Will the Failing Auto Industry Drive Up Community College Enrollment Rates?

During his visit, Obama sympathized with residents while simultaneously attempted to boost morale with his $12 billion dollar proposal. With this proposal, Obama hopes to increase the enrollment rates at community colleges, both in Michigan and across the country, to eventually create a more qualified workforce.
In looking forward to the economic perks of education, Obama reminded Michigan residents, “'(The) hard truth is that some of the jobs that have been lost in the auto industry and elsewhere won't be coming back... And that only underscores the importance of generating new businesses and industries to replace the ones we've lost, and of preparing our workers to fill the jobs they create.'” As the country's needs and requirements shift with the tides of the economy, Obama is focused on improving access to education in order to prepare workers for the unavoidable professional shifts that lie ahead.
Unfortunately, mostly due to the dwindling auto industry, leaders acknowledge that Michigan will undoubtedly struggle to rebound from the horrific effects of the recession in their area. Adding to this, the jobless rate in Michigan is projected to get worse before it begins to improve. Yet, although there are struggles ahead, Obama also reminded Michigan residents that the government bailout of the big three auto companies helped to save the local economy from a much more disastrous financial fate.
Community Colleges and the 10 Year Plan
Community Colleges Across the Country: How the Auto Industry Will Impact Your Campus
While Michigan was certainly a main state of focus during Obama's summer speeches, community college campuses across the country are anticipating a surge of enrollment rates. Essentially, to understand the nationwide impact of the auto collapse, one must foremost consider what happens to Michigan residents facing unemployment. In many cases, laid-off workers quickly move out of state, resulting in population growth in other states. As local population rates rise, college admission rates are expected to similarly rise.
Additionally, as Obama is proposing to offer further community college support plans, including free or reduced tuition for unemployed / laid-off workers, experts predict that the community college classrooms in all states should continue to fill with a rising number of students.