Increasing the number of community college students who graduate with a degree or certificate is on the mind of every community college president — and President Obama. According to the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, more than 3 million livable-wage jobs are unfilled in the United States because students are not getting the education and […]

As U.S. troops leave Afghanistan and the military begins to downsize, our nation’s veterans are returning home in even greater numbers. Many of them will need some form of higher education to successfully move into the workforce, and states are wise to help them navigate whatever educational path they choose. What follows is an article […]

For some students, moving from high school to college is an overwhelmingly big step — so much so that they end up not making the transition. A fifth-year high school program in Oregon is making the path to college easier by allowing students to complete their first year of college at local community college satellite […]

Educators know that students who feel a meaningful connection to other students, faculty and staff at their higher education institution are more likely to complete their studies and earn their degrees. But do these connections need to be face-to-face in this social media-saturated world? Getting Connected: Harnessing the Power of Social Media to Enhance Community […]

Every college course students pass get them that much closer to a degree. But completion can be hardest for those who stop out. New research from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center on enrollment data at two- and four-year institutions finds that between 1993 and 2013, some 31 million students attended college but left before […]

A recent study shows that students who earn an associate degree before transferring to a four-year institution are more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree. Students have a further leg up when that associate degree aligns perfectly with the bachelor’s degree program at a nearby university. That’s what’s happening at Berkshire Community College (BCC) in […]

Community colleges are known for having a diverse group of students who often struggle to balance classes, work, family and finances. When these competing demands cause students to drop out, students not only don’t complete their degrees or certificates, but colleges also lose money. Columbia Basin College (CBC) in Pasco, Wash., has found a way […]

When the economy tanked back in 2008, community college was a popular option for many out-of-work adults looking to upskill in pursuit of new career opportunities. But research suggests that, as the economy has picked up, older students are increasingly ditching back-to-school plans in favor of paying careers. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports […]

We spend a lot of time talking about the skills gap in this country: Employers have trouble filling open positions because they can’t find enough skilled candidates to do the work. It’s a big problem. But skills aren’t the only issue that keeps students from landing good jobs. Job seekers often have the skills and […]