A week after being sworn in as U.S. secretary of education, Roderick R. Paige appeared before a gathering of private college leaders and sketched out the administration's plans for higher education. The president has not yet released his legislative proposals for higher education, but has indicated his commitment to keeping college affordable and creating partnerships between preK-12 and postsecondary institutions.

Noting that Pell grants have been one of the most effective student aid programs for lower-income students, Paige told the meeting of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities leaders that the program would be increased and expanded. "We will fully fund the Pell grant program for first-year students by increasing the maximum grant amount by more than 50 percent, to $5,100," he promised. Also, the administration will encourage students eligible for Pells to take rigorous courses in high school. Those Pell recipients who have passed Advanced Placement math and/or science courses could receive a $1,000 bonus.

The administration also is proposing a tax exemption for families that use prepaid tuition and savings programs, and extending it to those in independent pre-paid tuition plans. The education secretary also wants to provide matching federal funds to states that create college merit scholarship programs.

Finally, Paige asked the higher education community to get behind the president's agenda for school reforms "to ensure that the young people who arrive at your campuses will be fully prepared for the challenges ahead."