On March 4, the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee held a hearing titled, “Preparing for the Future: America’s Community Colleges.” The witnesses for the hearing included:
- Dr. Patricia G. Sims: President, Drake State Community & Technical College
- Dr. Brad Hall: President, Blackfeet Community College
- Shawn M. Morgan: Vice President of Workforce and Strategic Initiatives, Bevill State Community College
- Shalin Jyotishi: Founder and Managing Director, Future of Work and Innovation Economy Initiative, New America
Committee members and witnesses emphasized the essential role community colleges play in expanding access to opportunity and strengthening the nation’s workforce. Lawmakers highlighted how these institutions provide affordable, flexible pathways to in-demand careers while simultaneously responding to local labor market needs. There was broad bipartisan recognition of the importance of community colleges in supporting students of all backgrounds and propelling the American economy.
Witnesses urged Members of Congress to maintain, and in some cases increase, funding for various crucial federal programs that many of their students rely on, including Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants, Pell Grants, Workforce Pell, WIOA and Perkins.
A recording of the hearing can be found here.
