Betsy DeVos visits Valencia, students express concerns about college costs during

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos visits Valencia College Osecola Campus

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos made her rounds in Osceola County Friday, first touring a Valencia College Manufacturing Training Center, then visting the main campus to talk to students at a roundtable about dual-enrollment.

DeVos was met with some protest; a group of about five people stood with signs that said she was unqualified for her position.

"There's many issues, obviously the school issue is number one, she would rather fund private school and charter schools over public education. She's making it not easily accessible for everyone," Valencia student Lindsey Withers said.

Inside, discussion took place with students enrolled at both Valencia College and a local high school through the dual-enrollment program. High school senior Trinity Gibbs said she will graduate high school having already finished most of her freshman year of college. She wanted to let DeVos know the benefits of the program.

"I want her to know that I'm here to listen," Gibbs said. "I'm here to understand what she's going to do for us in the future."

During DeVos' visit, Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) announced his plans for a new bill to expand the partnership between the University of Central Florida, Valencia College and other community colleges, according to a news release.

Soto also plans to push for the program to expand nationwide. The Direct Connect to Success Act will require each state to designate public universities to be open to students from community colleges, Soto said.

College costs were a priority for high school senior Carolyn Herron. She said she wanted to confront DeVos on possible cuts to work study and other federal programs to help students.

"Why would she want to take away work study?" Herron said. "Because work study is where you can also get a job and be able to have school at the same time, work study is really important."

DeVos spoke with students for about an hour, and they said they hope she walked away with more respect for those who are struggling but still wanting to succeed.

“Everybody needs a little bit of help, a little bit of extra money to help them get throughout college, finish their career, be able to do school in general,” Herron said.

This was DeVos' first solo speaking event outside of Washington, D.C.

DeVos was confirmed by the Senate as education secretary in February. Vice President Mike Pence broke the 50-50 tie for her nomination.

The Senate historian says it was the first time a vice president had to break a tie on a Cabinet nomination.