We are three months into the year, and it already seems like so much has happened! And now that spring break is finally right around the corner, you can take some time and catch up on all the happenings in the community college world. Some big topics that have been making waves recently have to do with low-income students and closing the skills gap and what some community colleges are doing to assist not only their students but also their communities.
1. White House to Promote Alternatives to the Degree
With the skills crisis in America getting worse because of the fears of crushing student debt, the White House is working with the Ad Council on a campaign to aid in this ever-present issue. The goal of the Ad Council campaign is to inform students about alternatives to a four-year degree.
2. Dozens of Colleges Pledged to Enroll More Low-Income Students. So Why Did Their Numbers Go Down?
It is clear that colleges have been trying to enroll more low-income students, many of whom happen to be students with children. However, after many colleges took the initiative to increase these numbers and assist these students, their number of enrolled low-income students dropped dramatically. Goldie Blumenstyk, from the Chronicle of Higher Educations, dives into what is occurring to create this drawback.
Enrollment of lower-income students and the ability to fill jobs requiring more than a high school degree are becoming major topics in the college world. Former university president Michael T. Nietzel shares ways of gaining back momentum, after numbers became stagnant in 2018 and 2019 for low-income student enrollment.
4. Senate Bill Would Build on TAACCCT
The Senate bill Assisting Community College in Educating Skilled Students (ACCESS) to Careers Act, introduced by Sens. Tim Kain (D-Virginia) and Todd Young (R-Indiana), would build off of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program (TAACCCT). The bill would create grants for colleges and states to expand programs and learning opportunities, while also aiding states in developing systems to support student success and create more opportunities for in-demand careers.
Homelessness is becoming ever more present within the community college world. This article from The New York Times explains what some advocates are doing to make a safer, more comfortable environment for these students, including programs that have already taken place throughout the United States to help ease these students’ lives.
6. How the Skills Gap is Changing the Degree Path
The ways students are now receiving their higher education is quickly changing and being reshaped. Why? To close the skills gap and meet the demands and needs of the workforce. In this article from Education Dive, see how changes are being made in community colleges and how students are now receiving their degrees and certifications.
7. 3 Ways Community Colleges are Improving STEM Education
Theoretically, the length of time to obtain a diploma from a community college should be less than that of a public college or university. However, in many cases, students don’t even receive a diploma. Some community colleges are taking up the challenge to make changes and see success by reshaping their STEM programs.
8. 5 Content Marketing Trends You Need to Know for 2020
Embrace the new and embrace the change, because that is what’s going to occur in the new decade. This article from Entrepreneur shares the five marketing trends you will need to know for 2020, to help your brand to keep up with the ever-changing wants and needs of your audience.
9. Building A Creative Workforce
The number of liberal arts degrees given by four-year colleges has dropped rapidly, creating a work crisis. However, community colleges have seen the opposite. Read how these colleges are ending the stigma and working to create a well-rounded workforce.
10. Housing Solutions Through Community Collaboration
Several community college campuses do not have on-campus housing, creating an ever-growing issue of housing insecurity for their students, especially in areas with high costs of living. In California and Washington, some community colleges have taken the initiative to reach out to their community to help their students put more focus on their studies.
