Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society. However, the rising cost of education in the United States is becoming an insurmountable barrier for many families. To alleviate this financial burden and make education accessible to all, we propose transitioning free public education from grade K-12 to grade K-13 and restructuring college education to only three years, which would reduce the overall cost by approximately 25%.

Currently, the cost of attending college has skyrocketed, and many families find it increasingly difficult to afford. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, from 2009-10 to 2019-20, prices for undergraduate tuition, fees, room, and board at public institutions rose by 14% after adjustment for inflation. This growing financial strain leaves countless students with massive student loan debts that take decades to pay off.

Providing free public education until grade 13 allows students to acquire a solid foundation without the added stress of financial constraints. By extending high school education by a year and introducing free education through this period, the transition to higher education will be smoother, and students will have more opportunities to excel academically.

Moreover, by restructuring the standard college degree from four years to three, students will be able to enter the workforce sooner, thereby reducing the cost of their education by approximately 25%. This change not only eases financial pressures on families but also benefits the economy by producing a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the job market.

This combination of extending free education and reducing the college years aims to provide an affordable and efficient educational pathway. It ensures inclusivity and equal opportunity for all students regardless of their socioeconomic background.

We have started a movement to improve governance for the age of artificial intelligence. Sign this petition to urge the government to take immediate action to make education accessible and affordable for every family and to prepare the future generation for success without the heavy burden of debt.