Results for: Community Colleges

Community colleges play a vital role in providing accessible education and training for those seeking economic advancement. While degree completion is often seen as a measure of success, it should not be the sole indicator. Adult learners often prioritize obtaining credentials with value in the regional labor market, including industry certifications and occupational certificates. Fast-track programs and accurate labor market information are crucial to meeting labor shortages and ensuring students are steered toward in-demand fields. Community colleges should be evaluated for both academic achievements and workforce development outcomes.

Campus, an online alternative to traditional community colleges, aims to increase the number of students who receive bachelor’s degrees within six years. The company has hired adjunct professors from top universities and pays them $8,000 a course, much higher than the national average. The cost of attending Campus is $7,200 a year, but it’s fully covered for students who qualify for federal Pell Grants. The company has hired coaches to help students stay on track, and enrollment has been growing fast. Most of the capital from Campus’s first Series A installment went toward purchasing a physical college in Sacramento. The capital from Founders Fund-led Series A extension will be used to fuel growth. The company is very mindful of for-profit colleges’ dark past, and it’s not going to saddle students with tons of debt.

Despite their vital role in higher education, community colleges often face misconceptions and unfair criticism. They are frequently dismissed as inferior alternatives to four-year universities, leading to misconceptions about their educational quality and student experience. However, a closer examination reveals that community colleges offer a dynamic and diverse educational environment, providing a high-quality education at an affordable price. They cater to a wide range of student needs and aspirations, offering a variety of academic programs, including liberal arts, STEM fields, health care, and business. Community colleges provide an invaluable pathway to success, enabling students to achieve their goals and make significant contributions to society. It is time to challenge the misconceptions surrounding community colleges and recognize their true value as hubs of learning, innovation, and opportunity.

Enrollment at Lakeland Community College has declined since peaking at about 9,400 students in 2012, two years after U.S. college enrollment peaked.