Reality Check: Are Community College Grads Getting Hired?

Many high school students are advised to begin their college careers at a community college for cost or academic reasons. However, the transfer process from a two-year college to a four-year university can be confusing at best, with conflicting requirements that may make a degree that much more elusive. The result is that many students never end up graduating at all, and some don't even make it into the hallowed ivy walls of a university in the first place.

This video offers some tips on how to transfer from a community college to a four-year university.

California Higher Education Bill

The state of California is hoping to change all the confusion, thanks to legislation intended to make the transfer process much easier and more streamlined. A report at the Chronicle of Higher Education explains the legislation, which is slated to go into effect during the fall of 2011. The bill was approved in the state senate this month, and it is expected that Governor Schwarzenegger will sign the bill into law.

The California bill requires community colleges to offer a redesigned associate's degree. Students who complete the degree would be guaranteed admission into one of California State University campuses, where they could complete a bachelor's degree in 60 credit hours or less. The purpose of the bill is to increase the number of students who successfully transfer from a

In this article, we delve into the world of community college summer programs designed exclusively for middle school students. Witness how these young minds embark on an inspiring educational journey that transcends traditional classroom boundaries. Discover the transformative experiences and unique learning opportunities that await these students as they take their first steps into higher education. From immersive courses to hands-on activities, witness how these summer programs foster intellectual curiosity, instill confidence, and empower the next generation of leaders. Join us as we explore the tremendous impact of community college summer programs in shaping the future aspirations of our middle school students.

More and more community colleges across the country are opening their doors to middle school and high school students for summer enrichment programs. These classes provide the opportunity for students to continue learning throughout summer vacation in a fun, low-stress environment that promotes hands-on learning and smaller class sizes for the greatest benefit.

The Benefits of Summer Learning

There are many reasons to consider community college enrichment programs for your middle schooler this summer. According to Public School Review, some of the advantages of summer classes include:

• Programs that emphasize academic instruction allow students to enhance their cognitive skills.
• Any type of summer enrichment program can improve students' social skills and provide opportunities for personal growth.
• Summer programs encourage routine during the summer months and encourage physical activity, which may help prevent behavioral issues and emotional downfalls.

There are many opportunities for summer enrichment today,

The Poorer the Student, the Less Likely to Apply for Aid

Community college students are much more likely to qualify for financial aid than four-year university students. However, students attending two-year institutions are unlikely to apply for assistance, according to a recently released report by the College Board. The discrepancy has inspired many higher educators to "put on their thinking caps" and devise a solution to make community college more affordable to those who can least afford it.

According to the College Board Study, only 58% of community college students eligible for Pell grants applied for financial aid, compared with 77% of Pell-eligible students at four-year institutions. The College Board report states, "Although community college students are more likely to be eligible for need-based federal aid, they are less likely than their peers at other types of institutions to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)."

College Raptor makes the following observation about some students not applying for financial aid. "The National College Access Network (NCAN) recently released an alarming study about college-bound students’ awareness of financial aid opportunities. Within their post, they reference other findings and statistics about higher education and financial aid. The Department of Education found that only 45% of high school students completed and filed the FAFSA. Less than half of graduating high school students apply for federal financial aid." Apparently, many high school students know little or nothing about financial aid.

This video

It has become popular in Australia, New Zealand, and Great Britain. It has even been embraced in the rural villages of Alaska. Now, dental therapy is coming to the continental United States, thanks to a pilot training program offered through the state of Minnesota.

Dental therapy is the future wave, offering patients additional access to dental treatment, using a more cost-effective solution to many common dental issues. Dental therapists operate as middlemen between dentists and dental hygienists, offering many services usually provided by dentists but often at a fraction of the cost. The program was introduced in Minnesota to help reach the state's rural areas where people cannot access dentists easily due to distant locations and unaffordable fees.

This video offers a look at what a dental therapist does.

The English Example

According to the National Health Service website, dental therapists are a mainstay in countries like Great Britain, where approximately 380 were on the General Dental Council Role in 2002. Since then, dental therapists have been authorized to work in all areas of dentistry, including general dental practices. The therapist works directly with a registered dentist, providing the treatment that the dentist prescribes.

Dental therapists in England also have opportunities to move into other areas of the dental field, including research and teaching roles. A diploma course in dental therapy takes about 27 months to complete and includes a variety of topics, including preventative