Community Colleges Bachelor’s Degrees in High Demand Fields

WHEREAS, Community colleges serve as accessible, affordable, and inclusive institutions of higher learning that provide critical education and training opportunities for diverse populations across the state and nation; and 

WHEREAS, The demand for skilled professionals in essential sectors such as nursing and cybersecurity continues to outpace the current supply, creating workforce shortages that pose risks to public health, safety, and economic security; and 

WHEREAS, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth in both the healthcare and information technology sectors, with nursing and cybersecurity-related occupations among the fastest-growing and most in-demand careers; and 

WHEREAS, Traditional four-year institutions alone are not able to meet the urgent and growing need for qualified graduates in these fields, particularly in underserved and rural areas including accreditation by regional agencies, integration with apprenticeship models, vocational programs, and workforce alignment metrics; and 

WHEREAS, Expanding certification and advanced training programs at community colleges in high demand fields such as nursing and cybersecurity would grow talent pipeline, address immediate access to career advancement and the economic mobility without raising tuition cost; and 

WHEREAS, Many community colleges already have the infrastructure, faculty expertise, and employer partnerships needed to successfully launch and sustain high-quality bachelor's degree programs in these areas. 

WHEREAS, Community College Month, observed each April by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and other stakeholders, is a national campaign that aims to raise awareness about the economic, academic, and employment advantages of attending community colleges. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP encourages collaboration among state education agencies, workforce development boards, industry leaders, and community colleges to ensure these programs are aligned with current labor market needs and meet rigorous academic and professional standards. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution be shared with elected officials, education stakeholders, and the public to promote awareness and support for expanding community college offerings as a strategic solution to critical workforce gaps.