This content was published: July 23, 2013. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Bonamici kicks off new legislation at PCC roundtable
Photos and story by James Hill
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici just can’t stay away from Portland Community College’s Willow Creek Center.
On Friday, July 12, Bonamici unveiled legislation at the Washington County center during a roundtable discussion with students and post-secondary education leaders. Those in attendance included 20 representatives from PCC, Portland State University, Oregon State University, Pacific University, Oregon Student Association, The Alliance, and the University of Oregon.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (left) has a light moment with Southern Oregon University student Oneta Cantlon during Bonamici’s roundtable at Willow Creek. The day’s discussion revolved around her Opportunities for Success Act (HR 2659), which would help make unpaid internships more accessible to low-income students.
The discussion revolved around her Opportunities for Success Act (HR 2659), which would help make unpaid internships more accessible to low-income students. This legislation is part of Bonamici’s new College to Jobs Agenda, which aims to reduce unemployment and underemployment among recent college graduates.
“Students with internship experience are often more likely to find a job after college than those without it,” said Bonamici. “Unfortunately, many internships are unpaid. The costs of foregoing income and possible relocation can make it impossible for low-income students to accept these opportunities. Our efforts around higher education should recognize the importance and the long-term benefits of leveling the playing field for low-income students.”
Bonamici is no stranger to PCC or community colleges. Last October, Bonamici gathered dozens of leaders from the healthcare industry, local government and education realm for a roundtable discussion at Willow Creek about workforce training issues in the implementation of health information technology. Last November, Bonamici was selected for the 2012 Council of Resource 欧洲杯决赛竞猜app_欧洲杯足球网-投注|官网ment (CRD) Congressional Award, which recognizes contributions to community college education and workforce training.
In her latest roundtable, Bonamici listened to input about her Opportunities for Success Act, which would establish grants of up to $5,000 each for Pell Grant-eligible students who accept a full-time internship, and $2,500 for students who accept a part-time internship. Grants would be administered by the financial aid departments of qualifying educational institutions.
A major point made was the lack of career counseling staff and offices at colleges to assist students in finding internships. Attendees told Bonamici that there aren’t enough career guidance staff at colleges to assist with the need and usually these departments are the first to be cut in times of budget crisis.
Veronica Garcia, PCC’s dean of Student Affairs, listens to Bonamici discuss unpaid internships.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, half of college graduates are employed in positions that do not require a college degree. In a recent survey about one in three graduates stated that college did not prepare them well for the world of work. Graduates who gained real work experience like completing an internship, however, find themselves better prepared for the workplace.
In 2011, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers offered full-time positions to 61.2 percent of their interns with an acceptance rate of 86.5 percent. In addition, 46 percent of students who had completed an internship were offered jobs, compared with 31 percent of students who did not complete an internship. And more than 76 percent of employers rank relevant experience as the most important quality when hiring.
Bonamici’s broader “College to Jobs Agenda,” includes efforts to reduce the debt burden students face after college and establish links between post-secondary institutions and the workforce. In March, she reintroduced the Workforce Infrastructure for Skilled Employees (WISE) Investment Act to improve communication between workforce investment boards, community colleges, community-based organizations, apprenticeship training programs, and other vocational institutions.
Interested in what’s going on in Salem and Washington D.C. concerning PCC and community colleges? Then read PCC’s Capitol Beat blog.
The Opportunities for Success Act Roundtable
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »
[…] Suzanne Bonamici wants to change that. Bonamici hosted a roundtable discussion at PCC’s Willow Creek Center on Friday, July 12, where she unveiled legislation to help […]
As a recognized national leader on the relationship between community colleges and the workforce, we couldn’t be happier to host these community conversations. http://news.pcc.edu/2012/11/portland-community-college-congratulates-congresswoman-suzanne-bonamici-on-national-award/
I guess low come is too much. Even minimum wage is too much. Now they are offered no income. This is contemptible. Don’t these people who have been beat down all their lives deserve a wage for their efforts? Would Larry Summers work for nothing? I know what is next….it will be a crime if you are unemployed.
What about low-income students returning to school who don’t qualify for pell grants because of their inability to pay their student loans?
This is a great start and shows well-apprecicated recognition of the value of internships and hands-on career education in helping students move toward gainful employment. Becca also brings up a great point in her comment. Many of our students are returning to college seeking skills to supplement their prior traditional academic degrees. In many cases, they don’t qualify for Pell grants, but these are individuals who would achieve employable skills very quickly by participation in a short term internship.
Larry, read the article. They would be offered unpaid internships in exchange for additional pell grants of up to $5000. This would enable low-income students to accept unpaid internships and take advantage of valuable job opportunities and probable future employment.