President Barack Obama announced plans Friday to allow Americans who have lost their jobs to go back to school and keep their benefits.

According to New York law, people who have been laid off can collect unemployment or go back to school full time to learn a new skill, but not both. The president encouraged all states to allow those collecting benefits to go to community colleges or other vocational programs. He says his plan will give the unemployed a leg up.

"In a 21st-century economy, where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, education is the single best bet we can make,? Obama said Friday.

Nassau Community College?s Community Affairs Director Reggie Tuggle says the school has seen a large influx of enrollees who have recently been laid off.

"People are here for retraining, recertification, to learn a new trade or to get involved in a new field of study altogether,? Tuggle says. ?So for us it's a wonderful suggestion.?

The president is also encouraging colleges to increase financial aid packages for the unemployed and make it easier for them to receive Pell Grants. Obama also wants state labor departments to send letters to everyone who receives unemployment informing them of training opportunities in their area as well as financial support.