January 9, 2015 - Today, President Obama will be at Pellissippi State Community College in Tennessee to discuss two new proposal aimed at community colleges and students. The first, entitled the Americas College Promise proposal, is a federal-state partnership grant that would provide free tuition at community colleges for qualified students. In order to qualify students would have to be enrolled at least half-time and maintain a 2.5 GPA while making progress towards their degree or certificate. The requirements for community colleges are that they offer 1) academic programs that fully transfer credits to local public four-year colleges and universities, or 2) occupational training programs with high graduation rates and lead to in-demand degrees and certificates. Community colleges must also adopt promising and evidence-based institutional reforms to improve student outcomes. While the federal government will cover three-quarters of the cost under this proposal, states will be required to provide some matching funds if they choose to participate. The projected cost is $60 billion over 10 years. ACCTs statement on the proposal may be viewed here: acct.org/news/acct-lauds-president-obama%E2%80%99s-support-community-college-students. The second proposal, entitled the Advanced Technical Training Fund is would be a successor to the expired Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant (TAACCCT) program. Funds will be used to support college and industry partnerships that include work-based learning opportunities, provide accelerated training, and are scheduled to accommodate part-time work. The proposal will fund the creation of 100 programs at community colleges or other training institutions, as well as the expansion of existing programs that have strong outcomes. Both proposals will be included in the Presidents FY 2016 budget request, and require Congressional approval to be enacted into law.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 20:47:52 +0000
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