Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution Designating April as Community College Month

Strategic Insights -

The United States Senate has passed a bipartisan resolution led by Senators Edward J. Markey and Susan Collins, designating April as "Community College Month." This recognition highlights the essential role community colleges play in providing education, opportunity, and economic mobility for millions of Americans. With over 1,000 public, tribal, and independent community colleges serving almost half of all undergraduate students in the United States, this resolution reaffirms the commitment to increasing access to higher education and workforce training.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate resolution is led by Senators Edward J. Markey and Susan Collins, members of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.
  • Community colleges serve almost half of all undergraduate students in the United States, with over 1,000 public, tribal, and independent institutions across the country.
  • The resolution recognizes the importance of community colleges in providing affordable pathways to further education for nontraditional, low-income, working, parenting, veteran, and first-generation students.
  • Community colleges play a crucial role in workforce development, contributing to prosperity and economic mobility for millions of Americans.
  • The resolution is cosponsored by several senators, including Richard Blumenthal, Maggie Hassan, and Amy Klobuchar, among others.
  • Community colleges are celebrated for delivering affordable, high-quality education to students where they live and work, contributing to their economic mobility and the growth of their neighborhoods.
  • Specifically, Massachusetts community colleges are recognized for their commitment to the community, delivering education to students where they live and work, and Massachusetts is home to 15 community colleges that offer open access education to all.
  • Senator Markey highlights the importance of investing in community colleges, as they are "of and for the community," delivering education and economic opportunities to people, families, neighborhoods, and their futures.
  • Senator Collins emphasizes the role of Maine's community colleges in shaping the future workforce and providing students with essential skills for industries like manufacturing, agriculture, cybersecurity, and healthcare.

Statistics:

  • Almost half of all undergraduate students in the United States are served by the over 1,000 public, tribal, and independent community colleges.
  • Community colleges play a crucial role in workforce development, contributing to prosperity and economic mobility for millions of Americans.
  • The Commonwealth's 15 community colleges in Massachusetts offer an open access education to all, regardless of their goals.
  • Senators across the country have cosponsored the resolution recognizing the importance of community colleges, with bipartisan support.

Sources:

  • United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
  • Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)
  • Congressional leaders Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)
  • Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges Nate Mackinnon
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