Earlier this week, Dr. Elise Scott, President & CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, wrote about what's at stake for African American students if the student loan rate is allowed to double in July. For the next generation of college students, Dr. Scott believes the student loan discussion is critical.

The Obama administration is inviting school districts to compete for $400 million in grants by creating plans meant to close achievement gaps and prepare students for college or careers. This past Tuesday, Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced the new competition, which would be open to school districts with at least 2, 500 students, 40% or more of whom qualify for free or reduced price lunches.

Last week, President Obama, G-8 leaders, and four African heads of state gathered to discuss global efforts to fight food insecurity and improve nutrition. The G-8 and African partners launched the New Alliance for Food and Nutrition Security, which is a commitment by G8 nations, African countries, and private sector partners to lift 50 million people out of poverty over the next 10 years.