HYDE-SMITH HELPS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION BILL

HYDE-SMITH HELPS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION BILL

Legislation Would Fund Workforce Training, Education Programs at Community Colleges

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) this week helped introduce bipartisan legislation to expand agricultural workforce training and education programs at community and technical colleges across the nation.

The Community College Agriculture Advancement Act (S.4730) would amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to give community colleges greater access to federal grant funding to develop and expand educational programs focused on careers in the agricultural sector. U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) led the bill.

"Community colleges are often the front door to careers in agriculture, especially in rural states like Mississippi with an extensive community college system. This bill gives those institutions access to resources that are too often out of reach. We think this is a smart and practical investment that will strengthen our agricultural communities and help ensure the next generation is prepared to meet the needs of this vital industry," Hyde-Smith said.

"America needs agriculture and students studying agriculture need hands-on experience," said Hickenlooper. "College students everywhere should have access to agriculture business and training programs that better prepare them for their future careers."

"Community colleges throughout Nebraska are essential to developing the ag workforce our producers depend on - yet they often lack the resources to expand programs, hire instructors, and maintain facilities. I'm proud to co-lead this bill to change that, ensuring community colleges thrive and the next generation of producers has opportunities to succeed," Fischer said.

Community and technical colleges have historically received less federal support than four-year institutions, despite serving as a critical pipeline for Mississippi's agricultural workforce.

Specifically, the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act would:

• Establish a competitive USDA grant program where the nation's nearly 1,100 community colleges would apply for money to fund workforce training, education, research, and outreach programs in agriculture.
• Authorize $20 million for the grant program.
• Give priority to institutions that work directly with local agriculture operations to provide experiential training for students.
• Include farm business management-related subjects such as finance and accounting as eligible activities for funding.

The Senate measure is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Husted (R-Ohio), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) authored a House companion bill (HR.5468).

S.4730 is supported by the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement, the Association of Community College Trustees, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

"Community colleges play a vital role in building the skilled agricultural workforce our nation depends on. This legislation will expand access to high-quality training, strengthen partnerships with local industry, and equip students with the technology-driven skills needed to lead modern agriculture. It is a smart, bipartisan investment in our students, our rural communities, and our food systems," said Dr. Tracy Kruse, Executive Director, Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement.

From Mississippi, the bill is supported by the Mississippi Community College Board, Hinds Community College, Jones College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and numerous other stakeholders.

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