BLOG: Hanging Out With Students

Just a few minutes ago, I hosted one of my first Google Plus Hangouts with student leaders from colleges around our State. We talked about how we’ve held down the cost of rising tuition more than any other state in the nation, how we continue to focus on improving student achievement and increasing the number of Marylanders with skills training and about important issues facing our State–the health of our environment, our economic climate and the upcoming election.

The Student Government President from Frostburg told us how most of her peers have to work in addition to attending school and how much low tuition increases help.  She’s graduating in 3 years. A nursing student explained how she went back to school after she realized she needed a different skill set for today’s job opportunities. She has a few months left and already has a job lined up for when she graduates. Another student from UMUC told us how he’s getting another degree to advance his current career. He’s a father of four and is able to attend school due to UMUC’s flexibility and online courses.

These stories are exactly why we continue to invest in the skills, talents and creativity of our people. They are why we have held the line on tuition and will continue to do so into the future.

Thanks to the students who participated and to all of the students of Maryland for continuing to move our state forward. You are our future.

Martin O'Malley is the governor of Maryland. He writes a regular blog for his official website.