2015-2020

As the demand for environmentally valuable technologies is rising, community colleges across the country are implementing programs to provide students with the skills and knowledge to compete in the future "green collar" job force.

According to The Times Herald-Record, a "green collar" job is a job that "has been upgraded to address the environmental changes of our country." Generated by the need for energy efficiency, careers in fields of energy auditors, weatherization workers, solar electric and water installers, and insulation installers, are all jobs that are projected to be in high demand.

Since the demand is already on the rise, there is already a need for millions of "green collar" workers, and the training demands are immediate. Acknowledging this increasing demand, community colleges are implementing revolutionary programs to prepare students for careers as "green collar" workers in fields of renewable energy. With competitive pay and incredible demand, students are eager to join programs that will lead to sustainable and valuable careers after college.

Community Colleges Gaining Newsworthy Recognition

While community colleges across the country are implementing renewable and green collar programs, Cape Fear Community College, Cape Cod Community College, and Columbia George Community College are just three of the many institutions that have gained media attention for their newsworthy programs and course offerings.

Cape Fear Community College

In Wilmington North Carolina, Cape Fear Community College's Engineering Department has developed a renewable energy lab. Focusing on the research and use of hydrogen fuel cells,

As society evolves, our institutions must accommodate change or risk becoming obsolete. Community colleges, as providers of higher education in a particular geographic area, must be responsive not only to local community needs but also to national developments and demographic changes. This report examines seven prominent trends in community colleges today.

1. Increased Distance Learning

Using the internet as the primary tool, community colleges have embraced distance learning. Responding to the demand for more distance education, some community colleges offer particular courses online and some offer online degree programs that are completely online. The ability to take college courses online makes access to higher education possible for more students. The hallmark of online education is the flexibility it affords to students needing to coordinate their studies with business or personal obligations. For example, a student with a full-time job can access an online course before or after work or on days off. Stay-at-home parents can participate in online classes before the children get up, while they are at school, and after they go to bed at night. Students who live in geographically remote areas can attend college without having to relocate or travel great distances. The popularity of distance learning guarantees that the trend toward more online course offerings will continue.

This video looks at 7 Common Misconceptions About Distance Learning.

2. Greater Number of Baccalaureate Degrees