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.
H. Res. 340 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing April 2025 as “Community College Month.” It highlights the role of more than 1,000 community colleges in providing access to higher education and workforce training, and in supporting the U.S. economy. The resolution offers a historical overview of community colleges, cites current statistics (such as enrollment, tuition, dual enrollment, and the breakdown of public, Tribal, and independent colleges), and notes the economic impact and return on public funding associated with these institutions. As a resolution, it expresses the sense of the House rather than creating new laws or appropriations; its effect is to elevate awareness and support for community colleges and their contributions.
Key Points
- 1Recognizes April 2025 as “Community College Month” and the significance of community colleges in serving local and regional needs and strengthening the U.S. economy.
- 2Provides historical context, noting Joliet Junior College as the first public community college (opened in 1901) and the 1947 adoption of the term “community college.”
- 3Presents current sector statistics: 1,026 community colleges (921 public, 36 Tribal, 69 independent) serving about 10.2 million students, with many students balancing work, family, and financial challenges.
- 4Highlights the economic role of community colleges, including enrollment share (43.1% of undergraduates in 2022-2023), short geographic travel distances for students (median 10 miles), and the broad range of programs from semiconductor to health care.
- 5Documents economic impact and fiscal signal: alumni generated about $898.5 billion in added income in FY 2020 (roughly 4.1% of GDP), and every public dollar of funding yields about $6.80 in tax revenue; reinforces the value of public investment in these institutions.
- 6States that the resolution is a statement of recognition and support, not a funding authorizing measure, and is intended to celebrate and promote awareness of community colleges’ contributions.