Community College of Philadelphia Supports President Biden’s American Families Plan

College President Dr. Donald Guy Generals says the proposal’s expansion of access to community college uplifts Philadelphia’s most vulnerable residents 

Community College of Philadelphia President Dr. Donald Guy Generals released the following statement in support of President Joe Biden’s proposed American Families Plan that would direct billions of dollars in funding to support community colleges and low-income students: 

“Community College of Philadelphia fully supports President Biden’s American Families Plan, which would direct $109 billion to boost the efforts of community colleges in providing a high-quality education to every American regardless of their ability to pay.  

“Due to the economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, tens of thousands of community college students across the country have been forced to delay school or drop out simply because they cannot afford the tuition and other fees. Community colleges like ours often enroll and support large shares of Black, Hispanic and Latin-X students — many who are low-income and require additional support to ensure that they succeed. 

“Even more troubling, Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce is expected to issue a report in the near future saying that by 2027, 70 percent of all jobs will require some education beyond high school. It is crucial that we prepare residents to be able to compete in this rapidly changing economy.  

“Community College of Philadelphia has remained committed to expanding access to community college through the Octavius Catto Scholarship, in partnership with Mayor Jim Kenney and the City of Philadelphia, in addition to the 50th Anniversary PROMISE Scholarship and the Joseph and Marie Field Foundation Opportunity Scholarship.   

“Any plan to make community college more accessible must include funding dedicated to overall student success, such as funding to cover the cost of books, and access to resources like housing assistance and child care, as well as funding to provide enhanced academic success and career coaching. 

“Community College of Philadelphia is committed to the eradication of poverty and the creation of a more inclusive economy through equitable access to higher education. We look forward to working with the Biden administration to make this vision a reality.”