June 11, 2021 | Issue # 189
Graduation season is winding down. I’ve loved hearing about commencement ceremonies. No matter how you celebrated this year – online, in-person, or with drive-thru events – thank you for all the work you have done to safely honor your graduates.
We’re entering the summer feeling hopeful about what the rest of the year will bring. I know the last 15 months have felt like a marathon. I hope this summer brings moments where you get to stop running and process all that has happened since the pandemic began. Be well!
“Programs for Men of Color Aim for Persistence, Completion”
An increasing number of community colleges are creating special programs for Black and Brown males to create a cohort that provides encouragement and support for one another while receiving added attention from the administration and faculty. Read about some of these programs in CC Daily.
“College Students Get a Fresh Start”
Some community colleges are erasing students’ debt. Learn more in the AACC 21st Century Center blog.
“Harvard-Bound Grad Asks High School to Give Her $40,000 Award to a Community College Student”
Check out this great Washington Post article about Verda Tetteh, a high school graduate who wants a community college student to benefit from her $40,000 scholarship.
Labor Secretary’s Testimony to House Committee
In his testimony to the House Education & Labor Committee on June 9, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh recommended embedding the community college training partnership program proposed in the American Jobs Plan proposal as a permanent part of a reauthorized Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The partnership program would build capacity to deliver job training programs based on in-demand skills. You can watch the hearing online here.
View the AACC Federal Policy Update Webinar
On June 8, the AACC government relations team hosted a webinar to bring attendees up to speed on legislation to enact President Biden’s American Jobs and Families Plan. You can view a recording of the webinar here.