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.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 340
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-19T14:43:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 340) aims to officially recognize April 2025 as "Community College Month." It celebrates the role of over 1,000 community colleges across the United States in promoting access to higher education, workforce training, and economic prosperity.
Key Provisions
- Background and Facts: The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses highlighting the history and contributions of community colleges:
- The first public community college (Joliet Junior College in Illinois) opened in 1901 to provide local access to higher education.
- The term "community college" gained popularity in 1947 through a presidential commission, emphasizing their community-focused mission.
- Community colleges expanded rapidly to meet local educational and economic needs.
- Today, 1,026 community colleges (including public, Tribal, and independent ones) serve over 10 million students, many of whom are working adults, low-income individuals, parents, veterans, or first-generation college attendees.
- They offer affordable tuition (average $3,990 annually for in-district students), serve a median student age of 27, and are key for workforce development in fields like semiconductors, construction, nursing, and healthcare.
- They enroll 43.1% of all U.S. undergraduates, with most students living within 10 miles of their campus.
- 82% of public high schools partner with community colleges for dual enrollment programs, allowing high school students to earn college credits early and save on costs.
- Community college alumni contributed $898.5 billion to the U.S. economy in fiscal year 2020 (4.1% of GDP), and every public dollar invested yields $6.80 in tax revenue.
- Core Resolution: The House of Representatives formally recognizes "Community College Month" as a time to honor these institutions for supporting local needs, economic strength, and future competitiveness.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support rather than enacting new policies or regulations.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Economy: It promotes public awareness of community colleges' value, potentially encouraging enrollment, funding support, or partnerships that enhance educational access and job training for underserved groups.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but it may indirectly influence federal education priorities or funding discussions by highlighting community colleges' economic returns.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the resolution focuses solely on domestic U.S. institutions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Community Colleges and Educators: Over 1,000 institutions and their staff, who gain visibility for their programs.
- Students and Alumni: More than 10 million current and former students, particularly working adults, low-income individuals, veterans, and first-generation attendees, who benefit from increased recognition of affordable education options.
- Local Communities and Businesses: High schools, workforce development programs, and industries (e.g., healthcare, construction) that rely on community colleges for training and economic growth.
- Federal and State Governments: Congress and education agencies, which may use this as a platform for broader policy advocacy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as resolutions like this are ceremonial and do not require presidential approval or create enforceable obligations. They align with Congress's power to express opinions under Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support, with sponsors from both major parties (e.g., Democrats and Republicans). It underscores a shared emphasis on education and economic development without partisan controversy, potentially fostering goodwill toward higher education initiatives.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (28)
Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-04-21: Submitted in House
- 2025-04-21: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- 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. — issued 2025-04-21 — PDF (3 pages)