WHO:              Martha Kanter, Under Secretary of Education

                        Eric Furda, Dean of Admissions, University of Pennsylvania

                        Vincent Price, Provost, University of Pennsylvania

                        Regional business leaders, college presidents, faculty, civic and elected                                officials

WHAT:           College Affordability Discussion

WHEN:           Friday, Feb. 24, 1-3 p.m.

WHERE:         Houston Hall, Bodek Lounge, 3417 Spruce St., Philadelphia                      

Martha Kanter will talk about tackling rising college costs to ensure that America's students obtain the education and training they need to prepare for the jobs of the 21st century. She will outline steps the Obama administration has taken to expand access and keep college affordable, as well as discuss the shared responsibility of postsecondary institutions, states and the federal government in expanding college opportunity.

Michael Nutter, mayor of Philadelphia; Ed Rendell, former governor of Pennsylvania, and several college presidents and vice-presidents will also participate in the event. Panel discussions will cover “Affordability at Pennsylvania Schools,” “Regional Need or Completion and Affordability” and “Affordability in the National Context: Labor Market and State Policy Challenges.”

Kanter oversees policies, programs and activities related to postsecondary education, adult and career-technical education, federal student aid and White House Initiatives on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Educational Excellence for Hispanics, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities and Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.