The nation’s poet laureate, Kay Ryan, a former community college teacher, has launched a poetry initiative for two-year colleges. As part of the project, April 1 is designated as National Poetry Day on Community College Campuses.

A community college graduate herself, Ryan taught developmental reading and writing at the College of Marin, in California, while writing and eventually gaining national recognition for her poetry. She hopes that this initiative will help give community colleges the recognition and respect they deserve.

Apt timing, as the Obama administration has made community colleges a key part of the nation’s economic development plan. The recent overhaul of the student loan program calls for a $2 billion investment in community colleges. Something to celebrate! — maybe with a poem?

Speaking of which, the DCTC Library has recently acquired a book of poetry published by DCTC’s own Kathy Niebur!