The Path Forward: Educate to Compete in a Global Economy
Six moves that turn education into economic strategy — solving real shortages, funding for the long run, and building the skills AI can't replace.
Every $1 invested in quality PreK returns $7–$12 to the economy — 67% of public school parents say expanding access deserves more federal attention. China's STEM advantage starts at age four; the investment has to run the whole pipeline, not reset every four years.
33% of Americans now recommend trade school over a four-year degree. Elevating trades to B.S. status unlocks federal financial aid and builds the 4 million homes America is short — the same shortage driving up housing costs nationwide.
Over 9,500 medical school graduates failed to match to a residency in 2025 — trained doctors with no slot to become one. Expanding residency funding and medical school capacity fixes the shortage driving America's healthcare costs.
72% of parents say AI should be part of their child's education. China already mandates AI classes from primary school and installs more industrial robots than the rest of the world combined — America still has no national standard.
Refocus the Department on competing with China in a global economy, not the politics of local and state governments. Require social platforms — current and new — to dedicate roughly 20% of revenue to education and support parents raising kids, cradle to grave. China's domestic TikTok already feeds under-16 users educational content instead of the entertainment-only version it exports.
Tie federal aid and loan terms to programs with real economic payoff, and expand income-driven repayment so a degree measures up as an investment — not a debt sentence — in a global economy where every credential has to earn its cost.