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Why 60% of Community College Students Never Transfer
Learn about why most community college students never fulfill their goal of transferring to a four-year university - and how community colleges can help improve the transfer rate.

While community colleges provide an excellent opportunity to transfer to four-year institutions, the latest statistics are not optimistic. In fact, according to the most recent accountability report released by California's community college system, only 40% of community college students who seek four-year degrees are successful in transferring to one of the state's four-year universities.

In California, 60% of community college students who intended to transfer to four-year universities never meet their goal - which has led to the formation of a state task force charged with finding ways to improve the transfer rate, as reported by the Mercury News.

The obstacles facing community college students wishing to transfer to four-year universities are formidable. Overcrowded community college campuses make enrolling in required pre-requisite courses difficult. Rising tuition at public universities means four-year degrees are now unaffordable for some students. In addition, a lack of standardization in transfer requirements statewide makes the transfer process feel like a confusing maze to many degree-seeking students.

This video explains how to transfer from a community college.

Indeed, there is much room for improvement in helping more community college students transfer to four-year universities.

Why Some Students Never Make It to Four-Year Universities

Community college students who wish to transfer to a four-year university in today's educational climate face a number of potential roadblocks - a fact which may account for the high number of

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How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume

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How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career.

Students all understand the benefits of internships, but have you explored the advantages of an apprenticeship? In today’s competitive job market, apprenticeships are becoming more popular than ever. For example, at Guam Community College, the number of apprenticeship program participants has reached a historical high.

Similar to internships, apprenticeships provide excellent opportunities for students to work alongside industry professionals, gaining hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-life guidance. Most apprenticeships focus on vocational trades and crafts, providing an excellent way to strengthen your resume and skills before entering the workforce.

This video reports on apprenticeship programs in community colleges.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Apprenticeships are generally reserved for skill-based careers and services, and community college students pursuing studies in the following categories may benefit most from apprenticeship experiences:

  • Boilermakers
  • Bricklayer masons
  • Building maintenance personnel
  • Carpenters
  • Drywall hangers
  • Ceramic tile setters
  • Cement finishers
  • HVAC technicians
  • Maintenance electricians
  • Fire sprinkler installers
  • Elevator constructors
  • Floor layers
  • Manufacturing plant electricians
  • Insulators
  • Ironworkers
  • Plumbers
  • Painters
  • Roofers
  • Sheet metal workers
  • Sheet metal workers
  • Telecommunication technicians

Offering apprenticeship opportunities in all of the aforementioned categories are schools such as Lane Community College, located in Eugene, Oregon, wherein students are encouraged to “Learn the aspects of a highly skilled occupation through on-the-job training and related instruction.” Better yet, students can simultaneously earn an income during their apprenticeship.

Additionally, with apprenticeship experiences, students can effectively apply information learned in the classroom to experiences in the “real world.” From an employer’s perspective, apprenticeships help the student bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical

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Why Community College Students are Taking Classes at Midnight

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Why Community College Students are Taking Classes at Midnight
To accommodate students' schedules, along with growing enrollment rates, community colleges are offering classes in the late evening. Learn more about why you may be taking midnight classes at a campus near you.

Hey there! With more and more people signing up for community college, the usual 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. class schedule isn't cutting it anymore. Some colleges are getting pretty creative with their class times to keep up with all the new students. Believe it or not, some students are even hitting the books at midnight!

Midnight is the New 8 AM

Diverse Issues in Higher Education reports that colleges across the country have experienced record enrollment rates for both new and returning students. As the economy forces many workers to retrain their skills, many community colleges nearly burst at the seams.

Coping with such pressures, Bunker Hill Community College in Boston sets a new example for college reform. Bunker Hill is the first college in the country to open its doors for midnight courses. According to reports, Bunker Hill has begun “Offering two classes on the graveyard shift to accommodate an unprecedented boost in enrollment attributed to the struggling economy as people look to augment their job skills without paying the tuition costs of more expensive schools.”

With several night courses offered at the start of the 2009 semester, Bunker Hill students can enroll in classes such as Principals of Psychology or College Writing, which both run from 11:45 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. throughout the semester.

These new midnight options were supported by many faculty leaders and students, who argued that the modern student has too many responsibilities to fit into traditional community

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Careers: Event Planning

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Careers: Event Planning
Discover how community college event planning courses can launch your career in this dynamic field. Learn the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

Careers: Event Planning

From weddings to corporate conferences, the art of event planning brings people together - and with the right training, you can master it.

  • Taking event planning courses at a community college can be a game-changer in developing the skills and expertise needed to thrive in this dynamic field.
  • These courses provide a comprehensive foundation in event management, covering various aspects such as event design, budgeting, marketing, logistics, and risk management.
  • With experienced instructors and practical coursework, students gain valuable insights into the intricacies of organizing successful events.

Additionally, community college programs often offer opportunities for hands-on experience through internships or collaborations with local organizations.

  • These practical experiences allow students to apply their learning in real-world settings, enhancing their understanding of event planning processes and fostering important networking connections.
  • Overall, the combination of theoretical learning, practical training, and industry exposure makes event planning courses at community college a highly effective pathway for individuals aspiring to thrive in this dynamic profession.

Are you known to be the life of the party? Do you find yourself drawn to the glitz and glamour of formal events and festivities?

  • If so, harness this intrinsic quality by pursuing a career in event planning – starting right at your local community college!
  • To cater to society’s needs to celebrate, certain community colleges around the country have expanded their curriculum to include event planning courses.
  • Through wedding planning, etiquette, and management courses, you can learn the necessary skills
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Fine Tune Your Vocals through Community College Singing Classes

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Fine Tune Your Vocals through Community College Singing Classes
Those with the gift of song can take their singing to the next level with classes at community college. Learn about the courses offered at community college that can help prepare you for a singing career.

Is your voice an instrument? Whether you are interested in singing professionally or for pleasure, your local community college may be the perfect venue for fine-tuning your vocal skills. While many community colleges provide students with music classes, some campuses have added depth to their curriculum by offering classes that specifically focus on the art of singing. Consider adding a singing course as an elective or even declaring singing as your major, which could help you ultimately earn an associate’s degree in applied arts or sciences.

The benefits of singing in a choral ensemble

Singing in a choral ensemble or pursuing solo singing can be immensely rewarding experiences for individuals looking to develop their vocal skills and explore their passion for music. Participating in a choral ensemble offers numerous benefits, including learning from experienced instructors, developing harmonizing skills, and cultivating teamwork and collaboration. Singing in a group setting also allows individuals to improve their vocal technique, breath control, and pitch accuracy while fostering a deep sense of community and camaraderie with fellow singers. On the other hand, solo singing provides a platform for individuals to showcase their unique vocal abilities and express their individuality. It encourages personal growth, self-confidence, and artistic exploration.

This video offers a look at Shoreline Community College's Vocal Ensemble.

In today's digital age, promoting oneself as a singer through various social media platforms, such as TikTok, has become increasingly

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