Washington Watch

Washington Watch: Uneven progress for women

March is Women’s History Month, which is an opportune time to highlight some of women’s advancements — and challenges — in postsecondary education, especially at community colleges. Women in higher education have made progress on…



Washington Watch: Broadband assistance is on the way

Among the many economic inequities exposed and exacerbated by the pandemic is the continued existence of a “digital divide,” leaving millions of people without affordable access to broadband internet service. Community colleges that have purchased…



Washington Watch: Aiming to double the Pell Grant maximum

As part of its overall advocacy strategy to promote equity and student success, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is endorsing a doubling of the Pell Grant maximum.   The Pell Grant program continues to…


Washington Watch: Policies for changing workforce needs

Even before Covid, globalization and technological advances permanently changed the U.S. workforce. The pandemic turbocharged these changes. In 1970, one in four jobs were in manufacturing; today, it’s one in 10. As automation takes different…


Washington Watch: House may pass stimulus bill Friday

The House Rules Committee is expected on Friday to approve the American Rescue Act, and it’s likely the full House will pass it later the same day.  The higher education provisions in the bill brought…



Washington Watch: ED releases ‘CARES 2.0’ funds

The U.S. Education Department (ED) on Thursday announced the availability of new stimulus dollars provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) to help both institutions and students.   The funds are…


Washington Watch: More info on stimulus legislation

Washington Watch is produced by the AACC office of government relations and policy analysis. President Donald Trump’s signature of the Coronavirus and Relief Supplemental Act paved the way for funds to be provided to students…