What associations do you have with the idea of “community college”? Who, if anyone, do you know who has been to a community college? What was the experience like for that person? Would you consider attending one?
In a Motherlode post, “The Community College/‘Real College’ Divide,” Kristin O’Keefe writes:
I heard it again, another community college putdown. This one came from an educator explaining criteria for high school graduation. She followed her summary with these words to her audience of parents and incoming freshmen: “So that’s the minimum requirement. But here’s what you should take if you want to go to real college — you know, not community college.”
Did she not stop to consider that some of the parents were likely community college alumni? Did she not know that the community college nearby would enroll more of her county’s high school graduates than any other college or university? Did she have any idea that there are families who hope and pray that their children can go to community college, because even though it’s the most affordable option, it’s still several thousand dollars a year and that’s real money?
We often speak in this country of a red and blue state divide. Here’s another divide: people who believe in community colleges, and people who dismiss and even diminish them. It’s true, community colleges are not the kind of places that pride themselves on 10 percent acceptance rates. Rather, they pride themselves on their open door policies. That’s because access is part of their mission. It’s one of the reasons that 46 percent of our nation’s undergraduates are enrolled in community college.
Community college is real college. Real students must accrue real credits to earn real diplomas. Many students transfer from their real community colleges to real universities, while others enroll in real work force programs and go straight to real jobs. And by the way, they make real money and real contributions to the economy and their communities.
I did not attend a community college, but I worked at one. That experience made me realize how easy I had it as a full-time student at a university where my parents paid my tuition. There wasn’t much excuse for missing a class that was less than a five-minute walk away from my dorm (I still did, on occasion). Sure, I graduated in four years. Had a nice social life, too.
Students: Read the full article, then tell us …
— Do you agree with this writer that community colleges are often “put down” and not considered “real college”? Do you feel she makes a persuasive case that that characterization isn’t fair?
— Have you ever taken a class at a community college? If not, do you know someone who has? What was the experience like?
— What role does community college play in your area in general?
— Many feel that, with the costs of four-year colleges rising, one smart way to save money is to attend community college first, then transfer. Does that idea appeal to you? Do you know anyone who has done it?
— For more on community colleges, visit this Times Topics page or watch this recent video about the role of one community college in New York City.
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