SRES 202119th CongressIntroduced

A resolution recognizing the significance of "Community College Month" in April 2025 as a celebration of the more than 1,000 community colleges throughout the United States that support access to higher education, workforce training, and more, and broadly sustain and advance the economic prosperity of the United States.

Introduced: May 5, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing and celebrating “Community College Month” in April 2025. It highlights the pivotal role of more than 1,000 community colleges in expanding access to higher education, delivering workforce training, and supporting broader economic prosperity. The resolution provides historical context, current statistics, and economic impact data to underscore why community colleges are central to education and the nation’s economy. It does not create new law or funding; rather, it expresses formal recognition and appreciation for these institutions and their contributions.

Key Points

1Non-binding recognition: The resolution formally designates April 2025 as Community College Month and commends community colleges for serving local and regional needs and strengthening the U.S. economy.
2Historical and sector context: It recounts the origins of the community college concept, notes Joliet Junior College as the first, and explains that the term gained prominence in 1947 through the President’s Commission on Higher Education.
3Current scope and access: About 1,026 community colleges exist (921 public, 36 tribal, 69 independent) serving roughly 10.2 million credit and noncredit students; the average in-district tuition is $3,990; the typical student age is 27; these institutions serve many working, low-income, parental, veteran, and first-generation college students.
4Educational and workforce role: Community colleges are the primary source of workforce development in the United States, training students across diverse fields from semiconductor and construction to nursing and health care; 82% of public high schools offer dual enrollment with community colleges.
5Economic impact and return on public funding: Alumni of U.S. community colleges generated about $898.5 billion in added income in fiscal year 2020 (roughly 4.1% of GDP); every dollar of public funding for community colleges returns about $6.80 in tax revenue. The resolution frames these metrics as evidence of value to the economy and society.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Community college students and prospective students (access, affordability, and workforce pathways), community college faculty and staff, and local communities served by these institutions.Secondary group/area affected: State and local governments (education policy and funding considerations), employers and industry partners (workforce pipelines and skill development), and families of students (economic opportunity and mobility).Additional impacts: Public awareness and bipartisan recognition of the importance of community colleges to national economic competitiveness, regional vitality, and lifelong learning; potential influence on future education policy and investment discussions, though the resolution itself does not authorize funding or mandates.

Generated by gpt-5-nano on Nov 18, 2025