May 19, 2023 | Issue # 236
During a May 16 House Education and the Workforce Committee hearing, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and Rep. Virginia Foxx agreed to work together on an approach to extend Pell Grant eligibility to certain short-term workforce education programs. We’ve heard from many of you about the importance of workforce Pell. In a recent CC Daily poll, 77% of respondents said workforce Pell is “imperative” and another 18% said it’s a “high priority.” AACC will continue to advocate for workforce Pell because we know this funding can be critical to students preparing for good-paying jobs and for employers with workforce shortages.
“White House ‘Roadmap’ Outlines Workforce Development for New Jobs”
The Biden administration on Tuesday released an update of its multi-agency efforts to develop and expand the U.S. workforce that will be needed for jobs created through recent federal legislation. Read about it in CC Daily.
The Career Forward initiative at Metropolitan Community College in Nebraska helps local employers grow, train and retain talent through continuing education and work-based learning. Learn about it in the AACC 21st Century Center blog.
Incoming AACC Board Chair & New Board Members
This week, we announced our incoming AACC board chair, Palm Beach State College President Dr. Ava Parker, and chair-elect, MiraCosta College President Dr. Sunny Cooke, as well as new board members for the 2023-2024 term, which begins July 1. I look forward to working with our new and returning board members! Thank you to our outgoing AACC board chair, Laramie County Community College President Dr. Joe Schaffer, for his outstanding leadership this past year.
AACC is hosting a free webinar on May 22 at 2:00 p.m. (ET) to provide information about the CHIPS Act and the opportunities it provides for community colleges. Learn more and register here.
We hope to see you in Toronto at this year’s Presidents Academy Summer Institute. Join us July 15-18 to focus on issues of critical importance to success in your role as a community college president. Find more information here.
Apply for the Metallica Scholars Initiative
AACC is currently accepting proposals for the next cohort of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. AACC and Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation have partnered on this national effort to promote and showcase career and technical education as a pathway to well-paying jobs. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. (ET) on June 2. Get the details here.
In the latest episode of the Community College Voice podcast, we talk about how Harper College and Achieving the Dream are using their MacKenzie Scott gifts to reach populations struggling against inequities. Listen now.
On May 17, I participated in a meeting about transfer with The Six. The meeting also included Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.