Financing

Every college student is familiar with the challenges of managing finances amidst the pressures of tuition and book costs. Burdened with tests and assignments, many community college students have little time to earn supplementary income while enrolled in courses as a full-time students.

Fortunately, that seemingly simple college ID in one's wallet can help students save hundreds of dollars each year! With nearly endless discounts explicitly offered for college students, showing your community college ID can help immediately increase the amount of cash in your wallet.

Technology on the Cheap

If you're in the market for a new laptop, cell phone, or other form of technology, it will benefit you financially to shop with companies that cater to students' needs. Many companies that offer technological products strive to attract buyers by offering college discounts.

For example, Apple Computers offers college students, instructors, administrators, and staff members "Apple Education Pricing" on select products. Simply by being a community college student, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars on your next computer. In addition, Apple offers occasional promotions specifically for students. For example, when an eligible student purchases a computer, they may be able to receive another free Apple product.

Other technology-based companies that offer various student discounts include Dell Computers.

This video describes Apple's Back To School program.

Almost Free Entertainment

Before paying for the rising cost of a movie ticket,

With reduced tuition costs, shorter program requirements, and flexible course options, community colleges have provided students across the country with immeasurable benefits. To extend their global reach, some United States community colleges are now offering opportunities for international students to earn tuition-free credits.

As VOA News reveals, the US government and participating community colleges have established a program titled “The Community College Initiative.” With this program, the government and community colleges pay the tuition costs for accepted and qualified international students. In the past two years alone, six countries partook in this program, including Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, and Turkey. Recently, Cuba, Ghana, and the majority of Central America also joined with their participation.

The Community College Initiative Program

Established in 2007, the program started as a small and focused effort to boost international education and opportunities. As VOA News further asserts, “The program provides job training for people who otherwise could not attend college. They learn skills their countries need, like agriculture and health care.” Additionally, vocational educators from around the world are able to take advantage of US professional development training and instruction. With just 84 participants in 2007, the number of current participants is now over 500, as students have the option of attending any of the 37 participating community colleges across the country.

With 37 unique locations and programs, the destination for students most significantly depends on each learner's desired academic pathway. Once the school is

Amidst an economic crisis, rising tuition costs, and a more competitive job market, community college students looking for ways to generate income. One alternative wage-earning option helping students to make ends meet involves monitored drug trials and clinical studies. In fact, as North Jersey News reveals, “Joining a study has compelling advantages... You can take pride in helping others.” Adding to the benefits gained by researchers and patients, students enrolled in safe and controlled clinical trials are able to earn extra cash to help cover the many costs of their education and living expenses.

Yet, before signing up, experts assert that students must be aware of the serious potential cons amidst the seemingly ideal pros.

Drug Trial Opportunities

While each community college campus, as well as nearby hospitals and universities, typically offer their own unique opportunities for clinical studies and trials, students often seek out more widely available venues as well. For example, companies such as GPGP, a free online directory service listing an array of of volunteer-based trial opportunities, allows interested individuals to pursue thousands of national and even international research studies. As GPGP explains, “Volunteering for strictly regulated and ethical approved studies can be an excellent way to help to pay educational costs, supplement your income while working, or fund your travels while spending time in foreign countries.”

Individuals who are healthy, eligible, and who comply with all of the required study mandates can enjoy an added income with minimal extra

Accessing Free Healthcare: How Community Colleges Are Bridging the Medical Gap

Did you know that your local community college medical clinic may be an excellent source of free health care? USA Today reports that community area clinics helped nearly seven million uninsured patients in 2008! Considering that almost 21 percent of the nation’s citizens are currently struggling to pay medical and prescription drug bills, community college clinics are playing a large role in helping to fill the financial void.

How Can Community Colleges Provide Free Services?

Free healthcare services at your local community college may seem too good. After all, how can community colleges afford to provide free medical treatment? The answer lies in innovation. Through creative programs, community colleges leverage student support to create opportunities for free healthcare.

For example, students enrolled in dental programs, healthcare classes, and other medical fields are often required to participate in hands-on field practice. Community college clinics provide students in the medical field with realistic training experiences, which translate into mutually beneficial situations for both the students and the community.

In these clinics, students often hold the responsibility of providing examination and health services to any incoming patients. These students, of course, are highly qualified in their area of study, and they are also required to be supervised by a certified and licensed professional. This translates into solid medical care for the community.

This video offers an overview of Norco Community College's health services.

In a slow economy, single parents often feel the brunt of financial difficulties first. To help all students achieve their academic goals, a rising number of community colleges are providing single parents with special financial support. In fact, single parents may qualify for reduced or even free tuition, which can help them increase their skills and competitiveness in the job market.

The Tremendous Costs of Single Parenting

Many community colleges across the country recognize that single parents face greater financial difficulties than other students. Examining the struggles of single parents, Stamford Plus and Connecticut’s Fairfield County Community Foundation (FCCF) found that a single parent with one child living in the Fairfield area requires a minimum income of $58,000 each year—and this estimate only covers a parent and child’s basic costs!

Adding to this, the FCCF reports that 21,000 local households are comprised of a single female parent with a child or children under the age of 18. To respond to this large population’s needs, Norwalk Community College (NCC) has become a leader in the education field, providing new and innovative programs to support single parents.

On Campus, Single Parents Are Not Alone

Located in Norwalk, Connecticut, NCC has created a new Family Economic Security Program (FESP). With support from the Fairfield County Community Foundation’s Fund for Women and Girls and the NCC Foundation, eligible students will have access to