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.

Summary

Recognizes April as Community College Month and highlights the role of community colleges in education, workforce training, and the economy. The resolution notes historical origins, current scale (over 1,000 colleges serving about 10.5 million students), enrollment trends, tuition levels, typical student age, prevalence of dual enrollment, and quantified economic returns. This is a symbolic, nonbinding statement intended to raise public awareness and honor the contributions of community colleges to students, employers, and local economies; it does not create new programs, change funding, or impose requirements.

• Designates April as Community College Month in a symbolic recognition.
• Highlights that community colleges serve about 10.5 million students and trace origins to Joliet Junior College (1901).
• Notes there are approximately 1,024 community colleges: 924 public, 36 Tribal, and 64 independent.
• Reports median student age is about 27 and average in‑district tuition/fees around $4,050.
• Emphasizes dual enrollment is widespread (about 82% of public high schools offer it).
• Cites estimated alumni economic contribution of about $898.5 billion in FY2020 (roughly 4.1% of GDP).
• Quotes an estimated $6.80 tax revenue return for every public dollar invested in community colleges.
• Is purely declaratory and ceremonial—does not create programs, change funding, or impose mandates.