Recruiting: Bringing Youth To Community College Campuses

California community colleges have faced a recent cash crunch that has resulted in thousands of students ending up on waitlists rather than in classes. A new study reveals that many students could find classroom space if the two-year colleges in the state were willing to coordinate at least a portion of their administrative staff. The savings would not be insignificant; according to a recent analysis, tens of millions could be allocated for classroom resources by making consolidation decisions in college districts across California.

Analysis Offers Insight into Spending PatternsCalifornia Watch website

The analysis was conducted by California Watch, a nonpartisan investigative reporting center that performs a wide range of investigative reporting for the state. The group specializes in fields like public health, environment, and education. According to the California Watch website, the award-winning team is supported by grants from several organizations, including the James Irvine Foundation and The California Endowment.

To complete this analysis, members of California Watch dug deep into the bureaucracy of the California Community College System, the largest of its kind in the United States. An additional article on the group’s website explains that argument.

Millions Spent on Duplicate Jobs

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that those 16 districts had duplication in 21 executive or management positions. That number did not include chancellors or presidents, who were appointed in each district as well. The total number of employees at this level was 253, earning a cumulative salary of $30 million,

Online education has been increasing in popularity for adult students over the past decade. Yahoo Education reports that in 2010, 27 percent of adult degree-granting institutions were seeking their degrees online and that number is predicted to go as high as 39 percent by 2015. Today, adult students can find a wealth of options for in-demand degrees that they can earn almost exclusively from the comfort of home. Check out these online degrees you can earn in just two years or less.

Business Administration

Business degrees are relatively easy to earn online and offer a variety of options in today’s workforce. Online education is an appropriate replica of the current business world since much of today’s administrative work is handled via the Internet. For those interested in a professional career in this field, business administration offers a solid foundation that opens the door to a variety of business occupations. With studies in accounting, human resources, and management, you can hone your professional skills for the 21st-century workforce without ever straying far from your home computer.

Paralegal Studies

The paralegal field is one of the fastest-growing occupations today, according to Yahoo Education. The website cites numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that predict this field to grow by 24 percent between 2008 and 2018. Paralegal professionals work alongside attorneys in their practices, conducting research, writing briefs, and educating clients about their cases. The average annual salary for paralegals today ranges

Choosing a college is an important step that can directly impact a student’s success. Once a college is chosen, the reality of paying for higher education begins to creep into the picture. By selecting a community college, students have already made a frugal choice for their future. However, even community college is far from free. These ten financial aid tips help you pay your way through community college.

Earn Credits before College

You can begin paying for college long before you even apply. How? By earning college credits while you are still in high school. Many community colleges now work with neighboring high schools to allow students to dual-enroll in both college and high school classes simultaneously. Many of these programs do not charge tuition to college students but offer the same credit for the courses.

Determine Your Needs

Before you begin filling out financial aid forms, ABC Chicago recommends you get a rough idea of how much money you will actually need. Take the total cost of tuition at the college you will be attending and add on living expenses if you will be living on your own, books, and other essentials. Subtract the amount you have saved, as well as any money provided by your parents. Now you have a ballpark figure of how much money you still need to come up with to pay for your entire education.

This video offers some suggestions for securing financial aid.

Community colleges have been diversifying their student populations in recent years to include students from other states and even other countries. Their appeal also expands as some two-year schools become known for specific programs, transfer agreements with four-year institutions, and even partnerships with local businesses. International students interested in a U.S. community college may enjoy several benefits but face unique challenges in realizing their higher education dreams.

Why International Students Choose Community College

There are several reasons why international students are looking at community colleges today, according to a report at U.S. News, including:

• Lower Tuition Rates – Students from a distance find affordable higher education through America’s community college system. For example, the U.S. News and World Report cites the average cost of 24 credits from Diablo Community College in California at around $6,000, while the same number of credits at San Jose State University, a neighboring four-year school, is around $16,500 for the same number of credits.
• Transfer Options – Many community colleges across the country now have transfer agreements with four-year schools, ensuring students who begin their education in a two-year program can finish their baccalaureate degree at a nearby institution.
• Smoother Transition – Students from other countries often find community college an easier transition to the American way of life. Many community colleges provide English language courses and other services to help international students adapt to a new language and culture.
• Easier Requirements – For international students who don’t have the