BRONX, N.Y — As President of Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College of The City University of New York, I commend President Barack Obama for voicing his support for our nation’s community colleges and his commitment to workforce development programs.

In his State of the Union Address on Tuesday, President Obama stated his desire to “train two million Americans with skills that will lead directly to a job” and to see the creation of “community career centers – places that teach people skills that local businesses are looking for right now, from data management to high-tech manufacturing.”  Hostos Community College is in the forefront of this movement.  The College is committed to responding to President Obama’s call to provide educational opportunities that increase our workforce, as evidenced in our programs that equip students with 21st century skills and connect them with the business community.

While workforce development initiatives certainly play a vital role in ensuring the stability of our nation, they are particularly important for the constituents served by Hostos Community College in the South Bronx and neighboring communities.  The Hostos Community College Workforce Development Program provides accessible, transformative opportunities and resources to people who are in need, enabling them to build better lives for themselves and for families.  The Program has truly made a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people who have received its services the most.