A Snapshot of Community College Students
Recently, the nation’s community colleges have received
attention from the Obama administration for their roles as
gateways to higher education for underrepresented students.
AACC indicates that community colleges enroll 40 percent
of all first-time freshmen and 44 percent of all undergraduate
students, of which 39 percent are among the first generation
to attend college. The ethnic diversity of community college
students is projected to increase, especially the number of
Hispanic students: Hispanics represent the largest and fastest-growing ethnic minority in the United States. The majority of
undergraduate Hispanic and Native American students in the
higher education system enroll at community colleges, as do
43 percent of all undergraduate African American and Asian-Pacific students.
About 60 percent of community college students are female,
with a trend of shrinking male enrollment, especially among
African American and Hispanic students. The majority of students hold at least part-time jobs and two-thirds attend college
part time. The average age for community college students is
29, and many of these students are single parents and/or from
Challenges for Community Colleges
For many years community colleges operated within the status
quo, offering all kinds of programs to high school students,
those just out of high school, and older adult students, as well
as special populations within each of these groups. During
that period, funding increased, support services evolved to
meet changing needs, and traditional operating structures
were followed. Recently, the community college landscape has
shifted as the economy crashed, homes and jobs were lost, and
certain training and careers became obsolete. Today, community colleges face the staggering task of offering more classes
and programs at the same time that their own workforces are
shrinking.
The next few years present unprecedented challenges for
fiscal survival as well as unique opportunities to reshape the
way community colleges do business. As the full impact of the
economy, technology, special populations, the federal agenda,
and changing demographics is felt, the historical focus of the
community college on access and opportunity alone will no
longer suffice.
Working with diminishing resources, community colleges
Community college leaders are turning to colleagues to work together to develop innovative solutions, such as community partnerships, entrepreneurial ventures, educational collaborations, and alliances with business and industry.
low-income families. Community college students typically
delay enrollment after high school graduation or earn general
education diplomas (GEDs). According to AACC data, about
half of students who earn baccalaureate degrees attend community college during the course of their undergraduate studies.
Community colleges, which will be competing for federal
as well as state funding to serve an additional five million students by 2020, play a critical role in closing degree attainment
gaps for underrepresented students. These colleges are increasingly viewed as the postsecondary institutions most capable of
strengthening the U.S. economy by equipping students with
the leadership and workforce skills needed for today’s rapidly
changing, competitive global economy.
must choose what programs and services will remain intact,
will be redesigned, or will be eliminated. For instance, leaders
at California’s community college are struggling to maintain
quality programs with cuts up to 68 percent in high-need
student service areas. Growth caps in enrollment and state
resources as well as mid-year budget cuts will test even the
most effective leaders as they try to forecast the future.
Leading these institutions in new directions will require
strong commitments to maintaining fiscal stability—with
a focus on prioritized goals that demonstrate innovation,
creativity, and strategic planning—along with high levels
of confidence, understanding, decisiveness, and empathy.
Community college leaders are turning to colleagues to work
