May 27, 2026
My commencement address last week at Prairie State College in Illinois was a full-circle moment for me. Speaking at the institution where my aunt and two cousins earned credentials to open an in-home childcare business was a vivid reminder of how our colleges transform lives. Seeing another proud, empowered group of students celebrate their accomplishments was a poignant moment for all of us.
The final rules to implement new Workforce Pell Grants have been released, with AACC’s Washington Watch covering the details in greater depth. The Department of Education’s (ED) negotiated rulemaking on accreditation has reached consensus with a transfer provision that can benefit our colleges considerably.
AACC has registered its concerns with processing delays for DACA recipients and funding for the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technology Education program in FY27. We also urged the Senate to support community college agriculture and natural resources programs as they craft their 2026 Farm Bill proposal. AACC has submitted formal comments on ED’s proposed rules for a new earnings-based accountability system.
Reviews of ED Secretary Linda McMahon’s testimony last week to the House Education and Workforce Committee and Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling’s report to Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies are worth review for potential impacts on our colleges. Please join the June 10 AACC government relations webinar for more detailed updates on all of these topics.
Several applications for federal funding to support educators, develop career pathways, and strengthen institutions are due in the coming weeks. Please share these powerful funding opportunities:
Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program: May 29
Supporting Effective Educator Development: June 1
Career Pathways Exploration Grants: June 9
Teacher Quality Partnerships: June 23
Strengthening Institutions Program FY 2026: June 23
Partnerships with industry can build powerful resilience. Onandaga Community College (OCC) President Warren Hilton explains this in the newest AACC Podcast. The arrival of Micron Technology, Inc. in Onandaga County, New York, is requiring new workforce development strategies to provide for a predicted 50,000 jobs by 2040, bringing the economic value of OCC into even greater focus. OCC is preparing intentionally for the skilled manufacturing jobs that are expected, as well as expanded healthcare and housing demands due to population growth.
While visiting Prairie State College last week, I noticed a wonderful feature called “Faculty Friday” on their website. Each week features a deep dive into a different faculty member, with a closer personal look at the instructor. What a terrific way to build community and support classroom relationships.