“I applaud President Obama’s plans to boost the economy and the nation’s workforce through funding to community colleges, one of our country’s best engines of educational opportunity and economic development. I am particularly pleased that the American Graduation Initiative is aimed at increasing graduation rates at community colleges. Every student deserves the advantages that a degree offers, especially in today’s unforgiving economy. We must work aggressively to encourage programs and practices that support students’ efforts to graduate in a timely way.
The City University of New York’s six community colleges—Borough of Manhattan Community College, Bronx Community College, Hostos Community College, Kingsborough Community College, LaGuardia Community College, and Queensborough Community College—have long been at the front lines of democracy, developing innovative programs that prepare all students for a rapidly changing economy. Today, these colleges serve nearly 82,000 degree-seeking students and work closely with city, state, and federal agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and labor organizations to build the highly skilled workforce New York needs.
Our community colleges’ partnership with the New York City Center for Economic Opportunity, established by Mayor Bloomberg, is an especially promising initiative to increase community college graduation rates. The Accelerated Study in Associate Programs, or ASAP, initiative, incorporates elements including full-time study, financial aid, enhanced advisement, and employment assistance to encourage degree completion. After just two years, the ASAP initiative is on track to graduate at least 60 percent of its first cohort in three years.
In line with President Obama’s proposal, CUNY is also planning the development of a new community college in Manhattan. The new college will address CUNY’s rapidly growing enrollment and focus specifically on degree completion. The college will sponsor an Office of Partnerships, with New York City as a locus for applied learning and internships.
I also commend President Obama for designating funding for much-needed capital projects at community colleges. Modern laboratory and classroom space, upgrades to infrastructure, and health and safety improvements are essential to providing students and faculty an environment conducive to learning.
We look forward to collaborating with our federal partners to support the educational advancement of New York’s students and the economic development of New York City and State.”
