenets, universal pre-kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds nationwide; substantial federal investment to combat teacher attrition, shortages and chronic underpayment; comprehensive student loan debt reform to address the $1.5 trillion student loan debt crisis and ensure no student pays more than their income allows; and tuition-free public college, university, community college, and technical and vocational education. The plan also includes specific policies aimed at mitigating persistent and stark disparities in both access and achievement experienced by students of color.
"Education is the foundation of the American Dream and one of the most critical investments our nation makes in its future," said Secretary Julián Castro. "However, we have failed to adequately invest in our students, teachers and schools—disproportionally affecting lower-income communities and students of color. My 'People First Education' plan calls for a sweeping new approach and commitment—one that supports students from pre-K to college and beyond. Education policy doesn't exist in silos, and I'm proud to put forward the first comprehensive education plan to invest in our students holistically and keep our nation competitive in the years to come."
