History of Community Colleges in the United States

This article provides an insightful view into the perceived and real status of community colleges in relation to their university counterparts. Once thought of as a place merely for underachievers to attend for workforce training, Trowbridge points out these institutions now have more to offer. They provide an affordable opportunity for students to complete the same courses that are available at the university for a fraction of the cost. Noting the financial savings in comparison to the traditional university, along with the overall quality of instruction, local community colleges have become a viable alternative for those seeking a college education without the incurring unnecessary amounts of debt.

Higher education in America is facing many challenges, i.e., low retention, low graduation rates and less funding. Postsecondary institutions are scrambling to remain a competitive entity within society. In order to do so, students must remain in school (Talbert, 2012). The Office of the White House states (2014), educational attainment is critical to our county’s economic success. In essence, the work force is creating more jobs requiring more education and a higher level of skill than was previously achieved. Individuals with only a high school diploma will not make into the middle class sector because of

The President’s Commission on Higher Education was formed with the basis of exploring the purpose and the need for Higher Education and the role it played in society. During 1947 there were many issues affecting not just Higher Education but the nation as a whole. Foreign policy was in disarray, the threat of a Cold War with the Soviet Union and issues such as the post effects of World War II and Civil Rights had a huge impact on the home front. According to Wolfe (1994), there was a growing need of Americans that wanted to be educated; however the country was not equipped with the tools that were necessary to provide these sources. The report highlighted several key areas that would be the catalyst for Community Colleges, Societal Issues, the Role of Community Colleges, and the future of American.

Similarly, in “Two Years Are Better than Four”, Liz Addison argues that Community College is a good option for those who are not prepared for college or are unable to pay for a traditional 4-year degree. “Community college welcome people who comes from different background” (Addison). Because how much affordable Community college is in comparison to a traditional 4-year college. Community College gives hope to those who parents are blue-collar workers trying to give a better future to their children or those like my stepmother, who cannot obtain a four-year degree from medical school because of how much it costs. However, she can look for

Choosing a college means going to a new, unfamiliar world of immense possibilities. One of the hardest decisions a high school graduate face is the choice between attending a Community College or a University. Although Universities and Community College serve the same purpose, each has its differences and similarities in their learning such as the admission requirements, expenses, size, and student life. Community College are the most common type of two-year College that prepares you to continue your education, are often an affordable and convenient option. Universities you can earn Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees which is more expensive. At a University, you can

“I am just going to Joliet Junior College”, said about half of my classmates my senior year of high school. People everywhere make community college out to be something that is looked down upon and for people who were not as bright. In his essay “Blue Collar Brilliance”, Mike rose explains the reputation community colleges have acquired over the last few decades depicts two year schools as a place for people who could not make it into “real colleges”, also known as four year colleges (276). Although four year universities have reputations for quality education and excellent programs, students can get the same quality, if not better education at a two year college at a better convenience.

Community college is a great institution for students to start their educational journey. Especially when they do not have the funds or lack some of the prerequisite that a university would require. Community college was created to serve the community, traditional and non-traditional students with the best higher education and lifetime learning opportunities. The faculty and staff members at a community college is there to provide leadership in education while going above and beyond to recognize the needs of the students and the community by providing excellent educational programs and support services that are available to all who have the opportunity to take advantage of them. “Student services now include recruitment and retention, counseling, student activities, student health, financial aid, academic support, career centers, transfer centers, and supplemental services such as transportation, child care, and services tailored for specific populations of students” (Cohen, Brawer, & Krisker, 2014, pg. 209). My philosophy in fulfilling the role and mission of the community college, is to establish the mission, vision, goals and values to guide all students on their journey to strive to become successful both in school and in today’s economy.

Kris, a wife and a mother, worries about the increasing cost of higher education. She and her husband have a two year old daughter whom they are determined to send to college. They want their daughter to succeed in life, but they have to weigh the complications of going to college as well. “I have always thought about college as a “catch 22”...You’re taught from a young age that in order to achieve the “American Dream” you must graduate high school and go to college,” Kris contemplates (Kris 5).Throughout Kris’s ten years of experience with college, she has seen the tuition increase to shocking heights. In fact, she claims that community colleges cost as much as state colleges did when she first started her college hunt. Back then, she

Countless numbers of college freshman transfer out after their first year of studies. Many return, some don't. Unfortunately, many of these students felt displaced and found that their expectations were not met by the university they attended. Attending community school gives students the opportunity to earn college credit while taking the time to select the 4-year institution that is right for them. Because there is little financial investment, most students

Tuition cost plays a vital role in deciding whether to attend a community college or a four year institution. According to Susan Stafford, “Tuition for community colleges is affordable while tuition costs at public institutions are usually at least twice that of a community college” (1). The tuition cost in universities can be overwhelming and highly unaffordable, This have caused many students to graduate with s heavy loads of debt but by attending a community college, an individual can

Since there are four guided questions to help address the main research question. There will also be some subtopics to help us better understand the reasoning toward the altered mission of community colleges. First, I will discuss about the first community college founded in American history of higher education and its mission, the influences on community college mission during the Depression era, and the intention of community college mission after the World War II era. Second, I will report what I have found about the impact on community college to alter their institution from a 2 years institution to a 4 years institution. Third, I will discuss what the organizational culture was like today compared to the twentieth century. Lastly, I will examine some of the societal factors that impact the altered mission of community colleges.

There isn't anything more important to community colleges than the certainty that they can and should provide all qualified people who are looking to be accepted with admittance (Vaughan). The people of the community college represent forty-four percent of all undergraduates and forty-nine percent of students attending college for the first time (David). These students include a lot of minority students, students with a low social standing and the non-standard (age twenty-five and older) student who commonly enters college less academically equipped (David). Most community colleges have made immense advancement in reducing a lot of geographical and economic blockades that have in the past limited college admittance (David). Community

The history of the development of the two-year college as presented by Cohen and Brawer (1987, 2003), Dougherty (1994), Townsend and Twombly (2001), and Hutcheson (1999) indicates that most two-year institutions started out as junior colleges, providing the first two years of a bachelor 's degree for those living in rural areas without nearby universities and a chance to explore options for those who were undecided about their careers. From the first community college established in 1901 in Joliet, Illinois (Dougherty 1994), the number of community colleges across the United States multiplied until the 1980s. After World War II the GI Bill of Rights promised returning veterans access to higher education. In the 1960s the Johnson Administration used the community college as “a key weapon in its War On Poverty,” supporting growth to the extent that “by late in the decade, a new community college opened every week” (Nystrand and Duffy 10). With the Center for Educational Statistics showing enrollments of over 2.1 million students in 654 community colleges as of 1970, more students were beginning their college careers at two-year community colleges than at their four-year counterparts, and by 1980 more than 4.5 million students were enrolled in community colleges (Brint and Karabel 198). Local school and other government officials were motivated to support the establishment of community colleges to meet the needs of business, the demands of families for affordable

One may assume that, the life of a college student at a four- year university is no different than that of a college student at a community college (two-year college). Although the purpose of a university of college is to provide one basic thing; which is a formal education, a University and a community college are completely different in so many aspects. Three ways in which a University may differ from a community college is housing options available to students, student performance and means of transportation to get to school.

One may assume that the life of a college student at a four- year university is no different than that of a college student at a community college (two-year college). Although the purpose of a university of college is to provide one basic thing; which is a formal education, a University and a community college are completely different in so many aspects. Three ways in which a University may differ from a community college is housing options available to students, student performance and means of transportation to get to school.