dc aplleseed solving dc problems

Wednesday was a milestone for DC Appleseed’s longstanding efforts to improve educational opportunities for D.C. residents.  The UDC Community College Transition to Independence Advisory Board, chaired by Walter Smith, presented its final report to the Mayor.  John Hill, Josh Kern, Alice M. Rivlin, Carrie L. Thornhill, and Smith were appointed to the Advisory Board by the Mayor and the DC Council in November 2011 to help the District determine how to move D.C.’s community college from its current status as a division of UDC to an independent institution.  Independence is critical for the community college to carry out its mission, which is separate and distinct from that of a four-year university. 

Of the Advisory Board’s recommendations, the most urgent is for UDC to develop a right-sizing plan to help improve its financial health.  The D.C. Council adopted this recommendation, setting an October 1, 2012, deadline for a UDC right-sizing plan.  As the Washington Post reported, the Advisory Board found that UDC must be financially sustainable to support a growing community college and strong flagship university.

The Mayor applauded the Advisory Board for its contributions to his efforts to prepare District residents to compete for more and better jobs.  Both the Mayor and Councilmember Michael Brown called the report “a road map” for establishing a community college with academic, operational and financial independence.  Councilmember McDuffie, Chair of the DC Council Committee on Jobs and Workforce Development, said that improving the community college is one more step in the right direction to get jobs for DC residents. 

For the past several years, DC Appleseed has been working to bring the benefits of an independent community college to DC residents.  In cities across the country, community colleges help lower-income youth and adults access training and education so they can succeed in their local economies, and pursue further education.  We want the same for DC, and we will continue to work with Mayor Gray, the DC Council, UDC’s leadership, and other stakeholders to help build a strong, independent community college for DC residents.