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Washington, DC-- Congressman David Wu is pleased to announce his new position as co-chair of the Congressional Community College Caucus. The caucus will serve as a forum to identify and discuss current issues which affect community colleges and the more than 11.9 million students they serve each year. Representative Brad Miller (D-NC) is chair of the caucus and joining Congressman Wu as co-chair is Representative Mike Castle (R-DE).
"Whether the student is a current employee in search of professional development, a single parent going to school part-time or a recent high school graduate, community colleges play a key role in training the American workforce in an evolving global economy," stated Congressman Wu. "Taking a leadership role in the Community College Caucus will compliment the work I do as a member of the U.S. House Committee on Education. The caucus will provide another public forum for my colleagues and I to discuss and address the needs of our education system."
Congressman Wu and fellow members of the caucus will raise awareness within the U.S. House of Representatives about the distinctive role of community colleges within the American education system. Community colleges provide a low cost, close-to-home education that is attractive to students of all ages and disciplines. Community colleges also have unique, responsive relationships with surrounding communities and secondary schools.
Preston Pulliams, district president for Portland Community College in Portland, Ore., said, “We are excited that Congressman Wu is helping elevate the visibility of community colleges. We play a critical role in educating America’s workers and providing the first two years of college for those who otherwise may not be able to attend. Our community depends on us for affordable and accessible education. Last year, we enrolled more than 89,000 students, making us easily the largest college in Oregon.
He added, “Our many partnerships with business and industry help keep our communities strong. For example, we work with Intel to train their technicians, with Caterpillar to train diesel mechanics, and many other large and small companies in our region that depend on us for a skilled workforce.”
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