The (Raleigh) New and Observer reports today that John Edwards is rolling out an $8 billion initative to make college more accessible and affordable:

The program covers bills for tuition, fees and books during the first year of college for students who complete a college prep or college technology course in high school, refrain from using drugs or alcohol, and don’t get suspended or commit a crime. Students must also commit to work or volunteer for 10 hours each week while in college.

The proposal is modeled on a pilot program at Greene Central High School, in Snow Hill, NC, where 74 percent of the school’s graduating seniors will attend college this fall.

More here, from the N&O Under the Dome blog.