Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) introduced new bipartisan legislation to support community college nursing programs on October 26. The “Grants for Resources in Occupational Workforce Training for Healthcare (GROWTH) Act” expands eligibility to the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention (NEPQR)-Pathway to Registered Nurse Program (PRNP) grants under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to include community colleges. The bill would also prioritize allocating up to 50% of total funds to community colleges or partnerships with community colleges. Currently, a large majority of these grants go to four-year institutions.

Cherfilus-McCormick said, “The national nursing shortage has hit health facilities hard and compromised access to quality care. That is precisely why we must make it easier for community college students to pursue a successful career in nursing, without worrying about financial hurdles. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan GROWTH Act, which will bolster our healthcare system and address this critical workforce shortage.”

“As a proud graduate of Pima Community College, I know how crucial these institutions are to students, the workforce, and our communities,” said Ciscomani. “These students should have the same opportunities and funding as their counterparts at a four-year university. This bill strengthens our nursing workforce while improving the programs offered by our community colleges.”

Nearly one-third of nurses in the United States said that they will likely leave nursing for another career. As the country continues to face a nursing shortage, community colleges have been found to be one of the most instrumental institutions in training and educating health care workers. At least 25 members of Congress attended or graduated from a community college.

Cherfilus-McCormick and Ciscomani are joined on the bill by Reps. John James (R-MI-10), David Trone (D-MD-06), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03).