Posted by: Amy Lloyd, ED.LD, OCTAE Assistant Secretary
The American postsecondary education system has seen many changes, but none was more democratic and revolutionary than the establishment of the first community college in Joliet, Illinois, in 1901. At the time, University of Chicago President William Harper Rainey and several other influential university presidents believed that in order for America to grow and prosper, higher education must be accessible to all. I was convinced that I needed a path. As a result, community colleges were born.
In the 123 years since Joliet Junior College's founding, community college momentum has spread to nearly every community in the United States, with 1,022 colleges now established. Initially focused on creating education and training opportunities beyond high school, today's community colleges range from high school dual enrollment to noncredit workforce training, industrial certificates, and registered apprenticeships. , associate degrees, and now bachelor's degrees in 24 states. During the 2020-21 academic year, 8,871,746 students attended community colleges, representing approximately 43.7 percent of the undergraduate student body. Community college students are also among the more diverse students in postsecondary education.
The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that community colleges are important partners in building the middle class and, through investment in America, will ensure that community colleges build a sustainable and renewable economy and future workforce. We further aim to become a driving force for change through energy. A variety of industries are targeted, including semiconductor manufacturing, EVs, and next-generation batteries. In short, community colleges are paving the way for the future.
I am proud to lead on behalf of community colleges here at the Department of Education and to celebrate April as National Community College Month. Together with our faculty colleagues, we have redoubled our efforts to contribute to the sector and elevate the important role that community colleges play. Since the Biden-Harris Administration took office in January 2021, the President, First Lady Jill Biden, members of the Cabinet, and other senior leaders have visited dozens of community colleges to explore the transformative power these colleges can unleash. I have seen and experienced it firsthand. People of all ages living in thousands of communities.
During my time in this department, I have visited many community colleges. The first one was his impressive M-TEC (Michigan Technical Education Center) at Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan. We have over 40,000 square feet of cutting-edge talent development in integrated manufacturing, robotics, automation systems, CAD and more, all leading to great jobs in high-demand fields. I also had the honor of attending the graduation ceremony for Salish Kootenai University in Pablo, Montana. That's why we harness the power of tribal universities to empower the future, promote tribal sovereignty and self-determination through education, and prepare students to graduate from certificate programs with associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees. I saw it with my own eyes. And I was thrilled to visit Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona, to learn about the excellent Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (IBEST) program that leads to rewarding careers for adult learners. I also participated in the NC3 signing day with hundreds of students. Families and business leaders who are committed to and celebrate the rewarding career paths our students pursue. From coast to coast, rural to urban, I have seen countless times how our nation's community colleges transform lives, develop our workforce, and strengthen our communities.
Through visits like this and meetings with our community college leaders, we are working diligently to advance the standing of community colleges and ensure they have access to critical resources across the commonwealth. Masu. For example, we are enhancing information about funding opportunities from the Department of Education and other agencies for community colleges. We will continue to inform the public about this sector by adding a selection of studies and reports that capture the breadth, reach and impact of community colleges.
The government also continues its efforts to reduce the burden of university tuition fees. We are working to popularize tuition-free community colleges. We approve a federal-state partnership plan to create, expand, and/or sustain free community college tuition as part of the administration's fiscal year 2025 budget announced on March 11. I once again asked Congress to do so.th. Currently, 33 states offer free tuition programs, and the number of local promise programs has grown to more than 425. Presents examples of programs across the state to inform policy makers and education leaders about the range and diversity of approaches to promoting college affordability and career access . Technical education course for high school graduates.
We also work to address student needs, including access to mental health, SNAP, Medicaid, and other supports, and advance Secretary Cardona's “Raise the Bar: Lead the World” strategy and vision. OCTAE launched the Unlocking Career Success initiative last year, and he held four national conferences at community colleges across the country. In support of “Unlocking Career Success,” we announced the first 19 grant recipients of our new Career Connected High School, which centers community colleges as core partners and leaders in education transformation. This grant program aims to blur the lines and integrate pathways between high school, community college, and high-growth, high-paying careers.
In honor of National Community College Month, we'll be posting additional blogs from community college leaders and students who have changed careers through college. Enhance your experience and community college connections and celebrate with us. Together, we can elevate the work of these institutions as they continue to transform our country and provide a powerful pathway to our future.