Romney and a student walk into a coffee shop ...
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney spoke at Lansing Community College Tuesday, suggesting that “somewhere in a coffeehouse, a student, maybe here in Lansing, is sketching out an idea that will change our lives.”
A block away from the auditorium where Romney spoke is Gibson’s coffee shop, a hangout for students attending Lansing Community College. Students there may come up with the next iPad. More likely, they won’t earn a degree.
Only 22 percent of full-time LCC students will earn an associate’s degree within three years, according to Complete College America. And that’s a higher rate than the state as a whole, where only one in six earn an associate’s degree in three years. Michigan ranks 44th in the nation in graduation rates for those seeking an associate’s degree.
See Bridge's report on community college graduation rates.
“I want that person to succeed beyond his wildest dreams,” Romney said of his coffee-shop inventor.
The first step toward that success quite often is a college degree -- something that for too many Michigan students is a dream instead of a reality.
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!