Brad Miller, NC 13, Receives Community College Member of the Year Award

From it’s inception in 1902, Community Colleges, (originally Junior Colleges) have offered low cost alternatives to the Ivy Leagues. Into the bargain add that they are closer to home and allow students of all ages to come together for one of two reasons; either a step to higher learning, or technical training.

With Bush’s history of fast-tracking jobs overseas, American’s must re-invent themselves or face the consequences of nonviable skills in an ever changing job market. A two-year degree can be earned in a technical field while staying and possibly working within the community. While Congress has voted to reduce funding for Pell Grants, Community Colleges continue to be a real choice for the middle and lower classes.

Representative Brad Miller, NC13, understands the importance of Community Colleges and as of February of 2006, founded and co-chairs a bi-partisan Community College Caucus.

"The North Carolina Community College System, along with our sister institutions from across America, applaud Congressman Miller for his leadership in putting together a group who will champion our cause on Capitol Hill," North Carolina Community College System President Martin Lancaster said. "There is a growing awareness in Washington that community colleges continue to be the engine that is driving economic growth in this country. As a former Member of Congress, I know the importance of having a voice as respected as Brad's to be out front in promoting awareness of issues that are so essential to the fulfillment of our mission."

For his good works, Representative Miller will be receiving a Community College Member of the Year Award.

Washingon, DC –The Council for Resource Development (CRD) is proud to announce Rep. Brad Miller (NC-13) is the recipient of this year’s CRD Congressional Award for his assistance in the passage of legislation that benefits community college education.
CRD, which serves more than 800 community colleges, will present the Congressional Award to Congressman Miller, on Thursday, November 2, 2006, in Washington, DC, at the 40th Annual Conference of the Council for Resource Development.
“I appreciate Congressman Miller’s effort to create a bi-partisan Community College Caucus to raise public awareness of the community college system and support our mission to train America’s future workforce.” said Guilford Technical Community College President Dr. Don Cameron.
As founder and co-chair of the Congressional Community College Caucus, Congressman Miller has worked to protect federal funding for community colleges so that laid-off workers have access to job retraining programs and can find work without having to leave their communities. Miller elicited support from across the state. Seven other North Carolina representatives have joined the 117-member caucus including; Rep. David Price (NC-4), Rep. Bob Etheridge (NC-2), Rep. Melvin Watt (NC-12), Rep. Mike McIntyre (NC-7), Rep. Robin Hayes (NC-8), Rep. G.K. Butterfield (NC-1), and Rep. Howard Coble (NC-6).
North Carolina has 58 two-year institutions, one of the three largest community college systems in the country.
“I’m delighted to get this award. Guilford Technical Community College is a real selling point to bringing new jobs to Guilford County,” said Rep. Miller. “Our community colleges teach skills that give our workers a shot at jobs with decent wages and benefits.”

Brad Miller understands the needs of the people within his district, North Carolina and across America. He continues to work hard looking for ways to improve their lives. Let's help keep Brad Miller in Congress, please contribute today.