A resolution recognizing the significance of Community College Month in April as a celebration of more than 1,000 institutions throughout the United States supporting access to higher education, workforce training, and more broadly sustaining and advancing the economic prosperity of the United States.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 686
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-22: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1902; text: CR S1938-1939)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-05T19:18:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 686) officially recognizes April as Community College Month, celebrating over 1,000 community colleges across the United States for their role in providing access to higher education, workforce training, and supporting national economic prosperity.
Key Provisions
- Historical context: Notes the origins of community colleges, starting with Joliet Junior College in 1901, and their rapid growth to meet local educational and economic needs.
- Current statistics:
- 1,024 community colleges (924 public, 36 Tribal, 64 independent) serve 10.5 million students.
- Enrollment grew by 4% recently, making them the top source of postsecondary growth.
- Average in-district tuition is $4,050; average student age is 27; serves working adults, low-income individuals, parents, veterans, and first-generation college students.
- Key in workforce training for fields like semiconductors, construction, nursing, and healthcare.
- Economic and educational impact:
- 49% of bachelor's degree completers at four-year schools attended community college beforehand.
- Median distance from home to a community college: 10 miles.
- 82% of public high schools offer dual enrollment (college classes in high school) at local community colleges.
- Alumni generated $898.5 billion in added income (4.1% of GDP) in FY 2020; each public funding dollar returns $6.80 in tax revenue.
- Resolved clause: The Senate recognizes Community College Month in April as a chance to honor these institutions for strengthening local economies and U.S. competitiveness.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution that expresses congressional recognition but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and awareness-raising: Encourages public appreciation of community colleges' contributions, potentially boosting enrollment, funding support, or partnerships.
- No direct effects on government agencies, citizens, or international relations; focuses on domestic education and economy without mandating actions or allocating funds.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Community colleges and their staff: Gains formal Senate recognition.
- Students and alumni: Highlights affordable access and career pathways.
- Local communities and economies: Emphasizes role in workforce development and prosperity.
- High schools and four-year institutions: Notes dual enrollment and transfer pathways.
- U.S. economy broadly: Underscores contributions to GDP and tax revenue.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- None significant: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate (ATS status), it has no legal force, enforceable requirements, or budgetary impact. Politically bipartisan (introduced by 18 senators from both parties), it promotes unity on education without controversy. Constitutionally neutral, falling under Congress's power to express views on national matters.
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. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-22: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1902; text: CR S1938-1939)
- 2026-04-22: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the significance of Community College Month in April as a celebration of more than 1,000 institutions throughout the United States supporting access to higher education, workforce training, and more broadly sustaining and advancing the economic prosperity of the United States. — issued 2026-04-22 — PDF (3 pages)