It is, once again, fashionable to declare community colleges the answer to the serious problem of low college enrollment and graduation rates for African-American, Latino, and Native American students, and for low-income students of all backgrounds. Nearly all the national discussions that propose community colleges as the primary solution,…

In Texas, as in other states, fewer than a quarter of the students earning associate degrees end up applying to universities. The eventual result is widespread underemployment and a stagnating work force that doesn't keep up with population growth. However, Texas educators are trying to change that with two ambitious programs--one aimed at college…

This article discusses how to help struggling students in high school. The author describes the Early College High School Initiative that helps minority and low-income youths to earn one to two years of college credits while in high school. The program is part of a nationwide effort to bridge the gap between secondary and postsecondary…

At a series of four "Issues That Matter" meetings held by the Education Department's Office of Vocational and Adult Education over the last academic year, nearly 80 college leaders gathered to discuss issues urgent to community colleges. All are familiar--the need to create career pathways, improve articulation and developmental education, and…

One of the hottest topics in high-school reform is the movement to align high schools' graduation requirements with the requirements for college entrance, and to make sure that any graduate who enters college is ready for success. Advocates seem to believe that the answers to public-school reform and economic competitiveness can be found by…

Describes articulation agreements, special recruiting efforts, special degrees, scholarships, and convenient locations as some of the ways for-profit institutions are actively pursuing community college students. For-profit institutions are increasingly "transfer friendly," as several examples illustrate. (SLD)

The following cooperative programs, cited in the Carnegie Foundation's report on American secondary education, have been undertaken by colleges and universities: (1) Johns Hopkins University, through its Center for the Advancement of Academically Talented Youth, offers gifted students the opportunity to take university courses; (2) Kenyon…

According to a report by the Academy for Educational Development and the College Board, "Bridges to Opportunity," between 15 percent and 25 percent of community college students transfer to four-year institutions. Community colleges must make liberal arts programs their top priority if they are to help Black and Hispanic students…

A test that for a decade has been required of Florida college students before they can become juniors will, in 1996, become only one of four ways for students to demonstrate academic readiness. While some expect the change to reduce remedial enrollments, move students through college faster, and improve collaboration between public schools and…

Community colleges are being pressed to eliminate barriers that keep many of their students, especially minority students, from transferring to 4-year institutions. Over the last 15 years, community colleges have stressed occupational education, and not placed sufficient emphasis on academics. (MLW)

Smith College (Massachusetts) has established formal articulation agreements with Santa Monica College (California) and Miami-Dade Community College (Florida) to grant credit to community college students transferring to the private college. Vassar College (New York) is another private liberal arts college seeking more community college transfer…