Community College Access: What We Do and How We Can Improve

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Community colleges are well known for their open-door, come-as-you-are mission. Many times, community colleges are stepping stones for students to a university. For other students, they are places for training in specific skills or jobs.

The community college has a challenge in meeting the needs for a variety of students in many different situations. The community college is tasked with training and preparing students for their futures.

What Community Colleges Already Do

Many times, students seek the community college due to financial reasons. In this way, the community college offers the same quality education, for a fraction of the cost of many universities. Providing low cost education to help students get their training for a job or even the first two years of college out of the way is a great way to provide access to many students who may be denied opportunities due to financial reasons.  In addition, community colleges are part of almost every community across the United States. If there is not a community college close to someone's home, there may be a branch (or a second campus) extended into a community needing access. This means that access is available for students who may not be near a college, university, or training center.

According to Bragg (2001), community colleges may be the closest option to training or education outside of high school. This means that students can still live in their community and possibly save money on relocating to another area to attend universities or training opportunities.

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In addition, community colleges are providing access through technology. Many communities may be facing challenges with access to technology and the community college model is leading the way with providing access to the broader world with technology. This is especially true in rural communities. According to Watson (2004), best practices start with planning and looking at ways to provide access through technology. Community colleges are constantly working to improve access through technology and were among the first at providing fully integrated access with technology. Community colleges are higher-education institutions that work hard with their community to develop plans and address the needs of everyone in the community.

Community Colleges are also leading the way with providing access to students who may be first-generation college students. Many students are the first in their family to attend college. Community colleges help play a role in preparing students for the future. According to Everett (2015), students with college-educated parents are at an advantage, while first-generation students may not even know where to start. In fact, some first-generation college students may not have support at all. The open-admissions policies of the community college, faculty and staff willingness to help and guide students, and geographical location of community colleges help make it possible to provide access to first-generation college students or any other student that may need extra care and support as they transition into the academic setting.

How We Can Improve

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With all the great access community colleges provide, there are always things that can be done to improve access to students.

While community colleges work hard to keep that open door policy and to meet the needs of all students that come through the door, there are some weaknesses and even challenges the colleges face.

Providing a low-cost education is one of the biggest draws to the community college. It is one of the most important parts of access for our students. While this is a strength of the community college, there are some issues that can create barriers for students. Students still face financial issues and challenges that, despite the low cost, still limit students. While low-cost education is essential, many students in community college still have families to support, full-time jobs, and other challenges that need to be addressed. It is not enough to provide low-cost education. Community colleges need to improve on cost associated with tutoring or other services that students may need. Flexibility in the times classes are offered to help students meet the needs of their work and family lives factor into the low-cost issue. According to Bragg (2001), community colleges must develop low-cost developmental programs, establish community centers for classes and training opportunities, and create work-based learning opportunities to train students beyond the classroom. Providing access is more than low-cost tuition. It includes course design and formats, facilities, and assistance with the working, adult learner in mind. Cost for students extends beyond the doors of the business office and community colleges need to include that in the low-cost plan for students.

In addition, access with regard to technology is also a problem. While community colleges lead the way with technology, sometimes that use of technology can be limiting. While I have addressed this issues specifically in my last blog post, there are things that the community college can do better.  Technology plans are not enough. Understanding the lack of access to various types of technology must extend beyond the classroom and the doors of the college. Online and distance programs can provide access to some students, while also limiting access to others. This means careful planning of programs and options for students to have access outside of normal "college hours" is essential.

Conclusion

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While this blog does not provide any straightforward answers to issues regarding access in the community college, it does provide some talking points and issues. Some community colleges are great at addressing cost and access to college despite some student hardships, while others are better at providing access through training and technology. The key is that all community colleges are different and facing different issues. Each community college must work with its community, its students, faculty, and staff to find solutions. Keep the open-door policy by allowing open communication from all members of the college and the community. Solutions come easier when the issues are addressed, discussed, and work out through a team effort.

In essence... start the conversation and keep it going.

Resources:

Bragg, D. D. (2001). Community college access, mission, and outcomes: Considering intriguing intersections and challenges. Peabody Journal of Education, 76(1), 93-116.

Everett, J. B. (2015). Public Community Colleges: Creating Access and Opportunities for First-Generation College Students. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 81(3).

Watson, L. W. (2004). Access and technology. New Directions for Community Colleges, 2004(128), 31-38.