Here are three reports to read this month. Though overall persistence and retention rates have remained relatively flat among community college students who entered in fall 2023, the rates for older learners show big drops, according to a new report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Fall 2024 enrollments for two-year students who entered […]
Completion Articles
Wildfires inspire students’ STEM innovations
The Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC) aims to foster solutions developed by two-year college students to address real-world STEM problems. What is particularly unique this year is how many finalist projects came about from discussions about wildfires. During a CCIC poster showcase held on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, 12 student-led teams from community colleges across […]
Program reaches an apprenticeship milestone
In 2018, Hinds Community College partnered with KLLM Transport Services and the U.S. Department of Labor to establish a Truck Driver Registered Apprenticeship program. This April, the partners reached a significant milestone of 1,000 apprentices completing the registered apprenticeship program. “KLLM is committed to having the safest truck drivers on the road and ensuring from […]
Arizona college launches three-year bachelor’s degree program
Yavapai College (YC) announced May 22 that it will offer a three-year bachelor’s degree – the new Optimized 92-credit Bachelor of Applied Science in Business (BASB) degree. The degree will launch for the upcoming fall 2025 semester, and the Arizona college will be the first community college in the United States to offer a three-year […]
Student story: Finding her voice and purpose
Dejntxhee Vang’s career dreams have ebbed and flowed, mostly influenced by her surroundings. Vang, known as DJ, yearned to be a farmer like her cousins in Missouri. Her family lived with them when she was young. Her goals morphed into art and design when the family moved to Alaska. She briefly explored science fields like […]
Using data, technology to advance student outcomes
The use of labor market information (LMI) and student outcomes data, as well as the innovative use of technology, are key for improving students’ economic outcomes. Last year, the Project on Workforce and Education Design Lab studied four community colleges working to integrate LMI, student performance data and new technologies to better support underserved students. […]
The power of first-generation programs
At Seminole State College of Florida, the First Generation Program, fondly referred to as First Gen, is more than a support system — it serves as a launchpad for students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. Seminole State serves about 2,400 First Gen students. By offering mentorship, resources and […]
A new AI model: The Human Guided Learning Ecosystem
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues its rapid evolution, a wave of apprehension has swept through higher education. Many fear AI will supplant educators or render our institutions obsolete. But what if this focus is misplaced? What if the future of higher education doesn’t just survive AI, but thrives because of it? Imagine a system where […]
Internship program is bridge from classroom to career
Lexi Grey knew she wanted to go into the medical sciences ever since her father died of cancer when she was 5 years old. An internship at the Scripps Research lab in La Jolla, which she obtained while a student at San Diego Mesa College, helped her realize she wanted to focus on the science […]
One stop, all the support
Tulsa Community College (TCC) in March officially opened the Student Help Hub, a one-stop shop for students to connect with academic, financial and personal support. Located at TCC’s Northeast Campus Student Union, the Help Hub offers in-person assistance, with online access available to all TCC students. Through the Help Hub, students will be supported by […]