US education chief tells college students: Apply for aid

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s message for students thinking about college is simple: You can do it, and the federal government can help pay for it.

Duncan visited Louisville Thursday as part of a back-to-school bus tour with stops in 10 cities. He told a group of prospective college students during a discussion at the University of Louisville that too many students never fill out federal financial aid forms. He says the federal government offers about $150 billion annually in grants and loans.

Duncan told the students, “please, please, please fill out that form.”

Duncan also said the recent arrest of a student in Texas who brought a homemade clock to school was “crazy.” He says young inventors and thinkers like the 14-year-old need support, not suspicion.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.