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The Process and Practice of the American Community College

Ronald Simmons

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Published in Minding The Dream: The Process And Practice Of The American Community College

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The American community college is a unique institution of higher education that provides access to affordable, high-quality education for millions of students. Community colleges offer a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. They also provide student services such as tutoring, counseling, and career placement.

Minding the Dream: The Process and Practice of the American Community College

by Cynthia M. Heelan

4.3 out of 5

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Community colleges play a vital role in the American educational system. They provide a pathway to higher education for students who may not have the financial means or academic preparation to attend a four-year college or university. They also provide workforce training for adults who need to update their skills or learn new ones.

History of the American Community College

The first community college in the United States was founded in 1901 in Joliet, Illinois. The college was originally called the Joliet Junior College and offered a two-year program of study. In the early years of the 20th century, several other community colleges were founded, but the movement did not gain momentum until after World War II.

After the war, there was a surge in demand for higher education. Many returning veterans took advantage of the GI Bill to attend college. Community colleges were able to meet this demand by offering affordable, flexible programs.

In the 1960s and 1970s, community colleges began to expand their mission to include workforce training. This was in response to the changing needs of the economy. As the economy shifted from manufacturing to service, there was a growing demand for workers with technical skills.

Today, there are more than 1,100 community colleges in the United States. They enroll more than 12 million students each year. Community colleges are located in both urban and rural areas. They serve a diverse student population, including traditional college-age students, working adults, and single parents.

Mission of the American Community College

The mission of the American community college is to provide access to affordable, high-quality education for all students. Community colleges offer a wide range of academic programs and student services to meet the needs of their diverse student population.

The specific mission of each community college may vary, but all community colleges share the following core values:

* Access: Community colleges are committed to providing access to higher education for all students, regardless of their background or financial means. * Affordability: Community colleges offer affordable tuition and fees. They also provide financial aid to help students pay for college. * Quality: Community colleges offer high-quality academic programs and student services. They are accredited by regional and national accrediting agencies. * Flexibility: Community colleges offer flexible schedules and course offerings. They also provide online and hybrid courses. * Student success: Community colleges are committed to student success. They provide a range of student services to help students succeed in college.

Curriculum of the American Community College

Community colleges offer a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. Associate degrees are two-year programs that prepare students for transfer to a four-year college or university. Certificates are one-year programs that provide students with the skills they need to enter a particular field. Workforce training programs are short-term programs that provide students with the skills they need to get a job in a particular field.

The curriculum of each community college may vary, but all community colleges offer the following core courses:

* English composition * Mathematics * Social sciences * Humanities * Natural sciences

Community colleges also offer a variety of elective courses that allow students to explore their interests and prepare for a particular career.

Student Services of the American Community College

Community colleges provide a range of student services to help students succeed in college. These services include:

* Tutoring * Counseling * Career placement * Financial aid * Child care * Transportation

Community colleges also provide a variety of student activities and clubs. These activities and clubs provide students with opportunities to get involved in campus life, meet new people, and develop new skills.

The Future of the American Community College

The American community college is facing a number of challenges, including:

* Declining state funding * Rising tuition costs * Increasing student debt

Despite these challenges, the American community college remains a vital part of the American educational system. Community colleges continue to provide access to affordable, high-quality education for millions of students.

In the future, community colleges will need to adapt to meet the changing needs of the economy and the workforce. They will need to continue to offer affordable, flexible programs that meet the needs of their diverse student population. They will also need to provide more support for students who are struggling to succeed in college.

The American community college is a valuable asset to our nation. Community colleges provide access to affordable, high-quality education for millions of students. They also play a vital role in workforce development. With continued support, community colleges will continue to be a vital part of the American educational system for years to come.

Minding the Dream: The Process and Practice of the American Community College

by Cynthia M. Heelan

4.3 out of 5