Economic Success

Missouri’s community college system is critical to the workforce development and economic recovery of the state. By providing access to higher education—from entry-level student programs to new skills and retraining for workers—the state’s community colleges can ensure that Missouri will have the quality workforce it needs to remain competitive.

Community colleges seek to acquire resources necessary to maintain our quality programs and services as well as expand to meet the needs of our students and communities.

Support budget agreements that minimize • cuts to core funding in higher education. Seek support for higher education that will result in no withholds.
Continue efforts to secure capital funding through appropriation and/or bonding to develop new facilities and renovations.
Continue to identify opportunities and support efforts to increase funding for workforce development issues, especially in METS and life science/biotech-related areas.
Collaborate with MoBIO to gain passage of MoSIRA and other tax incentives that encourage life science companies to expand and utilize community college programs and students.

Support the federal • American Graduation Initiative (AGI) that will provide $9 billion over 10 years to help community colleges develop and improve education and retraining programs. The AGI also includes a facilities loan fund and funding for expanded online courses offered through community colleges.
Seek full funding for the • A+ program which provides access to community colleges for thousands of qualified Missouri high school students.
Support funding for scholarship programs—especially Missouri ACCESS—which allow Missouri students to gain the education and training necessary for productive lives and gainful employment