In 2008, President Barack Obama carried the youth vote by an incredible two-to-one ratio over Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. And during his term, he has governed as an advocate for students.

Obama understands that the way to build a strong economy is to ensure access to an affordable education. As the cost of tuition increases, students at GW feel the financial burden. Without scholarships from the University and loans from the federal government, many of us would not be able to go to this school. Obama realizes that access to a college education is not just a fundamental of a growing economy, but an imperative in ensuring everyone has an equal shot at achieving the American Dream.

That’s why he reformed the federal loan program and used the billions of dollars in savings to nearly double the number of students eligible for Pell Grants. And this past summer, he fought with Congress to ensure that the interest rate paid on federally subsidized loans didn’t double, saving the average loan recipient $1,000.

Obama understands that it’s not just about getting your diploma – it’s also about being able to pay off the cost of college later in life.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s solution for the high cost of college? “Borrow money from your parents.”

The president has also made sure young Americans have access to affordable healthcare when we enter the job market. Before the passage of Obamacare, students were removed from their parents’ policy as soon as they graduated. Due to the Affordable Care Act, students can remain on their parents’ policy until they are 26.

The infrastructure investments made in the Recovery Act are helping to make investments in a smart grid, construction, broadband and green energy for a the 21st-century economy.

Unlike Romney’s 1950s-era social policies, Obama values equality on same-sex marriage and a woman’s right to choose. We need a president who believes that being a woman shouldn’t be a preexisting condition.

As a generation, we must protect the gains we’ve made and continue to move our country forward. Obama has had our backs the past four years, and now it’s time we have his again.

Spencer Dixon is the president of the College Democrats.