CCA Advancement Act of 2026 (S. 4730)

Summary

Creates grants for community colleges to help them build and grow programs that teach students about farming, nature, and related jobs.

What problem does this solve?

Community colleges may lack the funds to provide up-to-date training for modern farming and natural resource jobs. This bill provides grants to help these schools buy equipment, train teachers, and create hands-on learning for students.

What does this bill do?

Establishes competitive grants for community colleges

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to create a competitive grant program for community colleges to improve their agriculture and natural resources programs.

Authorizes $20 million in annual funding

Approves spending of $20,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031 to carry out the grant program.

Prioritizes partnerships with local agriculture industry

Gives special consideration to grant applicants that work with local farm businesses to provide students with hands-on training and experience.

Outlines how grant funds can be used

Allows colleges to use grant money to buy equipment, support teacher development, and create apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities.

Creates centers of agriculture advancement

Permits colleges to apply for a special designation as a 'center of excellence' to show best practices in agriculture and lead in building programs.

Requires a program evaluation and report

Mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture review the program's activities and report the findings to Congress within three years.

Who does this affect?

Community college students
Community colleges and junior colleges
Agricultural industry employers

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens the future agricultural workforce

Provides funding to community colleges to ensure students are well-trained for modern jobs in farming and natural resources. This helps create a steady supply of skilled workers for the agriculture industry.

When does this start?

This bill outlines several timelines for funding and reporting, starting in fiscal year 2027.

Grant funding period

Authorizes $20,000,000 to be provided each year from fiscal year 2027 through 2031.

Program evaluation report

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to evaluate the program and report to Congress no later than 3 years after the bill becomes law.