RAMC today submitted a letter to Congress offering recommendations on federal initiatives that could be included in the next COVID relief package that would benefit community college students and help support education and workforce development. An excerpt of the letter states:

Many of our colleges have also stepped up to help meet the broader needs of our communities during these unprecedented times. Many RAMC colleges, including Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, schools within the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) and other systems have not only loaned out ventilators to area hospitals to meet the critical needs for these lifesaving devices, but also created them with 3D printers. Similarly, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Northcentral Technical College, Maysville Community and Technical College, and DCCCD have been donating thousands of dollars’ worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) to area hospitals in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. RAMC members have also helped small businesses apply for the Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to keep vital workforce partners afloat during these uncertain times.

While community colleges are supporting their communities, RAMC believes additional support is needed from the Federal government to aid our students during this crisis and ensure America has the educated and trained workforce to rebuild our economy. 

In the letter, RAMC urges congressional leaders to explore several policies, including short-term Pell Grants, increased WIOA funding, and additional funding for emergency grant aid for higher education institutions, among other priorities. Read the full letter here.