Student Issues / Attending College

Getting kids to college is only a part of the equation regarding higher education. Whether a student enrolls in a community college or a four-year school, the goal is to get that student to leave the institution with a degree firmly in hand. Unfortunately, that event does not occur nearly as often as educators would like. As the quest to improve college completion rates kicks into high gear, a task force in Ohio has some recommendations for schools looking to get more of their students on the path to graduation.

About the Complete College Ohio Task Force

College completion rates in the state of Ohio are some of the lowest in the country, with Ohio ranking 38^th on the spectrum of graduating college students, according to the Ohio Higher Ed website. To determine why completion rates are so low – and what can be done to improve them – the Ohio Board of Regents partnered with the university system in the state, which includes community colleges, adult education centers, and four-year institutions.

The newly formed Complete College Ohio Task Force was responsible for studying the reasons behind the dismal graduation rates. The committee then put forth a list of recommendations to improve those rates. While the recommendations were specifically for Ohio colleges, the recommendations are equally relevant for other colleges nationwide.

When the task force began their work, the Ohio Higher Ed website reports that the group was divided into three subsets: Ready for College,

Thinking about community college? Consider this – there are numerous ways to benefit from a community college education outside the classroom environment. With a wealth of extracurricular activities to choose from today, you’ll never be at a loss for how to fill your time. Check out these valuable ways to benefit from your local community college outside the classroom.

Log Some Service Hours

Many community colleges offer students the opportunity to flex their volunteer muscles through a variety of community service projects. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, volunteer work offers a myriad of benefits to students, including the ability to engage in the civic community and learn new skills they can take with them after graduation. This organization now promotes service learning to more than 1,200 schools nationwide. Service options might include working with specific organizations in the area or individual projects organized by the community college and based on the specific needs of the local neighborhood.

This TEDx Talk discusses the benefits of volunteering.

Take in a Concert

Community colleges with robust music departments might feature a wealth of musical offerings from their students throughout the year. Choose from various genres, including jazz and classical, as well as vocal and instrumental music performances. In addition, many community colleges host visiting musical artists throughout the year, giving students in and out of their music programs the chance to

The arrival of a global economy has increased the need for higher education that is more globally focused today. A new study suggests that community colleges are answering that call, providing students with education and experiences that have a much longer reach than ever before. Many individual schools are also directly answering the need for global education by introducing programs that help students expand their horizons – and their world – from their local community college campus. With plenty of options to choose from today, community college students can rest assured the education they receive will prepare them for a future in a world that has become larger and smaller at the same time.

Study Indicates International Business a Focal Point at Community Colleges

Researchers at Michigan State University conducted a recent study. According to the MSU website, the study found that in 2008, only about 51 percent of community colleges in the country offered basic courses in international business. In just four years, that number has skyrocketed to 85 percent. With a significant number of college students in the United States attending community college today, those findings show the country is on the right track to cultivating a more globally-minded workforce in the future.

This video discusses international business in the California Community Colleges.

“The most important takeaway is that we as a nation appear to be putting funds into community college education to

Historically, a four-year degree was the recommendation for those who wanted to find gainful employment directly after graduation. However, that tide appears to be changing, as more employers are looking to community colleges to provide the qualified workforce they require. With less time to earn a degree and less debt once the college experience is over, many students have been turning to community college as a means of gaining a higher education that leads to a lucrative career. Now, statistics from the Labor Department appear to support that choice, showing that jobs after graduation from community college also appear to be on the rise.

What the Numbers Show

According to USA Today, the latest numbers from the Labor Department show a rise in employment for those with an associate degree – up 578,000 over the past six months. This brings the grand total of employed Americans with an associate degree to around 35.2 million. During the same time period, employment growth for those with a bachelor degree increased 314,000, bringing the grand total of employed Americans with a four-year degree to 46.5 million. Although more four-year graduates are still found in the workforce, the significant increase in workers with an associate degree suggests a distinct trend toward a two-year degree to increase competitiveness in today’s workforce.

These numbers are particularly interesting in light of the recent recession, which saw employment for those with a high school diploma plummet, while workers with a minimum

Institutions of higher education are just that – where students can continue to learn, grow and develop professionally and personally. Community colleges are particularly adept at this task, offering a wide range of learning opportunities for students of all ages and walks of life. From young students still years from their college years to senior citizens who never want to stop discovering new things, these campuses offer a wealth of learning opportunities. Check out these 10 ways you can make the most of the programs found at your local community college.

Get Ahead in High School

Running Start is a program available through many community colleges in Washington. According to the Tacoma Community College website, this program allows high school juniors and seniors to get a head start on college credits by taking college-level courses while they are still in high school. The program offers many benefits, including saving on college tuition and choosing from a broader course selection. Other states offer similar programs to aspiring college students.

It is important to note that these dual-credit programs are not without their share of requirements. Students are typically expected to maintain a high GPA in their high school courses to qualify for the program. In addition, they will be required to achieve a prescribed GPA in their college coursework as well. College classes may also be offered on weekends and during school holidays, leaving dual-enrollment students little free time.

Finish High School

Many community