S. 379

A bill to build capacity at community colleges in order to meet increased demand for community college education while maintaining the affordable tuition rates and the open-door policy that are the hallmarks of the community college system.

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II

109th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 379

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

February 15, 2005

Ms. Mikulski (for herself, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Durbin, and Mr. Obama) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

A BILL

To build capacity at community colleges in order to meet increased demand for community college education while maintaining the affordable tuition rates and the open-door policy that are the hallmarks of the community college system.

1.

Community college capacity-building grant program

Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

by redesignating part F as part G; and

(2)

by inserting after part E the following:

F

Community colleges

371.

Community college capacity-building grant program

(a)

Program authorized

(1)

In general

From amounts appropriated under section 399(a)(6) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities, on a competitive basis, for the purpose of building capacity at community colleges to meet the increased demand for community colleges while maintaining the affordable tuition rates and the open-door policy that are the hallmarks of the community college system.

(2)

Duration

Grants awarded under this section shall be for a period not to exceed 3 years.

(b)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Community college

The term community college means a public institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a)) whose highest degree awarded is predominantly the associate degree.

(2)

Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means a community college, or a consortium of 2 or more community colleges, that demonstrates capacity challenges at not less than 1 of the community colleges in the eligible entity, such as—

(A)

an identified workforce shortage in the community served by the community college that will be addressed by increased enrollment at the community college;

(B)

a wait list for a class or for a degree or a certificate program;

(C)

a faculty shortage;

(D)

a significant enrollment growth;

(E)

a significant projected enrollment growth;

(F)

an increase in the student-faculty ratio;

(G)

a shortage of laboratory space or equipment;

(H)

a shortage of computer equipment and technology;

(I)

out-of-date computer equipment and technology;

(J)

a decrease in State or county funding or a related budget shortfall; or

(K)

another demonstrated capacity shortfall.

(c)

Application

Each eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require by regulation.

(d)

Award basis

In awarding grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into consideration—

(1)

the relative need for assistance under this section of the community colleges;

(2)

the probable impact and overall quality of the proposed activities on the capacity problem of the community college;

(3)

providing an equitable geographic distribution of grant funds under this section throughout the United States and among urban, suburban, and rural areas of the United States; and

(4)

providing an equitable distribution among small, medium, and large community colleges.

(e)

Use of funds

Grant funds provided under subsection (a) may be used for activities that expand community college capacity, including—

(1)

the construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement of classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities;

(2)

the purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional research purposes;

(3)

the development, improvement, or expansion of technology;

(4)

preparation and professional development of faculty;

(5)

recruitment, hiring, and retention of faculty;

(6)

curriculum development and academic instruction;

(7)

the purchase of library books, periodicals, and other educational materials, including telecommunications program material;

(8)

the joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and libraries; or

(9)

the development of partnerships with local businesses to increase community college capacity.

372.

Applicability

The provisions of part G (other than section 399) shall not apply to this part.

.

2.

Authorization of appropriations

Section 399(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1068h(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(6)

Part F

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part F, $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

.