Happier Families Start at Community College Parenting Courses

The current economy's influence has permeated the educational realm much further than simple budget cuts. In fact, the community college curriculum may be permanently changed by today's economy.

A rising number of community colleges are shifting their traditional curriculum in order to face local job loss challenges. For example, Michigan's community colleges are changing their course offerings to retrain thousands of unemployed auto workers. Each community college campus is restructuring its curriculum to more accurately meet the needs of the local economy.

The Changes in Local Curriculum

From California to New York, community colleges are tailoring their comprehensive educational programs to more specialized, technical pathways. For example, Macomb Community College, located in Michigan, has seen its occupational therapy program grow tremendously, especially as local Michigan residents formerly employed by the auto industry look to redefine their skill set. Some of these curriculum changes are even spurred by government encouragement; at Stony Brook community college, the government subsidizes a project management program to help retrain unemployed individuals for the computer services industry.

According to Suffolk County Community College in Long Island, NY, "We are out in the trenches on a daily basis...doing everything we can to try to be ground zero of impacting change for individuals looking to get new skills." This sentiment is quickly spreading throughout the entire country's community colleges, which are working to meet the needs of today's economy.

Metropolitan Community College (MCC), located in Omaha, Nebraska, has

Are you taking unnecessary classes at your community college? You may be able to skip certain prerequisite courses by simply taking placement tests and earning passing AP test scores. If you can qualify for just 20 hours of course credit through your testing, you stand to save an average of $3,000 in tuition costs. In addition, by testing out of these courses, you not only save money but can graduate or transfer early and enter into the job market more expeditiously.

This video suggests the easier AP classes to take in order to receive college credit.

How to Test out of College Classes

The purpose of placement tests is to determine whether or not a student has mastered the particular subject matter. While testing options will vary at each community college, all students should be able to take placement tests that will earn them course credits. For example, at Warren Community College in Michigan, students can "Accelerate their graduation from college by taking exams including Advanced Placement exams, the College Level Examination Placement tests, or the Warren County Community College Institutional Credit by Exam tests." Through these exams, students can earn 30 to 45 hours of course credit - without having to actually sit in class!

Students attending Warren Community College can take the College Level Examination Placement (CLEP) or can earn credits through alternative exams:

• CLEP - You

If you face potential DUI (driving under the influence) charges, you will need to seek immediate legal aid. The legal consequences for a DUI can include severe fines, mandatory jail time, and alcohol abuse treatment classes.

Fortunately, if you are a student facing a DUI charge, your community college may be able to offer support. With many community colleges hoping to help students avoid future DUI incidents, your campus may offer preventative programs, alcohol and substance abuse treatment options, and additional resources.

The Dangers of Impaired Driving Among Community College Students

In examining the current alcohol-related crisis among college students, statistics compiled by drunk driving lawyers reveal that approximately 2 million college students chose to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol every year. Researchers have also found that over half a million people ranging from ages 18 to 24 experience injuries due to alcohol-related incidents. Furthermore, approximately of college students admit to experiencing poor academic performance due to their drinking-related choices.

With the awareness of these serious issues related to alcohol abuse, students who are facing a DUI or drinking problem should speak with their community college counselor to find out about specific on-campus treatment programs.

This video shows several ways to avoid driving drunk.

Legal Services at Community College

Some community college students in need of legal support may struggle to find the financial means to pay

If you have a passion for prose, you can earn money by putting your writing talents to good use - even while you attend community college. Whether you enjoy composing essays or creative pieces, autobiographies, or non-fiction work, community college students can participate in writing competitions to be published and earn accolades, gifts, and monetary prizes. Some national competitions exist, but many more local competitions are available nationwide at community colleges.

This video offers some tips on how to win a writing contest.

National Contest - Norman Mailer Community College Writing Award

The Norman Mailer Center, the Writers Colony, and the National Council of Teachers of English co-sponsor a national essay contest for community college students each year. The contest is specifically for authors of creative non-fiction writing. The competition is open to all full-time students at community colleges, technical schools, and junior colleges nationwide. The contest's winner receives a $2,500 cash award, as well as free travel and lodging to attend the Writers Colony award ceremony.

Contest submissions are reviewed by a panel of teachers and writers who judge the entries on the artful treatment of originality, subject matter, voice, and style. Additionally, judges examine the entry’s overall aesthetic and emotional impact. Finalists selected by the panel will review their work by a distinguished author or panel of authors who will determine the winner.

Local Contest - John F. Kennedy Profiles in