“NCHER in 30” Podcast Includes Updates on Advocacy Activities, Focus on Former Vice President Joe Biden’s and Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) Higher Education Plans

In episode 17 of the “NCHER in 30” podcast, the NCHER staff provides updates on several advocacy activities of importance to the membership that occurred in late February to early March. In particular, James and Shelly discuss the higher education plans put forth by Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) who are vying for the Democratic nomination for President. The Vice President’s plan would cost $750 billion over the next 10 years and includes several proposals to promote community colleges, double the maximum Pell Grant, and improve the federal student loan program. Sen. Sanders’ plan would provide for free college and student loan debt forgiveness. After that discussion, Pam Shepherd interviews Melissa Neal, Executive Director of the Oklahoma College Assistance Program, who discusses what it is like to be a new leader in the higher education finance industry and Oklahoma’s efforts to promote financial literacy. If you have any feedback or have topic suggestions for future episodes, please send comments to [email protected].