Learn the important role community colleges have take in improving homeland security.
Certain events have unexpected results. The tragic of events of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina have unexpectedly affected community colleges throughout the United States. Such moments in American history showed the power of, and the necessity for, strong communities, and that is why community colleges around the nation have developed some of the most significant first responder training programs ever seen.
Although it is an easy idea to overlook, the community aspect of community college, it is just as important as the college part. Ever since their inception, community colleges were expected to support and to grow with the community they serve. Even today, the teachers, the students, the administration – and of course the programs – are all part of the community where the community college is found. They are friends, neighbors, even family.
Thus, it is no surprise that when the community needs help, the community college is one of the first to offer aid. And when our national community needed help, the community colleges created first-rate first responder programs, all with the goal of strengthening our Homeland Security.
Expanding the Programs
After September 11th and Hurricane Katrina, the nation’s community colleges initiated significant changes in their first responder programs. Some of the newer aspects of their Homeland Security goals included:
- Participating in national initiatives, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Management Institute, thereby becoming part of planning and training network that connects resources and training across the country.
- Leading or engaging in statewide initiatives and setting up regional consortia that serve the particular needs of their area, ranging