I am a proud graduate of one of the top elite colleges in the country. Wellesley College, with its sprawling green lawns, and lovely stone buildings, gave me a stellar education in a challenging academic setting. I’m a huge booster of Wellesley, forever grateful for what I learned there.
But in recent years I’ve also become a champion of community colleges as I’ve spent time on campuses across the country and here in the Boston area. Full disclosure: I was the commencement speaker at Roxbury Community College a few years ago.
It was at RCC that I got a chance for first hand interaction with students in a class called The College Experience. The course included practical tips like study habits and time management, as well as an intense focus on writing skills. I guest lectured in a three hour Saturday morning class. The mix of students typical of community colleges— a few young high school graduates, some returning veterans, and a lot of single parents, and immigrants. Also typical, most were older and working. A recent WGBH On Campus poll confirmed most community college students work 30 hours or more. Juggling studying and assignments at the same time. That’s tough for anyone, but especially hard for students who need help learning how to handle college level studies. My students were energetic and enthused. They lit up when I shared favorite authors’ work and eagerly took part in exercises to expand their vocabulary. I came away recognizing that my commitment when a 17 year old college freshman was no match for the drive and determination of the students in that Saturday class.
I never considered a community college when I was applying, but the new WGBH polling data reveals that today a majority of Americans would recommend high school students consider community college instead of a four- year university. For sure, community college is a bargain compared to the average 50 thousand dollar yearly tuition of many four- year colleges. But increasingly, the public has come to understand the value of a community college education— beyond price. Community colleges are offering both an academic curriculum, which attracts students looking to continue at a four- year institution, as well as those preparing to go right into the workforce. In Massachusetts community colleges are partnering with corporations developing programs to train engineers, nurses, and graphic artists for thousands of middle class jobs.
Survey participants overwhelming said community colleges are now ‘essential’ in providing families with opportunities. You don’t have to explain that to the millions of community college graduates.
