Courses in College

How to Earn Your GED and College Degree Simultaneously

• For many Americans, withdrawing from high school before graduation leads to several closed doors.
• Without a high school degree, most Americans have traditionally been unable to pursue higher education and obtain specific jobs.
• The bottom line is that a high school diploma or equivalency and some college coursework are necessary to make a decent living.
• Fortunately, community colleges across the country are striving to provide more programs to cater to the needs of non-high school graduates.

Upon earning one’s GED, students can enroll in community college to pursue a variety of career and college degree opportunities. Sometimes, a GED and a college degree can be sought simultaneously.

Canva generated this picture of a community college student.

The Short Path Without College

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, individuals who have not earned their high school degree stand to earn far less than individuals who have earned their high school diploma, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or other advanced degrees or training.

• In fact, statistics show that high school graduates make, on average, over $7,000 more per year than workers who did not complete high school. Additionally, workers with an associate’s degree make about $7,000 more annually than those with a high school diploma.
• With reduced wages, pay, and benefits, individuals who do not graduate from high school are at a considerable economic and

For students who are looking up to the skies and pondering potential career pathways, there are an array of space study programs at community colleges across the country!

Students who choose to pursue studies in space can find jobs with NASA or companies that focus on satellites and technologies that tie into this expansive field. In fact, even cellular and other satellite-based companies are seeking new employees to assist with planning and developing space-based products and services.

To train students for these and many other related careers, community colleges offer space-related courses of study, including pathways that incorporate engineering, physics, and math. Also, to improve current programs, many community colleges are collaborating with NASA to create curricula and courses to prepare students for futures in space studies. Today, community colleges are establishing both new and revised programs to address the interests of science and exploratory students.

In recent years, the field of space exploration has captured the imagination of many, and the demand for professionals in the space industry continues to grow. Local community colleges have recognized this trend and are now offering a range of educational opportunities for individuals aspiring to work in this exciting field. In this article, we will explore the various ways you can prepare for a career in space at your local community college.

1. Space Science and Astronomy Courses

Community colleges often offer introductory courses in space science and astronomy. These courses can provide you with a solid foundation in

With a versatile curriculum that adapts to changing economic forces, community colleges offer engaging and interesting academic pathways. If the sea has always called to you, consider pursuing a degree in sailing and seamanship. Students interested in learning to sail and operate a boat for entertainment, or students interested in professionally pursuing sailing as a career pathway, can take advantage of an array of opportunities at community colleges across the country.

Sailing Towards a Degree in Orange Coast Community College

Students attending Orange Coast Community College (OCC) in Newport Beach, California, can dive into the adventures of the open sea in the unique School of Sailing and Seamanship program. At OCC, students can pursue courses in sailing for entertainment and fun or to become prepared for career pathways and jobs. With classes ranging from youth sailing to adult certification, OCC tries to meet the needs and interests of a diverse student audience. Elective courses in sailing include classes such as Basic Cruising, Yacht Keeping and Maintenance, Introduction to Sailing, Introduction to Keel Boats, and many others.

For individuals interested in a professional sailing pathway, OCC offers a variety of degree and certification programs. Specifically, OCC students can enroll in the Professional Mariner Program, US Sailing Certification Program, and US Coast Guard Captain’s Licensing Program, alongside many other professional options.

Students enrolled in the Professional Mariner Program will engage in courses such as Boat Handling Basic Skills, Marine Safety Training, Navigation for Deckhands,

While a wide array of community colleges across the country offer traditional music programs in musical practice, theory, and study, many new community college programs are offering more unique and specialized musical education courses. Today, students can enroll in programs to study historically-informed instruments, or they can even enroll in courses that teach students how to become employed in the field of music management and production.

Edmonds Community College offers a thorough and diverse array of music-oriented courses. Together, the Music Department of ECC established clear instruction goals, which include: “Giving students a solid foundation all facets of music, providing a range of performance and creative opportunities, offering diverse music theory and digital music courses, creating a dynamic, rich learning environment for students to pursue their passion for music and performing.”

To guide students towards achieving and engaging in these goals, ECC provides a variety of performance opportunities and events. Most notably, ECC fosters positive programs for musical enrichment through organizations such as the symphonic choir, the jazz band and choir, and the jazz workshop. These groups, along with many others, serve to enhance student learning and performance experiences.

Adding to these support systems, ECC’s Music Department also provides students with specialized acoustic fixtures in their music classrooms, various practice pianos and state of the art recording gear, in addition to ECC’s state of the art recording studio with a digital interface that students can interact with through hands-on opportunities.

Virginia Highlands Community College

While

Providing students with fun and beneficial group and personal experiences, summer camps can be a great opportunity for kids to interact with others while learning more about themselves and their world. As the American Camp Association supports, “camp provides children with a community of caring adults, who nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value,” while the kids and campers can benefit from experiences that foster “self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect.”

While there are a variety of camps and summer venues across the country, parents can take advantage of local and affordable summer camps offered at nearby community colleges. While some high school students already enjoy dual enrollment in public school and community colleges, now even elementary-aged students can learn on these campuses.

The Benefits of Summer Camps

As the American Camp Association (ACA) further reveals, both parents and children can benefit from camping venues, as “parents have reported that when their children return home from camp they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible. These are the qualities that will help build a successful nation and a civil society.”

Added to this, ACA also asserts that children are able to thrive, and are at less of a risk, when they are engaged in a “camp where they have a sense of community, develop intergenerational relationships, and learn through