The Benefits Of Community College

Since the inception of America’s Community Colleges, the American society has become better educated. The community college system has educated more than forty percent of the United States population. In addition, the community college system has increased at four times the rate of four-year colleges and universities, however the community college system, because of their “open-door” policy, has enrolled a disproportionately large share of college students of color and first-generation students (AACC, 2012).
Discussion
Although there is a growing number of students of color and first-generation, the American Association of Community College (2012), found that these students’ success rates are unacceptably low. In addition, employment preparation
In addition, although students are enrolling in the community college underprepared, it is the college’s responsibility to offer services that is connected to high retention rates, high graduation rates, and relevant employability skills (AACC, 2012). The goal of this report is to inspire individuals that are interested in community college leadership to invest in the field, by attending a community college leadership program, specifically, for community college presidents. Based on a survey provided the American Association of Community Colleges, forty-two percent of community college presidents aim is to retire in the next few years. Thus, by 2017, five-hundred community colleges will have a different president than they do today. Hence, this is a field of opportunity (AACC, 2012). To become a successful president, leaders must understand the “mission, demographics, and culture of the college they lead.” (AACC, 2012, p. 5). In addition, leaders should become very familiar with the diversity o0f his or her student population as well as the local and regional economies to serve industries as best as he or she
Funding availability is scarce; presidents will have to learn how to do more with less. Thus, building a relationship with legislators and other funding sources ensures that efforts are being made to educate students in quality facilities and the college is supported in their efforts. In addition, to adhere to the community college mission – being an open-door institution to provide quality training for workforce development endeavors to fuel the regional economy is another reason to establish outstanding relationships with funding sources and legislators (AACC,