Why Community College

Do community colleges hold the key to curing an ailing U.S. economy? That is one conclusion in the Report of the National Commission on Community Colleges entitled "Winning the Skills Race and Strengthening America's Middle Class: An Action Agenda for Community Colleges" (the Report). The Commission took a comprehensive look at the fundamental role of community colleges in maximizing our nation's ability to compete in a global economy. The Commission's findings and recommendations are discussed in this article.

Background

In 2005, the College Board established the Center for Innovative Thought (the Center) to identify challenges to America's education system and recommend solutions. Convinced that community colleges are the nation's overlooked asset, the Center formed the National Commission on Community Colleges to investigate means for improving and expanding the role of community colleges in the future. The Commission is composed of chair Augustine P. Gallego, Chancellor Emeritus of San Diego Community College District, and ten community college presidents or immediate past presidents. The Commission released its Report in January 2008. The Report looks at the present state of community colleges, identifies numerous challenges facing the U.S., and recommends taking action that will place community colleges at the forefront of meeting these challenges. The College Board applauded the Report and pledged to contribute the Board's expertise in implementing the Report's recommendations.

This video reports on the National Symposium on 21st Century Community Colleges held in New Delhi, India in 2011.

More than 40% of the nation’s college-aged students begin their academic careers at community colleges, according to the US Department of Education. Despite their abilities to provide students with a stellar education, community colleges are surrounded by outdated, inaccurate myths. Although there are some elements of truth, many misperceptions may play a large role in the right choice you make for your college education.

Empower yourself with knowledge of the truth, as the top seven community college myths are hereby exposed!

MYTH #1: Students attend community college because they were not accepted to four-year universities.

THE REALITY: When reviewing statistics of transfer admissions, it is clear that universities see the academic strength in transfer students. For example, 33% of all applicants from California community colleges are accepted into UC Berkeley, which is significantly higher than the 26% of California high school students who applied. Or, for the University of Virginia, over 60% of transfer applications from Piedmont Virginia Community College were accepted, which is a greater ratio than the 50% of students who are accepted as freshmen from in-state high schools.

With the increasing economic burdens felt on individuals and families, many students are making the financially savvy choice of attending community college. The continuously rising costs of university tuition can present a large burden for many families, and by attending a community college, students can save on tuition and living costs.

In addition, many students can gain admission into four-year universities before enrolling in community

What is a Community College?

A community college is a public institution of higher education that primarily offers two-year programs leading to associate's degrees, as well as vocational training, transfer programs to four-year universities, adult education, and community-focused services. These colleges typically have open admission policies and lower tuition costs, making higher education more accessible to a diverse range of students.

Canva generated this picture of a community college administrative/classroom building.

The History of Community Colleges

Historically, community colleges sprang up in the early 20th century as a way to meet the needs of young adults who did not or could not afford to leave their families to pursue further education. Early on, many community colleges helped support African Americans and women who wanted to go to college. Many students prepared for grammar school teaching positions or enrolled in new vocational education programs in community colleges. These smaller schools were developed locally, in communities, further distinguishing them from typical four-year schools with campuses where students needed to leave home and stay in student dorms. Traditionally, the community college student went to school to pick up a two-year degree. It is common for community college students to continue their education within a four-year college, thus transferring their community college credits.

Community colleges continue to play a vital role in providing accessible and affordable higher education. However, their mission has expanded to encompass a broader range of educational and workforce development