Durham Tech would gladly take a slice of the $12 billion in funding President Obama is doling out today through a program to increase the number of community college graduates nationwide.

Bill Ingram, Durham Technical Community College's president, said he doesn't yet know the specific mechanics of Obama's plan, but expects funding to come available to community colleges for both infrastructure and academic program needs.

The Obama administration is making the investment hoping to double the number of community college graduates to five million by 2020. That sort of growth is possible at Durham Tech, Ingram said, if resources are available to help retain students who often leave prior to completing whole programs. 

And Ingram sees some symbolic value in Obama's plan as well.

"It's certainly a nice indicator that the administration recognizes the role community colleges play," he said.