Careers: Programs At The Community College Of The Air Force

Religion is a cornerstone in nearly every community, and as communities are expanding, individuals are being exposed to greater opportunities within the services of a church or spiritual organization. Today, many students attendcommunity college, studying in theological/religious programs to learn more about the history, traditions, beliefs, and careers in a particular religious realm.

Religion and Careers

The Expanding Opportunities

While many believe that religious careers are limited to taking on the large role of a pastor, preacher, or religious leader, the careers in religious service are becoming incredibly more vast and diverse. In fact, while religious studies are offered at both community college and university institutions, Rutgers University specifically supports, “Religion graduates pursue careers in business, education, health professions, government, and the non-profit sector […] Future career options may be determined not so much by the choice of the religion major, but by interests, skills, values, and types of work experiences acquired during college.”

Essentially, regardless of the intended career pathway, a student can gain much experience, insight, skills, and support through studying religion in community college.

Specific Career Pathways

While a degree in religious studies/theology from a community college can certainly open doors to various career options, many students seek to study religion to find a career within a specific non-secular church or institution. If interested in this pathway, students can engage in community college theology courses to pursue a career

Many community college students juggle various personal responsibilities along with their academic requirements. Specifically, many community college students have young children and families to care for and support. Recognizing the importance of family and the lack of quality, affordable childcare in some cities, community colleges are implementing programs to offer support for their student-parents.

Community Colleges and Financial Support

Many state and local governments provide student-parents with financial aid, grants, and support, depending upon each student’s needs and family dynamics. For example, students at Wake Tech Community College can apply for the Childcare Grant. To be eligible, student-parents must demonstrate high financial need and be able to qualify for the federal Pell Grant. Additionally, they must be a single parent or a stay-at-home parent who is returning to school.

If awarded the grant, the student-parent will receive $650 per month to pay for childcare services. To maintain eligibility, student-parents must adhere to the following regulations:

• Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be eligible for the Pell Grant.
• Must be enrolled in a degree, diploma, or transfer credit program.
• Submit monthly attendance sheets documenting class attendance.

By following these guidelines, students can focus on their coursework and not have to worry about the financial strain of paying for childcare.

This video reports on Salt Lake Community College's daycare program.

Am I Eligible for the Childcare Grant?

Stafford loans are made under two federal programs: the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Whereas community colleges have more widely used the FFEL Program in the past, students and colleges are becoming more aware of the Direct Loan Program as another option. This article explains the Direct Loan Program, shows how Direct Loans compare to other Stafford loans, and discusses how the Direct Loan program may become the dominant, if not exclusive, college lending program.

What Students Should Know About Direct Loans

The Direct Loan Program was created in 1993 to offer subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans. Under the Direct Loan Program, students borrow directly from the Department of Education rather than private lenders. On a subsidized loan, the federal government pays the interest while the student is in school. The interest on an unsubsidized loan is accumulated until the student begins repaying the loan. The Direct Loan Program also offers PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) loans.

To apply for a Direct Loan, a student must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online or at student financial aid offices. A student must also sign a promissory note, the Direct Loan Electronic Master Promissory Note, which sets forth the terms and conditions of the loan.

Before June 30, 2006, the interest rate varied but could not exceed 8.25 percent. A reduction in the maximum interest rate for Stafford loans is being phased

While a struggling economy certainly forces extra pressures on young students seeking funds for loans and tuition costs, the enrollment rates for colleges continue to soar. In fact, according to data from the Department of Education, community college enrolment increased by ten percent in the course of just six years, from 2000 to 2006.

Some experts theorize that a dwindling economy actually helps to stimulate student enrollment. As Inside Higher Education explores, “Whether it’s the economy, new academic programs or better recruiting, community colleges are seeing an enrollment boom. While enrollment has been growing steadily at many two-year institutions, this fall appears likely to set records for many of these colleges.”

To help gauge prospective student interests while providing all current students with diverse support, community colleges are investigating the motivations and factors that are encouraging this new surge in enrollment.

This video reports on how a slow economy boosts community college attendance.

Examining the Rising Enrollment

As Statista reports, in 2020 there were 4.8 million students attending 942 community colleges. This growth is not limited to one particular realm of the United States: “The recent community college growth spurt is not restricted to the developing and rural areas. Some of the county’s largest two-year institutions are also enrolling more students than ever.”

Enrollment and the Economy

As community colleges try to ascertain the various factors that may be influencing their enrollment rates, Palm