October 10, 2024

Leading the news this week: Despite law makers from areas impacted by Hurricane Helene calling to return to Congress to vote on emergency relief funding, leadership has remained committed to remaining out of session until after the election. President Biden has announced that funding to address the aftermath of Helene is secure, yet available emergency funding for the end of hurricane season is still in question, especially as the state of Florida faces another possible catastrophe in Hurricane Milton this week.

Now let's dive into the latest news in higher education!

Grant Opportunities

Below are grant opportunities made available through the Department of Education and the Department of Energy:

College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP): CAMP aims to assist students who are migratory or seasonal farmworkers or immediate family members of such workers enrolled in their year first year of studies at an institution of higher education. As eligible applicants, community colleges offer learning models that are flexible and compatible for students who are not able to meet the rigid schedules that four-year institutions follow. With this grant, community colleges can offer first year migrant or farmworker students qualifying services such as internships; person, academic, and career counseling; assistance with special admissions; among other services. Click here for more information on this opportunity. The Pre-Application Webinar will take place October 10th from 2 to 4 PM EST. The closing date for applications is November 13, 2024.    

High School Equivalency Program (HEP):  HEP works to help migratory and seasonal farmworkers or immediate family members of such workers who are 16 years of age or older and not currently enrolled in school to obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma and, subsequently, to gain employment or begin postsecondary education or training. Community colleges are qualifying applicants for this program. Eligible projects surround those that help students obtain a general education diploma as outlined by the state of the grantee with the intended outcome of students gaining upgraded employment, being placed in an institution of higher education (IHE) or other postsecondary education or training, or entering the military. Click here for more information on this opportunity. The Pre-Application Webinar will take place October 10th from 2 to 4 PM EST. The closing date for applications is November 13, 2024.    

Offshore Wind Workforce Readiness Programs:  This grant intends to support offshore wind education and training programs that offer apprenticeship readiness programs, registered apprenticeship programs, or maritime/mariner programs, with particular attention to programs that support underserved communities. The Department of Energy seeks to fund programs that are in alignment with local and regional organizations, and that have relationships with employers within the U.S. offshore wind supply chain. As "prime recipients," community colleges can engage in workforce development that aligns with the growing offshore wind industry which offers good-paying jobs. Click here for more information on this opportunity. The Informational Webinar will take place October 10th from 2 to 3 PM EST. The deadline for applications is December 13, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST. 

National Legislative Summit (NLS): Registration OPEN

The Community College National Legislative Summit is the premier community college advocacy event in Washington, D.C., bringing together more than 1,000 community college leaders. The event shines a spotlight on the importance of our nation's community colleges for Congress and the Administration. 

With a change in presidential administration upon us and the start of the 119th U.S. Congress, we need your voice in Washington this February to advocate for your community college and your students. Federal funding, legislative changes, and regulatory actions will all be under consideration next year. As many elected officials are retiring, including the President, there will be new names in leadership and many fresh faces on Capitol Hill. They all will need to hear about the critical role community colleges play in their districts and states. More participation from community college leaders translates to more support for our institutions and for our students. Community colleges are the beneficiaries of billions of dollars in federal support each year. It is incumbent upon leaders to understand the mechanisms of that support, and implications of potential reforms. It is equally important to frequently engage with federal representatives to share priorities and interests, and to remind elected officials and their staffs face to face how important their support is to community colleges, its students, and stakeholders. The Summit will also feature Keynote Speaker Heather Long from the Washington Post. Click here for more information and to register.

• October 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM EST- College Assistance Migrant Program Pre-Application Webinar Presentation and Office Hours
• October 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM EST- High School Equivalency Program Pre-Application Webinar Presentation and Office Hours
• October 10, 2:00 to 3:00 PM EST - Offshore Wind Workforce Readiness Programs Informational Webinar
• November 12 - Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act State Plan Guide Comments Due
• November 12 - Consolidated Annual Report for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act Comments Due
• November 13 - College Assistance Migrant Program Grant closing date
• November 13 - High School Equivalency Program Grant closing date
• December 13, 5:00 PM EST - Offshore Wind Workforce Readiness Programs Application Deadline
• February 9-12, 2025 - National Legislative Summit

Outreach Efforts

Is your institution meeting or hosting an event with federal elected officials?

We created a Congressional Contact Form that will help us track outreach efforts of community college leaders across our membership. By filling out the form, you are better informing ACCT's advocacy efforts and our advocacy team is able to continue those conversations with congressional staff in DC. 

ACCT NOW is the go-to resource for issues affecting community colleges. Our new website features original reporting and research, as well as of-the-moment legislative updates. ACCT NOW also includes articles, reports, and research from outside sources that benefit the ACCT community. Read the Latest Articles on ACCT NOW:

Have a Question?

Contact us with any questions or concerns about public policy and ACCT's advocacy on behalf of two-year colleges and two-year college trustees. ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts are sent to interested ACCT members to keep you up to date on important legislative activities that impact community colleges.

If you no longer wish to receive ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts, reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. For more information about ACCT's advocacy services, visit acct.org/advocacy

Spread the Word.

Please encourage your fellow trustees, presidents and colleagues to stay up to date about legislation that affects their community colleges by joining the Latest Action in Washington (LAW) Alert network. To join, simply register here. 

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