Community College Students Offer Free Tax Help

While community colleges appreciated the shout-out they received during President Obama’s recent State of the Union address, most say that accomplishing the president's proposal will take more resources than they currently have. Even the schools with programs similar to those the President proposed said they could do much more if they had more – from state and federal governments. While it remains to be seen whether additional funding will come, the first step – raising awareness for community colleges' critical role in today’s employment scene – was accomplished through the President’s speech.

What the President Said

According to a report in the Chronicle of Higher Education, President Obama focused on the plight of many hard-working Americans who cannot “enjoy the American Dream” like previous generations did. The President referred to the problem as “the defining issue of our time,” and stated in his speech, “We shouldn’t settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well while a growing number of Americans barely get by.” The president called for “an economy where everyone gets a fair shot and does their fair share, and plays by the same set of rules.”

To that end, the President touted community colleges as key players in putting America back to work. In his address, Obama stated that community colleges were at the forefront of worker training programs across the country and called for many of these schools to ramp up their partnerships with area

While community college has traditionally been a budget-friendly place to pursue higher education, some high school students have discovered they can take that benefit a step further by taking college courses while they are still in high school. This program, referred to as dual enrollment, is especially advantageous because high school students do not have to pay tuition for classes taken during the high school years. However, community colleges in Florida have found that the popularity of dual-enrollment programs is creating a financial dilemma for the very schools that originally used the programs to encourage high-achieving high school students to pursue higher education.

The Benefits of Dual Enrollment

Two recent studies from the National Center for Postsecondary Research show that dual enrollment has some positive effects on college enrollment and completion. According to a report at the Council for the Study of Community Colleges website, one study found that students who took dual enrollment classes were12 percent more likely to go to college and seven percent more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree than those who did not participate in dual enrollment courses. However, the positive effects were restricted to students who took classes on the college campus, instead of in their own high school classrooms.

The second study found that students who passed a college algebra placement test and participated in a dual-enrollment college algebra class were 16 percent more likely to go to college and 23 percent more likely to earn a

Community colleges have traditionally been a means for the budget-conscious to pursue a higher education and a well-paying job after graduation. However, if the student does not finish his degree or certificate program, he gains little more than excessive debt - and no credentials to get the job he needs to pay off his school loans. In Illinois, the number of community college students in this position is alarmingly high – so much so that the state's lieutenant governor, Sheila Simon, wants to write new legislation to improve community college graduation rates over the next decade significantly.

Focus on the Finish

The new report released by Simon’s office, titled “Focus on the Finish,” provides statistics on current graduation rates at Illinois community colleges and recommendations to improve those numbers. Nearly one million students enroll in Illinois community colleges every year. According to Lt. Governor Simon’s website, the report shows that four out of five recent high school graduates in Illinois who attend community college do not earn their degree or certificate within three years.

“We’re doing a good job of getting all types of students into the doors of community colleges,” Simon stated on her website. “But now we need to do a better job of moving them across the stage at graduation with a certificate or degree that leads to a good-paying job here in Illinois.”

Simon explains that there are currently 142,000 jobs available in the state, yet thousands of

The community college has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and now two-year programs have become an effective way for many to jumpstart a new career or advance their current job to the next level. Whether you are looking for a two-year degree program that gets you into the workforce faster or you are preparing for a four-year degree program with an eventual transfer to a university, community colleges have what you are looking for. However, before signing on with the closest community college, check out these tips to help you make the most of your two years at that institution.

Choosing a Degree Program

The plethora of two-year degree programs is one of the primary reasons more adult students are flocking to community colleges today. These schools offer a bevy of options, from general education degrees to career-specific training in everything from renewable energy to healthcare. However, the growing number of degree choices can also make it difficult for first-year community college students to settle on a program that will offer them both fulfillment and sufficient career openings. It is important to research degree programs carefully before choosing a major to ensure you find a program that will be both personally rewarding and financially lucrative.

According to data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reported by College Board, the top 10 degrees currently offered by community colleges in terms of job openings include:

• Registered nurses