OSHA Training at Community College: Making Workplace Safety Easier

In the past, students who struggled in high school often didn't even bother with the idea of higher education. After all, if secondary school was difficult, then college would be nearly impossible, right?

However, a push for higher college graduation rates by President Obama, as well as truths discovered about many so-called remedial students, has led educators in community colleges across the country to redefine remedial education. As times are changing, more students are turning to special community college programs that are helping them see success in their education and lives after college.

In this video, two students discuss how they ended up taking a remedial math class.

What is Remedial Education?

According to WiseGeek.com, remedial education is "education designed to bring students who are lagging behind up to the next level of achievement realized by their peers." Students who found themselves in remedial education often felt they didn't have much chance at academic success beyond high school. Those who did qualify for college entrance often dropped out within their first year because they simply didn't have the background knowledge or study skills to succeed in a college setting.

The good news is that these students now have hope for making it through college and earning a degree, thanks to programs that help students develop the skills they need to succeed in higher education.

The Need for College Success

One of the biggest obstacles community colleges face today is the ability to retain students until they graduate or transfer to another institution. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), just one in five public community college students graduate with their certificate or associate’s degree within three years. Students pursuing a two-year degree have a much lower chance of achieving their educational goals than those who begin their academic careers at a four-year university, as the graduation for students at four-year institutions is nearly 60 percent.

However, a college degree is imperative today for individuals who want to gain employment that offers sufficient income to support themselves and their families. Community colleges are a perfect place to get an education because of the convenience and affordability many two-year institutions provide. To help students reach their goals, colleges are getting creative in their methods of student retention.

President Obama has set a high bar for colleges across the country: to have the highest college graduation rates in the world by the year 2020. However, this is a very tall task. According to a report by 24/7 Wall St., from 2000-2011, the college graduation growth rate in the United States was a paltry 1.4 percent – one of the lowest rates of any developed country. While the U.S. has climbed the list of most educated countries – moving up to fifth place from

Despite the economic slowdown that has hit the country, and especially areas of the Midwest, there are jobs available for those with experience in the manufacturing industry. The secret to gainful employment may be as easy as honing your skills at a local community college with up-to-date programs in green manufacturing.

One of the brightest spots in the industry currently appears to be in composite technology, the manufacturing of composite materials for a variety of uses. Community colleges across the country are heeding the call for composite technicians by offering specialized programs to prepare students for entry into the industry.

What is a Composite Technician?

According to the website for the Miller Business Resource Center at Salt Lake Community College, a composite technician fabricates "lightweight, structurally strong parts and assembly for a variety of job applications."

Some of the industries using composite technicians today include aerospace, wind turbines, automobiles, and marine vessels. In addition to manufacturing, composite technicians may also work in quality control and testing, as well as research and development.

To work in the area of composite technology, many employers want applicants to have a minimum of an associate's degree in Materials Science. However, there are employers working directly with community colleges to create a training program specific to their industry that may be completed in just a few weeks' time. These programs may offer the opportunity to go to work with the employer directly after completion of the program, making

Careers: Horticulture

The field of horticulture opens up a wealth of career opportunities, ranging from education and public service to landscape design and nursery management.

• Many community colleges have tuned into the value of offering a comprehensive horticulture program to students, providing plenty of educational options.
• Grow interested in just a few examples of the many horticulture programs available across the country, as well as the career opportunities you can explore with a two-year degree or certification in this field.

This video describes the Horticulture Technology program at Alamance Community College.

Careers in Horticulture

According to the American Society for Horticulture Science, there are many possible career paths to pursue a degree or training in the field of horticulture. Some of the possibilities include:

• Education – Teach at the community college or university level.
• Research – Conduct research through universities or companies involved in horticulture.
• Entrepreneur – Own your own nursery, landscape design company or winery.
• Parks – Become a part of botanical gardens, learning gardens or public parks and museums.
• Public Service – Work in non-profit organizations or extension offices.
• Golf and Sports – Design or manage golf courses, athletic fields or country clubs.
• Production – Create an inventory for nurseries or landscape companies.
• Landscape Design – Create beautiful outdoor spaces for commercial and residential properties.
• Communication – Educate others about horticulture through mass media like radio and print publications.
• Marketing – Promote nurseries, landscape companies, or