On Feb. 12, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing that focused on the role of community colleges in workforce development. The hearing underscored the significance of community colleges in equipping individuals with skills that drive economic mobility.
The witnesses for the hearing were Preston Cooper, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; Dr. Vicki Karolewics, President of Wallace State Community College; Dennis Parker, Consultant for Regional Talent Development for Toyota Motor North America; and Dr. Mary Alice McCarthy, Senior Director for the Center on Education and Labor at New America.
Karolewics highlighted in her testimony the institution's success through "powerful partnerships and purposeful pathways." She emphasized the importance of stackable credentials, citing the nursing program where students can earn practical nursing credentials while working toward an associate degree. This approach ensures that students facing life challenges can still attain employment as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and earn a sustainable income, but then can continue their education in the future.
The discussion extended to the potential expansion of Pell Grant eligibility for short-term programs. Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Julia Letlow (R-LA) were among the members that used their time to highlight the importance of expanding Pell Grants. Rep. Moolenar in his questions pressed witnesses on the mechanics of how to expand Pell Grants with Cooper citing the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act as one potential model. Rep. Letlow used her time to talk about a community college in her district, Louisiana Delta Community College, which partnered with the Northeast Louisiana Power Cooperative and local workforce development board to develop a 16-week line worker program.
On the witness panel, Karolewics discussed the potential of Short-Term Pell in programs like Wallace State’s commercial truck driving program. She noted that this four-to-five-week course can lead to entry-level positions with average annual salaries exceeding $60,000 in Alabama.
