Recognizes April 2025 as "Community College Month" to celebrate the vital role of community colleges in providing accessible education, workforce training, and economic growth across the United States.
Edward "Ed" Markey
Senator
MA
This resolution recognizes April 2025 as "Community College Month" to celebrate the significant role of community colleges in providing accessible higher education, workforce training, and economic support across the United States. It acknowledges the affordability, diverse student population, and substantial economic contributions of these institutions, which serve millions of students and contribute billions to the national economy. The resolution highlights the importance of community colleges in meeting local and regional needs while driving economic prosperity.
Mark Your Calendars: April 2025 Designated "Community College Month," Spotlighting $898.5 Billion Economic Boost
Looks like Congress is giving a formal shout-out to your local community college. A new resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Community College Month," aiming to celebrate the more than 1,000 of these institutions scattered across the United States. The main idea is to recognize their hefty contributions to accessible higher education, workforce training, and the overall economic health of the country.
The Real Deal on Community Colleges: More Than Just a Line on a Resume
This resolution isn't just a pat on the back; it highlights some pretty compelling stats about why community colleges matter. For starters, think about your wallet: the average annual tuition and fees hover around $3,990 for in-district students. That's a significantly lighter lift compared to many four-year institutions.
And who's walking these halls? It's a diverse crowd. The average student age is 27, encompassing everyone from working adults looking to upskill, parents juggling family and classes, veterans transitioning to civilian careers, to first-generation college students. In the 2022-2023 academic year, these colleges enrolled a whopping 43.1% of all undergraduate students. Plus, they're typically close to home – students live an average of just 10 miles from their campus. For high schoolers, 82% of public high schools offer dual enrollment programs, giving them a jumpstart on college credits.
Beyond the Classroom: Billions in Economic Juice
This isn't just about individual student success; it's about national impact. The resolution points out that in fiscal year 2020, community colleges pumped an estimated $898.5 billion in added income into the U.S. economy. To put that in perspective, for every dollar of public funding invested, these institutions generated about $6.80 in return. They're not just educating; they're training professionals for high-demand fields, essentially fueling the workforce pipeline that keeps businesses running and communities thriving.
So, while a resolution like this doesn't enact new laws or allocate fresh funding, designating April 2025 as Community College Month serves as an official acknowledgment. It’s a way to ensure these vital local and regional hubs get the recognition for the heavy lifting they do in supporting students and boosting the nation's economic prosperity.