Published October 08, 2009
Written by Grace Chen
While mixing religion with education was once reserved for private schools, some community colleges have created faith-based programs for their campuses. These community colleges hope to provide the right environment for students who desire both a comprehensive spiritual and educational experience.
While mixing religion with education was once reserved for private schools, some community colleges have created faith-based programs for their campuses. These community colleges hope to provide the right environment for students who desire both a comprehensive spiritual and educational experience.
However, many school leaders are cautiously questioning how the more spiritually minded community colleges will fare amidst a diverse population of both “faith based” and non-practicing students across the country.
“Faith Based” Models in Higher Education Institutions
There are over 1,200 higher education institutions that are underpinned by religious denominations, but each “faith based” school can function in a variety of unique ways. For example, as College View further reveals, “The opportunities for spiritual growth vary from school to school—as do the requirements for participation. At some schools, religious services and classes are simply offered…at other schools, participation is required or at least expected.”
Students often make their decisions not only on the underlying religious denominations, but also how strictly these religious beliefs structure the campus environment. Students considering a “faith based” school can choose from several types of structural options, including:
- Schools that celebrate a religious history dating back to the school’s founders. However, these schools may or may not include the particular origin of religion as a major part of their modern-day instruction or campus functions.
- Schools that are dedicated to traditional evangelical values, wherein the campus structures their conduct guidelines based on a set of religious beliefs and values. For example, some community colleges affiliate with Southern Baptist, Mennonite, and other Reformed Denominations.
- Schools which are open to non-evangelical beliefs, wherein colleges adhere to the values of Catholicism, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Judaism, or other religions.
Of course, students can take advantage of faith based opportunities at campuses that do not specifically focus on one religious perspective. Most campuses provide students with a ministry office, where students can learn more about on-campus religious groups.
Examining the “Faith-Based” Model in the Surrounding College Community
When former President George W. Bush created the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, this action triggered grassroots movements at the community college level. For example, Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio created a faith-based initiative that partnered the campus together with religious groups. Partnering with four churches and the YWCA, this program allows Cuyahoga Community College students to take courses at faith-based facilities.
Other campuses, such as SUNY Erie Community College, have also partnered with local churches to stimulate student enrollment. SUNY Erie, for example, works with local faith-based organizations in Buffalo to recruit students, as well as host classes directly at churches. This program has resulted in unique benefits, including creating classroom atmospheres that have been more welcoming to older students.
Houston Community College (HCC) and the “HCC Faith-Based Education Opportunity Initiative” are additional examples of how religion and public schools can intermingle. Although HCC is not officially considered a “faith based school,” the initiative allows students to join together for fellowship. In addition, the group conducts outreach to local churches and congregations to promote the community college. Employees of the program will devote Saturdays and Sundays to working with five faith-based organizations in the school's surrounding district.
With a focus on the importance of education, HCC leaders are intending to “Encourage higher levels of access, persistence, and completion of graduation requirements for transfer to higher education through a deliberate partnership with five faith-based organizations located throughout the HCC district.”
Although public community colleges cannot hold a religious denomination, many campuses are employing faith-based outreach programs to encourage more students to enroll. With President Obama creating the White House Office on Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the trend is likely to continue.
Resources:
The Vindicator Online News (Vindy), “New Community College Off to Good Start in Valley,” available at
Houston Community College, available at http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/business-community/hcc-project-faith/about-hcc-project-faith/project-faith-fbeoi-faith-based-educational-opportunity-initiative
College View, “Faith Based Colleges,” available at http://www.collegeview.com/articles/CV/application/faith_based_colleges.html#
Cuyahoga Community College, “Faith Based Initiatives,” available at http://www.tri-c.edu/community/keycareerplace/Pages/FaithbasedInitiatives.aspx
SUNY Erie Community College, “Partnership between SUNY Erie Community College and faith-based organizations provide pathway to success,” available at http://www.ecc.edu/admissions/news/news_story.asp?iNewsID=353&strBack=/admissions/news/news_archive.asp
Read Related Attending College Articles:
- What to Expect Your First Semester of Community College
Learn what to expect in terms of classes and student life in your first semester of community college. - Do Community College Applicants Need to Take Enrollment Exams?
Learn about whether or not you may need to take an enrollment exam at your local community college, as well as the benefits these exams may provide to your academic career. - Transferring from Community College to a 4-year Institution
Learn about the steps you need to take to succesfully transfer from a community college to a 4-year institution. - How to Ensure Your Community College Credits Transfer to a 4 Year University
Make sure that your community college credits will transfer to your four year university by following these recommended strategies. - The Reverse Transfer Process
Learn about the reverse transfer process and how it can benefit your education. - Stuck on a Waiting List? How Community College Students Can Combat College Admission Freezes
More and more of today's community college students find themselves on waiting lists thanks to budget cuts. Learn about strategies you can take to get yourself off of waiting lists and into class. - Why Community College Students are Taking Classes at Midnight
To accommodate students' schedules, along with growing enrollment rates, community colleges are offering classes in the late evening. Learn more about why you may be taking midnight classes at a campus near you. - How Community Colleges are Coping with Double Digit Enrollment Growth
Learn about how community colleges are changing their campuses to accomodate for double-digit growth in student enrollment. - Should Community Colleges Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Enroll?
