This resolution officially designates April 2025 as Community College Month to recognize the vital role over 1,000 community colleges play in providing accessible education, workforce training, and economic prosperity across the United States.
Edward "Ed" Markey
Senator
MA
This resolution officially designates April 2025 as Community College Month to celebrate the vital role of over 1,000 community colleges nationwide. These institutions are recognized for providing accessible, affordable higher education and essential workforce training. The bill emphasizes their significant contribution to advancing local economies and overall U.S. prosperity.
April 2025 Designated 'Community College Month,' Celebrating $898 Billion Economic Impact
This resolution is essentially a national high-five to community colleges, officially designating April 2025 as "Community College Month." While it doesn't change any laws or funding, it serves as a massive public endorsement, celebrating the over 1,000 community colleges nationwide that act as crucial, affordable on-ramps to higher education and skilled trades. It’s a formal recognition that these schools are doing heavy lifting for the U.S. economy and its workforce.
The Local Lifeline: Who’s Actually Enrolled?
If you’ve ever considered going back to school while juggling a full-time job or raising kids, this is where you land. The resolution highlights that community colleges serve about 10.2 million students, and the typical student is 27 years old—meaning they’re often balancing family, work, and education. For those looking to upskill without taking on massive debt, the average annual tuition for in-district students is just $3,990. This affordability is key for working families and digital natives who understand the crushing weight of student loan debt.
Workforce Training and Economic ROI
This isn't just about getting an associate's degree; it’s about practical, job-ready skills. The resolution specifically calls out community colleges as the main driver for workforce training in critical sectors like nursing, construction, and semiconductors. For the taxpayer, the return on investment is impressive: the text claims that for every dollar of public money invested, the government gets $6.80 back in tax revenue. More broadly, alumni generated nearly $898.5 billion in added income nationally in fiscal year 2020, which is 4.1 percent of the entire U.S. GDP. That’s a serious economic engine.
The High School Connection
If you have high schoolers, pay attention to the dual enrollment stats. Eighty-two percent of public high schools partner with community colleges, allowing students to take college classes for credit while still in high school. This is a game-changer for saving time and money, giving high schoolers a head start. Plus, the fact that the median distance to a community college campus is only 10 miles underscores their commitment to local access—they are truly designed to serve the community that surrounds them.