ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)--Tuesday in New York's Capitol Region, U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, highlighted the Biden-Harris administration's Invest in America agenda. 

Cardona said a key component of the Investing in America agenda is providing opportunities for students.

"We’re giving students the opportunities to learn the skills needed for these high-skill, high paying jobs that—you know you can make six figures without having to have a four-year degree, without having tons of college debt—that’s what this invest in America process is,” he said. 

The Invest in America agenda encompasses a package of national laws including the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. 

In a panel discussion Tuesday afternoon, many education and manufacture industry advocates emphasized access and reaching communities. 

A key element of access to this education, some advocates said, is the internet. 

Secretary Cardona highlighted the White House's recent announcement of more than $40 billion for broadband access. 

Cardona said there is a federal responsibility to provide the dollars and infrastructure to implement and expand manufacturing training programs.