President George W. Bush outlined greater support for community colleges and an increase in Pell grants in his State of the Union address Tuesday and remarks made Wednesday at Owens Community College in Ohio.
Both tantalizing proposals have one local community college president and financial offices salivating.
"I propose increasing our support for America's fine community colleges, so they can ... train workers for industries that are creating the most new jobs," Bush said in his 54-minute State of the Union address in which gave few specifics about the proposed aid.
In further aiding the community college system, "We'll help more and more Americans to join in the growing prosperity of our country," he said. "Job training is important, and so is job creation."
Wednesday, Bush provided more details on his proposed increase of education aid in remarks made in Perrysburg Township in northwest Ohio. Details are still being made available to community college presidents.
The Bush administration has proposed putting $250 million toward developing partnerships between colleges and employers and funding training and work force development programs.
Frank Friedman, president of Piedmont Virginia Community College, said he enthusiastically endorses the proposed new program but hopes the administration will make a more lasting commitment to community colleges and not just a one-time infusion of money.
According to Friedman, if awarded funds, PVCC either would work to bolster and expand current programs, such as the school's nursing program, or add a radiography program -- as has been requested by area hospitals including Martha Jefferson and the University Medical Center.
In order to ensure success in community colleges, Bush said a greater commitment must be made earlier in the academic career of the student, well before he or she crosses the threshold of the community college's schoolhouse door.
Before an assemblage including education and state officials, Bush proposed appropriating $28 million toward establishing advanced placement programs at schools where they currently do not exist. Bush also proposed earmarking $100 million in federal funds toward high school and intermediate reading programs.
To aid deserving students, Bush proposed increasing Pell grants by $1,000 for pupils who take rigorous course loads -- a proposal which prompted both praise and question marks from University financial aid officials.
"We have always supported increasing the Pell grant," University Financial Aid Director Yvonne Hubbard said. "We're very dependent on federal financial aid."
Pell grants are awarded based on information collected on Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms. A federal calculation is then applied to determine an expected family contribution.
At the University, 24 percent students receive some type of financial aid. This year, 1,200 students received $2.7 million in Pell grants.
To date, Pell grants are awarded to students solely based on need and not merit, leading Hubbard to question why Bush would qualify increases in Pell money by stipulating student must take a "rigorous curriculum."
Hubbard said she would like to see the maximum Pell grant award be increased beyond its present ceiling of $4,000. She said many in her field feel the same way.
"Most universities would like to see the maximum Pell grant pay for tuition," Hubbard said.
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