Representatives from Northeastern Technical College’s administration and Area Board of Commissioners recently attended the Community College National Legislative Summit in Washington, DC to advocate for policies and funding that will move the college forward in the future.

The summit is an annual event that brings together college leaders to discuss federal policies and legislative priorities. During the summit, participants heard from members of congress, political analysts, and other high-profile speakers about issues impacting community colleges across the nation.
One of the legislative priorities on the agenda this year is to strengthen the federal Pell Grant program, a primary funding source for students in NETC’s service area. College reps, spoke with legislators about the importance of extending Pell funding to students who enroll in short-term college programs of 150 hours or more. Currently students must be enrolled in a 600-hour program to qualify for Pell funding.
“Short-term training programs are perfect for students who want to get job skills fast and get their foot in the door for a new career, but lack of funding for education is a huge barrier to many low-income students,” said NETC President, Dr. Kyle Wagner. “We are focused on providing stackable credential programs at NETC, because they allow students to take short-term certificate courses that lead to higher credentials. The ability to offer Pell to all our students would be tremendous.”
Wagner further explained that with stackable credentials, students don’t have to take on a full associate degree at one time, allowing students to enroll in short-term programs like NETC’s new ManuFirst SC program, that build up to a degree.
This example of stackable credentials give students the flexibility to earn a certificate, go to work, and come back and apply the credentials to a degree.
NETC reps also had the opportunity to discuss issues affecting education in the Pee Dee Region, and how Northeastern is growing due to new programs and a focus on workforce training, which will ultimately result in student success.
For more information on programs and offerings at Northeastern Technical College, visit us online a www.netc.edu or call 843-921-6900.
Representatives from Northeastern Technical College attended the Community College National Legislative Summit in Washington, DC February 11-13.