Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the Community College Student Success Act, a bill she introduced today that would create a national version of the City University of New York’s Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) program to support students attending community colleges across the United States.

The act would provide resources to public community colleges across the country, with priority for underserved colleges with high percentages of low-income and minority students, allowing these institution to expand support services such as academic advising, academic and career support, and financial support.

“Our community colleges are a critical part of our system of education, allowing students to access technical training for a career or prepare to continue their studies at a four-year college. But many students in college lack the resources to complete their education, leaving college with debt and without a degree. Students are often forced to drop out because of the cost of transportation or childcare or because their coursework does not fulfill the requirements for a major. We need to eliminate these barriers to success. ASAP has a demonstrated record of success here in New York City and elsewhere. With the Community College Student Success Act, student across the United States will have an opportunity to access the resources required to complete their chosen program and fully participate in the workforce.”

This bill is part of House Democrats’ legislative campaign, Aim Higher, policy solutions to make higher education work for all students and their families. Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06) led Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-09),  José Serrano (NY-15), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), and Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) in introducing this bill.

Text of the Community College Student Success Act

Fact Sheet on Community College Student Success Act

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