Washington, D.C. — As enrollment in community college continues to grow, policymakers are considering how to support college affordability and workforce alignment. This session will explore how community colleges are adapting to new federal and state policies and what frameworks can best support their continued success.
During this briefing, participants will:
- Examine emerging federal and state policy priorities for community colleges in 2026–2027.
- Explore the impact of President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” on community colleges broadly.
- Discuss opportunities in workforce and apprenticeship legislation.
- Learn how states are investing in affordability and innovation.
Together, we’ll highlight promising strategies, share insights from across the nation, and align advocacy priorities for the year ahead.
WHO:
Speakers:
Jonathan Elkin, Director of Government Relations, Association of Community College Trustees
Kathryn Gimborys, Manager of Government Relations, American Association of Community Colleges
Veronica Goodman, Senior Director for Workforce Development Policy, Center for American Progress
Morgan Polk, Senior Policy Analyst for the Center on Education and Labor, New America
Moderator:
Madison Weiss, Senior Policy Analyst for Higher Education, Center for American Progress
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 15, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET
WHERE:
Online via Zoom.
To join the virtual audience, please RSVP here.
If you have questions for our panel, please submit them on Zoom during the event.
For more information or to speak to an expert, please contact Mishka Espey at [email protected].