Pascrell, Tedesco Laud Tuition-Free Community College Proposal at Bergen

Press release:

As students arrive at campus for the first day of the spring semester, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-09) was joined at Bergen Community College (BCC) by Bergen County Executive James Tedesco and BCC President Kaye Walter to discuss President Obama’s proposal to provide better access to community colleges.

Under President Obama’s new proposal, responsible students would be able to earn the first half of a bachelor’s degree, or earn the technical skills needed in the workforce, at no cost to them.

“This landmark proposal marks a significant investment in the future of our nation because the better educated Americans are individually, the more our country succeeds as a whole. It’s as simple as that,” said Rep. Pascrell, a former Paramus High School history teacher and adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickenson University in Teaneck. “Increasing students’ access to great institutions like Bergen Community College helps strengthen our workforce, boost our economy and continue to make our nation more competitive globally. I applaud the President for making this commitment to our workforce and our students and pledge that I will fight in Congress to help make this plan a reality.”

Unveiled by President Obama earlier this month, the America’s College Promise proposal will require everyone to do their part: community colleges must strengthen their programs and increase the number of students who graduate, states must invest more in higher education and training, and students must take responsibility for their education, earn good grades and stay on track to graduate.

“Bergen Community College is a world-class education institution, helping students young and old acquire the knowledge and skills they need to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “This historic proposal from President Obama President Obama will allow even more students to take advantage of all that BCC has to offer.”

The federal program would be undertaken in partnership with states and is inspired by new programs in Tennessee and Chicago. Federal funding will cover three-quarters of the average cost of community college. Participating states will be expected to contribute the remaining funds necessary to eliminate the tuition for eligible students. According to the White House, if all states participate an estimated 9 million students could benefit. A full-time community college student could save an average of $3,800 in tuition per year.

“The College will continue to support programs that enhance access to higher education and tuition assistance initiatives that ease the costs borne by students,” said Bergen Community College President Kaye Walter.“Bergen remains committed to serving as a critical cog in the region’s workforce development and putting students on a path for success as they enter careers and transfer to four-year institutions.”

Community colleges will be expected to offer programs that are either academic programs that fully transfer credits to local public four-year colleges and universities, or occupational training programs with high graduation rates and lead to in-demand degrees and certificates. Community colleges must also adopt promising and evidence-based institutional reforms to improve student outcomes.

In further expanding educational opportunities for Americans, President Obama also proposed the new American Technical Training Fund which will expand innovative, high-quality technical training programs across the country. Specifically, the fund will award programs that have strong employer partnerships and include work-based learning opportunities; provide accelerated training, and; accommodate part-time work.