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.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 202
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-05: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2753; text: CR S2758-2759)
- Last Updated
- 2025-06-02T14:34:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 202) aims to officially recognize April 2025 as "Community College Month." It celebrates the contributions of over 1,000 community colleges across the United States, emphasizing their role in providing affordable higher education, workforce training, and supporting national economic prosperity.
Key Provisions
- Historical Background: Acknowledges the origins of community colleges, starting with Joliet Junior College in Illinois in 1901, and their growth as community-focused institutions popularized in the 1940s.
- Current Role and Statistics: Highlights that 1,026 community colleges (including public, tribal, and independent ones) serve about 10.2 million students annually. These colleges offer low-cost education (average in-district tuition of $3,990), cater to diverse groups like working adults, low-income individuals, parents, veterans, and first-generation college students, and are key for workforce development in fields like semiconductors, construction, nursing, and healthcare.
- Enrollment and Accessibility: Notes that community colleges enroll 43.1% of all undergraduate students, are typically within 10 miles of students' homes, and support dual enrollment programs in 82% of public high schools to help high schoolers earn college credits early.
- Economic Contributions: States that community college alumni generated $898.5 billion in added national income in fiscal year 2020 (4.1% of U.S. GDP) and that every dollar of public funding yields $6.80 in tax revenue.
- Recognition Clause: Formally resolves that the Senate recognizes April 2025 as Community College Month to honor these institutions for strengthening local economies and U.S. competitiveness.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or effect. It introduces no changes to existing laws, statutes, or policies; it serves solely as a symbolic statement of recognition.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it may encourage federal or state education departments to promote awareness or events during April 2025.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of community colleges' value, potentially inspiring more individuals—especially underserved groups—to pursue education or training, indirectly supporting workforce development and economic mobility.
- On International Relations: None, as the resolution is domestic-focused.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Community Colleges and Educators: Over 1,000 institutions and their staff, who gain symbolic validation and potential visibility for their programs.
- Students and Alumni: The 10.2 million current students (many from working, low-income, or first-generation backgrounds) and alumni, who benefit from highlighted affordability and accessibility.
- Local Communities and Economy: High school students via dual enrollment, businesses needing skilled workers in key industries, and taxpayers through emphasized economic returns on public funding.
- Bipartisan Supporters: Sponsored by a diverse group of senators from both parties, reflecting broad political support for education.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no enforceable authority and does not require House approval or presidential signature. It aligns with Congress's power to express opinions on national matters under Article I of the Constitution.
- Constitutional: No implications, as it does not infringe on rights or alter government structure.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus on the importance of community colleges, potentially influencing future education policy discussions or funding debates without creating mandates. It underscores a non-partisan commitment to accessible education as an economic driver.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (16)
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-05: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2753; text: CR S2758-2759)
- 2025-05-05: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-05-05: Introduced in Senate
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 2025-05-05 — PDF (3 pages)