Omar has benefited enormously from federal programs like the Pell Grant, student loans, and other scholarships. Many of his clients at the Refugee Dream Center have enrolled as students at CCRI thanks to RI’s first-in-the-nation “Rhode Island Promise.” Omar was an early proponent of the program, which offers students two years of free public university education. Omar will support federal legislation modeled on RI Promise, as well as increased federal assistance for technical and on-the-job training programs. Higher education and skilled technical training are inextricably linked to earning potential, economic opportunity, and social mobility. Omar also supports guaranteed access to pre-K to ensure all children start their education on an equal footing, and childcare subsidies so parents have the means to further their education if they need the assistance. Omar will sponsor legislation which will ensure access to education in a holistic, integrated manner.