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For the past several years, enrollment at community colleges has grown at an astronomical rate, but that trend appears to be reversing somewhat. A recent report suggests that enrollment at community colleges is beginning to slow, but why? The conditions that led to the rapid increase in enrollment, the sluggish economy, and the high unemployment rate are still in effect. So what is the difference? As we explore this subject more deeply, the possible reasons for the enrollment slowdown may surprise you.

The Boom

According to a recent report announced on PR Newswire, the enrollment rate at community colleges has been on a steady incline for the past decade. Community colleges make up the largest post-secondary education sector, with nearly 44 percent of all undergraduates in this country. From 2008 to 2009, that increase hit a spike, with an 11 percent increase during that academic year alone. Between 2007 and 2009, the total increase in community college enrollment hit an all-time high of nearly 17 percent.

These percentages indicate that the total number of community college students on campuses across the country has increased by 1.4 million since 2007. It is no coincidence that this is the same year the recession officially began, and many adults lost their jobs. Today, the total number of credit-earning community college students is approximately 8.2 million. There are another five million non-credit students gracing campuses across the country.

This video reports on the

Community college students interested in LGBT studies, whether to obtain an associate degree or transfer to a four-year university, often found slim pickings in this area at most colleges nationwide. Schools that did offer courses in the subject often did so as part of their women's or English studies. However, one community college in San Francisco wants to be on the cutting edge of a whole new trend – by offering a major in LGBT studies that would be the first at any community college in the United States.

City College of San Francisco: LGBT Pioneer

City College of San Francisco is no stranger to firsts. According to a report in the Bay Area Reporter, this community college was the first to offer individual LGBT courses as far back as 1972. In 1989, the school established its own gay and lesbian studies department, the first of its kind in the United States. When Ardel Thomas, Ph.D., was brought on as chair of the department in 2006, one of her first orders of business was to begin the work involved with creating an LGBT major at City College.

"One reason we didn't put the major forward before is that up until recently there were no other programs you could actually go to," Thomas told the Reporter, citing the scarcity of LGBT major or minor studies at four-year universities. "Now, however, LGBT studies and queer studies are recognized internationally as a field of academia."

Community colleges have become a major focus of post-secondary education since President Obama made them one of his top focus areas over the first two years of his administration. Last year, the first national community college survey was conducted to determine what impact community colleges might have on adults and industries nationwide. The Pearson Foundation's data share insight into who attends community college today and some of the major challenges these institutions and their students face.

Who is Attending Community College?

One part of the survey looked at the types of students community colleges frequently see today, and the results were reported in the Washington Post. This information can help colleges determine the best courses, faculty, and schedules to accommodate their student body demographics. The Pearson Foundation study found:

• One-third of the student population at community colleges enrolled right after graduating from high school.
• One-third were returning to college from the workforce, presumably to get additional training for their current jobs or the education necessary to switch careers.
• One-third were taking community college courses for self-improvement or enjoyment purposes.
• Half the students surveyed were age 26 or older.
• About 60 percent were planning to transfer to a four-year university after completing their community college degree program (the actual transfer rates are much lower).

Most community college students are much older than those attending a four-year university. In addition, many community college students have already been in the workforce; many are married and have families. This changes the

The trend in the United States has gradually been moving from placing elderly patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities to allowing them to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible. To achieve that goal, the role of the home caregiver has also expanded, with more need for these trained professionals than ever before. Home caregivers make regular trips to the homes of patients to help them live independently for as long as possible. While training for qualified caregivers has not kept up with demand, new training programs are cropping up at community colleges around the country to get more professionals into this rewarding career.

Jobs for Caregivers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for home caregivers and health aides is expected to increase exponentially as the demand for these professionals rises. Many caregivers work part-time evenings and weekends, while others find full-time employment. Some of the duties of a home caregiver might include:

• Working with elderly or physically or mentally disabled patients to help them live independently
• Helping patients recently discharged from hospitals as they recover from illness, injury or surgery
• Providing psychological support and instruction to patients they visit
• Performing light housekeeping duties like changing linens and cooking meals
• Checking a patient's vital signs and keeping a record of the results for doctors
• Assisting patients with basic functions like bathing, grooming or dressing

Because many home caregivers must help patients get in and out of bed or get