Learn about the controversy surrounding community colleges' admission policies regarding undocumented immigrants. - 3 Reasons Why Top Universities are Recruiting Community College Students
Learn about the growing trend amongst four-year universities to recruit from community college campuses. Enjoy an academic head start and a competitive edge against other applicants by starting first at community college. - Establishing Good Relationships with Instructors
Learn how to establish good relationships with community college instructors, and how they can be helpful for your academics. - Tutors and Academic Assistance for Community College Students
Learn about tutoring options and academic assistance for community college students. - Writing Assistance for Community College Students
Learn how to get essay and writing skills assistance in community college. - How to Avoid Community College Academic Probation
Learn about academic probation and dismissal, as well as the strategies you can enact to ensure you remain in good academic standing with your community college. - The Value of Mentoring Programs in Community College
Learn about the variety of mentoring programs available in community colleges, and why you may want to be involved as a mentee or mentor. - The Benefits of Community College Minority Mentoring Programs
Learn about how minority mentorship programs at community colleges are improving academic performance and graduation rates, as well as providing a medley of benefits. - Avoid the 3 Major Pitfalls of the First Year of Community College
Learn about how you can avoid the commonly experienced pitfalls students encounter in the first few weeks of community college, and ensure that you do not slip through the cracks. - Will You Graduate From Community College? Factors that Influence Success
Learn more about the factors that can influence whether you graduate from community college. - Should You Declare Academic Bankruptcy?
Learn about the benefits and disadvantages of academic bankruptcy and whether this option is right for your GPA and financial aid eligibility. - How Community College Campuses are Preparing for the H1N1 Virus
Learn about how community colleges are putting plans in place to prevent and combat the spread of H1N1 on campus. - Enjoy Free Healthcare Services at Your Local Community College
Learn about the opportunities and free healthcare services available at your local community college. Whether you need dental, medical, or even physical therapy treatment, your local community college may be able to provide you with the care that you need, regardless of your budget. - How Community Colleges are Working to Stop Drunk Driving
Learn about the innovative programs, curriculum, and parades that community colleges are creating to prevent drunk driving on campus. - How to Get Help for Your DUI through Your Community College
If you are facing a DUI, your community college can be an excellent resource for affordable legal assistance and counseling programs. - Paid Drug Testing Trials: The Risks to Community College Students
Should you undergo the risks associated with paid drug testing trials both on and off your community college campus? Learn about the benefits and risks associated with these testing trials. - Earn Money and Accolades Through Community College Writing Competitions
Students who enjoy writing can earn published recognition and cash prizes through community college writing competitions. Learn about national contests, as well as how you can find local writing competitions near your community college. - Campus Living Options for Community College Students
Learn about the increasing number of campus living options for community college students. - Can Community Colleges Limit Your Right to Free Speech?
Learn about the legal cases brought against community colleges, who allegedly have been violating students' rights to freedom of speech. - Athletics in Community Colleges
Learn about athletics in community colleges - what sports are typically offered and their role in the student experience. - How to Meet New Friends While Playing Sports
Take advantage of the intramural sports opportunities offered at your local community college, including baseball, basketball, ping pong, and even rock climbing. - Professional Athletic Opportunities for Community College Students
Learn how community college can facilitate professional athletic opportunities for its students. - Run Towards the Finish Line with a Community College Marathon
For novice and competitive runners alike, community colleges across the country offer fun marathon events, as well as an opportunity to join collegiate marathon teams. - Top 3 Reasons to Join a Debate Club to Benefit Your Career
Consider three of the best reasons to join your community college's debate club to further your future career and job opportunities. - Choosing Electives for a Rounded Education
Learn how choosing electives can be enjoyable and professionally beneficial. - The Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer in Community College
Consider these five reasons, ranging from resume benefits to professional opportunities, to volunteer during your time in community college - Alternative Spring Break: Programs and Opportunities
Instead of visiting a party destination this spring break, consider attending educational and philanthropic opportunities offered through your community college. - Support for ESL Students in Community College
Learn about the support programs available for ESL students in community college. - North Carolina Community Colleges: Pioneering Increased Enrollment and Early Graduation Rates
Learn about how North Carolina's community colleges have created innovative programs that not only increase student enrollment, but give high school students an opportunity to attend courses on campus tuition-free. - How to Find the Best Community College for Your Unique Hearing Needs
If you have specific hearing needs, finding a supportive community college campus is critical. Learn about what to look for in a community college and what programs across the nation are providing innovative resources to those with hearing impairments. - Which Community College is Best for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
For students with autism spectrum disorder, community colleges across the country can provide excellent higher education support. Learn about how to choose the right community college that specifically meets the needs of ASD students. - The Secret Signs of Undiagnosed Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
Learn about the symptoms of Adult ADD and ADHD, and how an undiagnosed disorder may impact your academic, social, and professional endeavors. - Community College Students Need Parent Encouragement
Learn tips on how to support your child during during their transition to community college. - Community College Counseling: Academic and Personal Support
Your community college is an excellent resource for support; learn about the academic and emotional support available to you on campus. - The Benefits of Community College Clubs
Learn about the benefits of participating in clubs at community college. - Studying Abroad During Community College
Learn about the benefits of studying abroad during community college. - Benefits of Internships for Community College Students
Build your professional and academic career with internships. Learn how to find the right internships through your community college campus. - Does Your Community College Allow Guns on Campus?
Learn about the new proposals and regulations that may allow students to carry handguns on community college campuses. - Campus Safety on Community Colleges
Learn about how you can stay safe and secure on your community college campus - Finding Childcare on Community College Campuses
Learn how you can balance the roles of being a student and a parent by securing child care assistance on campus. - Wellness Opportunities at Community Colleges
Learn about the different opportunities for improving your health and wellness at community college. - Get Better Grades in Community College by Being Social
Learn about the research that shows how participation in community college boosts student performance and success. - How Community Colleges are Inspiring Young Girls to Soar to Success
Learn about how community colleges are introducing programs that inspire young girls to achieve more academically, socially, and emotionally.
All Categories:
Featured Partners:
