A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE April 1, 2025, AS "higher education day" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, higher levels of education benefit students by enabling their career growth, critical thinking development, self-confidence, and establishment of lifelong learning patterns. Their families, as well as the communities in which they live and work, are also bettered; and

 

Whereas, higher education also benefits communities, as college graduates are more likely to be employed, to participate in civic activities, to foster healthy lifestyles, to serve as leaders in their communities, and to engage in philanthropy; and

 

Whereas, public and independent colleges and universities in the Palmetto State share a common commitment to preparing their students to be engaged citizens; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) has represented public colleges and universities for fifty-seven years. The CHE is committed to promoting access, affordability, and excellence within the South Carolina system of higher education and acts as an oversight entity on behalf of the General Assembly and an advocate for the citizens of South Carolina as they seek educational opportunities; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc. (SCICU) has represented independent private institutions of higher education for seventy-one years. SCICU's mission is to strengthen independent colleges and universities through collaboration, governmental advocacy, fundraising, and public engagement so that every student may choose, afford, and earn an independent college education that fits their personal values, professional and social aspiration, and approach to learning; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Technical College System has represented public technical institutions of higher education for sixty-three years. The system recently announced its plan to lead the Education and Workforce Center project, a project that aims to enhance awareness of energy-focused industries and job opportunities, identify and develop essential skills, and provide support services to ensure that South Carolinians can access new, high-quality jobs in the emerging energy economy; and

 

Whereas, eighty-four institutions of higher learning across South Carolina serve over two hundred and forty thousand students, the vast majority of whom are South Carolina residents; and

 

Whereas, accessible and affordable higher education for every South Carolinian is essential to ensuring our State's bright future.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize April 1, 2025, as "Higher Education Day" in South Carolina.

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