Extracurricular Activities

While not every community college boasts a robust sports program, those that do provide an outlet for student-athletes to come and compete while getting their post-secondary education. Unfortunately, one Midwestern school has found that despite a long and illustrious history, they can no longer support the football program that has been an integral part of campus life. Grand Rapids Community College has bid a sudden farewell to their football program this year, after enjoying an 80-year tradition and plenty of notoriety through individual athletes and numerous winning seasons.

The Announcement is Made

According to a report at mLive.com, the announcement to end the football program was made by the president of Grand Rapids Community College, Steven Ender. Ender also issued a formal press release, after talking with the coaches and players involved in the football program about the school’s decision. In the press release, Ender cited the following reasons for bringing Grand Rapids football tradition to an abrupt halt:

• With games now played in Illinois, Iowa, North Dakota, and Georgia, the school was no longer able to spend the time or money getting the football team and staff to games further from home. In some cases, student-athletes and coaches were spending up to 19 hours on a bus to get to a single game.
• Many of the student-athletes that came to the school to play football faced severe personal obstacles, including finding the means to pay for off-campus housing, since many came from

Community colleges provide a plethora of opportunities for traditional and non-traditional students alike. These two-year institutions offer fast, affordable higher education to high school graduates who are not ready for the university and older students looking for a new direction in their career path. One element of a community college that is often overlooked is the ability for students to play sports at the junior college level. From football to women’s softball, many campuses across the country provide the chance for students to participate in the sport of their choice for fun, competition, and even a possible career.

Benefits of Sports at Community College

The addition of a robust athletics program at community colleges offers a host of benefits to students, as well as the school. While these programs are not traditionally big money makers for the colleges, the advantages offered may make the cost of the programs worthwhile to many college campuses.

“It provides a full college experience,” Gary Branch, president of Faulkner State Community College, explained to the GadsenTimes. Branch is also the president of the Alabama College Athletic Conference.

David Mollahan agrees. The president of Marion Military Institute told the Times, “It’s beneficial to higher education. Our programs, I think, are worth it.”

Although some in the community college arena lament the cost of such programs, particularly at a time when budgets are getting tighter and tighter, Raymond Staats, president of Gadsen State Community College told the

Run Towards the Finish Line with a Community College Marathon

Are you willing to go the distance? Marathon enthusiasts can find fantastic races on their very own community college campuses. Through marathon clubs or teams, community college students not only race against their colleagues but against their professors, too!

If you're curious about what it takes to become a marathon runner, or if you're hoping to find fellow students to join for long-distance running, consider community college marathon groups available in your local area.

Benefits of Joining Community College Marathon Teams

Marathon teams are springing up at community college campuses across the country. For example, Highland Community College, located in Highland, Kansas, offers a highly competitive Highland Marathon Team for eligible students. In examining the Highland Women's team, runners were able to compete at the National Junior College Athletic Association Half Marathon Championships, where participants raced in a 13.1-mile event.

Hosted at a different community college campus each year, the 2008 race was held at Johnson County Community College. Setting a six-year record for the Athletic Association, 185 runners representing a total of 27 different colleges participated. Individual runners hoped to earn fast times, and each college team strove for a top prize and ranking. According to the Highland Women's Marathon Team records, several of the school's top runners completed the race in under 1 hour and 45 minutes!

If you're curious about how to join your community college marathon team, you

While joining any community college club can help boost your chances of employment after graduation, students participating in debate clubs tend to possess even greater hiring odds!

A community college’s debate club teaches members how to research, articulate arguments, and clarify ideas. Subsequently, individuals actively engaging in debate club activities are often more prepared to speak clearly during interviews, demonstrate a professional presence, and clearly explain concepts and abilities. Indeed, there are many reasons why debating in college can lead to you debating all the job offers on the table post-graduation!

Matthew Lynch, writing in The Advocate, states: "Research, reasoning, and even public speaking skills are just a few of the many benefits that come with learning to be a good debater. From planning your argument – even if it’s one you disagree with – to choosing your words with care, debating can prepare you to take on any challenge life may present to you.

Debating is, by no means, the same thing as engaging in a full-blown argument. Instead, you will have to prepare a compelling, concise argument, which will gain support and backing, rather than simply attacking your opponent blindly."

Networking with the Professional Community

While each community college’s debate club may focus on its unique topics, most debate clubs strive to boost students’ investigations of community and social issues.

For example, Gulf Coast Community College (GCCC), located in Panama City, Florida, is one of the many community colleges providing students

With only two years spent on campus, community college students often find that graduation is upon them before they have taken advantage of all the valuable opportunities available!

To make the most of your community college experience, consider volunteering with community college groups and organizations. Volunteerism can help boost your experience, your resume, and your professional network while providing you with an array of additional perks.

Build Your Resume

Most community college students and graduates are aware of the highly competitive tensions in the job market. To ensure that your resume stands out from the rest, boost your credentials by including various volunteerism activities. Volunteering lets employers know that you care about your community and work well in teams. Also your volunteerism experiences can also provide employers with more insight into your interests, as groups that are devoted to environmental, regional, or other specific causes can say quite a deal about your character.

Include your various volunteerism activities on your resume to show more about yourself as a personable applicant. Include these activities to show how you have gained valuable work experience. For example, if you were the leader of your volunteerism group, explain how this experience has better prepared you for the career in which you are applying. Leadership and involvement are key attributes that can help boost an application and resume.

This video from the Times Higher Education discusses the benefits of student volunteerism.