FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2019
Contact: Martha Parham
202-728-0200 x209
mparham@aacc.nche.edu
American Association of Community Colleges applauds programs designed to close the nation’s skills gap.
Washington, DC — The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) represents the nation’s 1,051 community colleges and supports the new funding proposed for community college job training programs included in the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) appropriations bill. The bill includes $150 million for Strengthening Community College Training Grants, to be granted by the Department of Labor on a competitive basis. The program is designed to help community colleges provide urgently needed workforce education and related opportunities for more Americans.
“We look forward to utilizing this funding to continue the vital workforce training that community colleges do every day to address the nation’s skills gap,” said AACC president and CEO, Dr. Walter G. Bumphus. “We would like to thank the House LHHS committee for their commitment to funding the programs and services that keep Americans working and training for family-sustaining wage jobs.”
AACC also supports the proposed increases in funding for other programs that impact the community colleges, including a $150 increase in the Pell Grant maximum award, increased funds for minority-serving institutions and child care on campus, and $178 million more for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs.
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As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and economic opportunity for 12 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s nearly 1,000 member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all.