Congressional Delegation Provides Unprecedented Support for Community Colleges

WASHINGTON, DC— December 9, 2019—In late November, members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation met with eight Massachusetts community college presidents to discuss the challenges that many of today’s community college students face, and brainstormed ways in which to mitigate those challenges.

Quinsigamond Community College President Dr. Luis G. Pedraja joined his colleagues in expressing gratitude for the longstanding support of community colleges by the Congressional Delegation.

“This support sends a powerful message to our students. As we work on addressing the daily issues many community college students face, it is important that our students know they are not alone in their quest for a higher education. The Commonwealth is right alongside them working to find solutions that will make an impactful and positive change to their futures, and in turn help our State’s economy,” President Pedraja said.

Programs that garnered support included: Early College programs, the “Child Care Access Means Parents in School” Program (CCAMPIS), increasing PELL and Title III grants, reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, and workforce training. 

Citing his own community college education, Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, Representative Richard Neal, who serves as the Dean of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, was quick to note the importance of community colleges.

“Last month, I joined my colleagues in the Massachusetts congressional delegation in hosting a group of distinguished presidents from the Massachusetts community colleges on Capitol Hill. Our conversation was instructive and focused primarily on the accessibly and affordability of higher education in America. Institutions like Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, Berkshire Community College, Greenfield Community College and Quinsigamond Community College all play pivotal roles in providing first-rate educations to residents of western and central Massachusetts,” said Congressman Neal. “As a graduate of Holyoke Community College, I can personally attest to the significance an affordable community college education had in the development of the person I am today.  In my opinion, it was a very successful meeting.”

Senator Elizabeth Warren, who was QCC’s 2018 commencement speaker, addressed the importance of community colleges.

“Massachusetts’ community colleges are a gateway to the middle class for so many students in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Warren. “I’m glad to work alongside our community college presidents and my congressional delegation colleagues to invest in community colleges and their students, and to combat hunger on their campuses.”

Congressman Jim McGovern, who represents the 2nd Congressional District of Massachusetts where QCC is located, was also on-hand at the meeting.

“I’m so thankful for our world-class community colleges and the lifelong opportunities they provide to Massachusetts students,” said Congressman McGovern. “Community colleges are engines of economic and intellectual growth, and I’m grateful for the work of our community college presidents who are leading the way in providing comprehensive student services. Their work is essential to ensuring that everyone in our commonwealth can achieve academic and career success.”

There are 15 community colleges in the Commonwealth that offer open access to high quality, affordable academic programs, including associate degree and certificate programs. These institutions also provide a pivotal entry point for transfer to four-year institutions; career preparation for entry into high demand occupational fields; developmental coursework, and lifelong learning opportunities. The Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges (MACC) represents the 15 institutions to support and enhance the well-being of the community colleges in service to students, communities, and the Commonwealth.

 “Massachusetts is a national leader in education and innovation, and our community colleges are a critical part of that success. It was great to hear directly from our community colleges about the challenges their students face. Congress must do everything it can to empower these students with the skills, training, and outlook they need. Massachusetts’s community colleges embody excellence, and I will continue to fight every day for these important institutions and the students they serve,” said Senator Markey.

Director Tom Sannicandro, of the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges summed the meeting up best.

“Community colleges in Massachusetts have strong partners in our Congressional Delegation. Their understanding of the issues facing our students – from student loan debt and financial aid, to childcare and basic needs insecurity – is deeply impactful in helping our students reach their potential,” Mr. Sannicandro said. “We are grateful for the Delegation’s longtime support of our colleges and students.”

For more information about QCC, contact Josh Martin, Director of Institutional Communications at 508.854.7513 or jmartin [at] qcc.mass.edu