Why Community College

Texas community colleges have seen a decline in enrollment numbers this year, which may be attributed to a number of factors. One of the potential reasons for the lower numbers may be a new mandate by the Texas government that requires college students to get a meningitis vaccination before the first day of classes. While some state officials say this mandate is the only way to prevent the spread of the deadly disease across college campuses, some college officials are attributing the expense and red tape of the process to fewer students on community college campuses this year.

This video discusses five vaccines college students need.

The Schanbaum/Williams Law

The new law was named for two Texas residents who contracted bacterial meningitis on college campuses. Effective January 1, 2012, the law requires all college students under the age of 30 to receive a meningitis vaccination at least ten days before starting classes at any public or private institution of higher education. According to the Sacramento Bee, the law applies to all students heading to college for the first time or transferring from another institution. It also applies to students who have taken a semester break or more before returning to the college campus. Only students who can show proof of a meningitis vaccination within the past five years will be exempt from the requirement.

The law applies to any student taking classes on

For veterans returning to the U.S. after military service, the transition can be hard. These young men and women must adjust to the “real world” environment, often without the support of other veterans who understand firsthand what they are experiencing. Fortunately, many community colleges across the country are recognizing the needs of the veteran population and answering the call by providing job training, as well as emotional and physical support for those who have selflessly served their country. Check out the many veterans’ services offered by community colleges nationwide today.

Cayuga Community College Offers Veterans Club

At Cayuga Community College in New York, veterans can find the camaraderie, resources, and support they need to succeed in the world of higher education. Syracuse.com reports that the Veterans Club on this campus was started by former marine Brian Knapp, who wanted to share information about available benefits and services with other vets. Knapp told Syracuse.com that while he has enjoyed his experience at community college since coming back from Afghanistan, he found the benefits maze somewhat confusing to navigate.

“I wanted to know about my benefits and that’s why I started the club,” Knapp explained. “I thought other people wanted to know too.”

In addition to educating veterans about the benefits available to them, Knapp said the Veterans Club also provides bonds for vets that have had similar experiences and want to share those experiences with others who understand.

“In the military, you have comrades,”

The pandemic and post-pandemic era is the time for mid-life career changers making their career moves. Whether due to outsourcing, layoffs or dissatisfaction with their current positions and compensation, people are quitting their old careers. With many more adults deciding to venture into the hallowed halls of higher education today, those who do may find programs geared specifically to their needs. This is particularly true in community colleges, where more than half of the student body may be adults over the age of 22. However, before you launch a career change at your local community college, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Define Your Goals

Carefully plotting your path is the first step to a successful community college experience, according to Career Search. When embarking on this process, it is important to consider your educational goals, as well as your professional ones. What classes do you need to take, and what degree do you need to earn to make your professional dreams a reality? This information is essential when you choose a school and register for classes, so have the goals in mind before you begin the process.

Jay Shetty suggests that you ask yourself three questions to help set goals.

Weigh Your Options

Community colleges offer a wealth of degree options today, allowing students to hone their career path to a very precise track that brings

While libraries and book vendors are teeming with information about preparing for a four-year college, there is relatively little available to help students prepare for the community college experience. Thomas J. Snyder, president of Ivy Tech Community College, hopes to fill that niche, with his new guide titled, The Community College Career Track: A Guide for High-Schoolers, Career-Changers, Parents and Advisors. Snyder uses his experiences in both the academic and corporate sectors to offer community college-bound students and their parents the help they need to navigate the community college system adeptly. The guide focuses on helping students get on the right career track, using community college as a launching pad.

A Different Path to Opportunity

Snyder believes that community college can be an effective path to a rewarding, lucrative career, additional education, or a combination of the two. Snyder told the Northwest Indiana Times that with many four-year students graduating with as much as $80,000 in debt and no job prospects, the middle class is now looking at the possibility that a four-year degree may not be the most cost-effective path right out of high school. As Snyder interviewed numerous community college students in preparation for writing his guidebook, he realized that the majority were landing good jobs right out of school, with little or no debt to worry about.

“Whether it is a traditional student or a displaced worker, community colleges offer an opportunity to pursue a degree or certification that leads

Community colleges have come a long way since their inception. Instead of falling into the ranks of the “fallback” plan, many of these schools have now become the first choice for students looking to change career direction or explore higher education for the first time. With a focus on the community college system in recent years, the changes on these campuses have been even more pronounced, with a wider variety of degree programs, services, and even on-campus housing. Check out these five ways community colleges have evolved to become full-service institutions of higher education.

Greater Diversity in Degree Programs

Community colleges were typically known for their relatively generic liberal arts degree programs, but not any longer. Today’s students can choose from a wide range of two-year degrees, ranging from fine arts to engineering. Many of the degree programs at community colleges today are industry-centric, meaning they focus on training individuals for jobs in the local market. Schools even partner with employers in the community to ensure the training students receive at the community college can take them right into the workforce.

Some of the unique and interesting programs you might find at your local community college today include:

• Solar Energy Technology
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Performing Arts and Music
• Computer Engineering
• Exercise Science
• Nursing and Healthcare
• Manufacturing Engineering

Even fields like culinary arts, funeral home management, and criminal justice can be studied at some community colleges. No matter what you are interested in studying,