April 30, 2021 | Issue # 186
Investing in community colleges and the students they serve is critical to growing the economy and moving more people to the middle class. I’m thrilled the Biden Administration recognizes this and included free community college in the American Families Plan this week. It’s something AACC has long endorsed as a way to remove barriers to college completion and close equity gaps. There’s a long way to go before this plan becomes a reality, but AACC’s advocacy efforts will not waver. We will fight to make free community college a reality.
Something else I’m thrilled about: AACC Digital starts next week. The schedule is jam-packed with on-demand and live sessions. There also are virtual lounges so attendees can connect with each other. We’ll be celebrating the Leadership, Truman, Outstanding Alumni, and Diverse Champion Award recipients; new, 25-year, and retiring CEOs; Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty honorees; and Awards of Excellence finalists and winners. And you’ll get to hear from our keynote speakers: Aaron Rodgers, America Ferrera, and Misty Copeland. I can’t wait to see you – online – next week!
“American Families Plan Calls for Free Community College”
Free community college is a cornerstone of the Biden administration’s $1.8 trillion American Families Plan (AFP). The plan also calls for other education investments to close equity gaps and make college more affordable. Learn more in CC Daily.
“Infusing Equity into Campus Operations”
Community colleges are increasing efforts to ensure they’re adequately serving all students. Read about it in the latest issue of Community College Journal.
Testimony Before the House Appropriations Committee
On April 20, I had the honor of testifying before the House Appropriations Committee to advocate for the nation’s community colleges. You can read my testimony here.
You Can Use Your Federal Stimulus Funds for AACC Digital
Did you know you can use federal stimulus dollars for professional development related to the pandemic, such as support for online teaching or student services? AACC Digital, which starts May 5, is offering several sessions that fall in this category. You can check out the entire schedule here and register here. Want to learn more about AACC Digital? Check out this webinar.
Apply to Serve on an AACC Commission
There are nine commissions authorized by the AACC Board. You can apply now to serve on one of these commissions. The deadline for applications is May 31 at 5:00 p.m. (ET).
Submit Nominations for Glamour’s College Women of the Year
This year, Glamour will look to the nation’s community colleges to fill its College Women of the Year issue. AACC is proud to partner with Glamour to showcase community college women in the annual edition. Anyone can nominate a community college woman to be one of Glamour’s College Women of the Year.
On April 20, I provided testimony for the LHHS Hearing, FY 2022 Budget Request for the Department of Health and Human Services chaired by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.
On April 21, members of the AACC Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and I participated in virtual listening tour meetings with CEOs from Minnesota.