Obama announced Tuesday a four-part, $12 billion program aimed at helping community colleges reach, teach and train more people “for the jobs of the future.”

Under the initiative, colleges could qualify for “challenge grants” which would give them money to try new programs or expand existing operations.

Money also could be spent to renovate or construct facilities, something never offered from the federal government to community colleges before. Other funds would be targeted toward dropout prevention and providing greater access to online courses.

Dr. Cheryl Sparks, president of Howard College, said lawmakers at both the federal and state level are coming to appreciate the role community colleges play in workforce training.

“What's happening at the national level is just a reflection of what's happening at the state level,” she said. “Earlier this year, we saw the state legislature announce initiatives enhancing our work training programs.

“Needless to say, we're very pleased to see this new focus,” Sparks added.

The reason for that heightened focus, she said, was the unique role community colleges play in their area.

“We are in the community and we're directly tied to the local community,” she said. “With all the workforce training and academic opportunities we offer, we cover the waterfront of educational opportunity in a community.”

Until now, federal funds have had a more indirect impact on Howard College — usually in the form of Pell grants and student loan money— but President Obama's initiative announces a more active relationship in the future, Sparks said.

“The federal government is a major player in community colleges,” she said. “Pell grants and college loan programs ... are the only way some students can afford to attend college. But this certainly marks a heightened interest in community colleges.”

Although President Obama's initiative is likely several years from implementation, Sparks said Howard College will be prepared if and when the program becomes a reality.

“We have been watching the past few administrations ... and there has been a noticeable increase in interest in community colleges,” Sparks said. “It's as if national and state legislators are seeing the role community colleges can play — and we're ready.”

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it