College Tuition Trends and Tackling the Childcare Crisis
It’s summertime….but you would never know by the weather across most of Colorado! Anyone have an extra layer on today?
The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) released a?report examining current trends in tuition, appropriations, and financial aid in the West. The overall outlook was positive as most states are positioned to increase their investment in students and invest in the expansion of financial aid. According to the report, Colorado has one of the highest undergraduate tuition and fee rates in the West, but state leaders are working to offset these costs. Federal relief funds helped an initial boost to public postsecondary institutions and Colorado continues this upward trend by?increasing the state budget ?for higher education in the upcoming fiscal year.??
While investment at the state level does make an impact across the state’s postsecondary system, how our institutions leverage funding and direct contact with students really matters as well. In addition to state funding, institutions often seek other ways to fund important initiatives that are unique to the communities they serve. For example, Brigitte Sündermann, Vice President of Community College Affairs of Western Colorado Community College (WCCC), learned about the healthcare shortages heavily impacting rural communities and knew she needed to find a solution. Thanks to a $2 million grant from the federal Department of Labor, WCCC and Western Colorado Area Health Education Center have?joined forces ?to cover tuition costs for anyone pursuing a certified nurse aide career.?
Please share ?an initiative between your campus and a community partner and we will feature them in an upcoming newsletter.
领英推荐
Spotlight on Colorado Education and Workforce
?I had?the opportunity to sit down ?with Michelle Kang, the new CEO of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – a membership organization of early childhood professionals – to discuss how policymakers, advocates and educators are tackling the childcare crisis. My conversation with Michelle came on the heels of Governor Jared Polis’ announcement that he would sign?legislation ?that invests nearly $100 million in our state’s childcare system. Both Michelle and Gov. Polis?echoed ?similar sentiments: that early learning matters for the success of young children later in life, that policies and support must reflect the life-changing work of early childhood educators, and that childcare is critical to the?economy ?and to equity and inclusion. As Gov. Polis continues to legislate on behalf of children, early childhood educators, and families, Michelle and NAEYC remain excited to work with our state to support high-quality early childhood education across centers, schools, and homes.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
What We’re Reading