Gen Z and Y on D&I: Community Colleges Offer What Others Cannot

In honor of April being National Community College Month, I wanted to reflect on my experience in what I find to be the backbone of the American higher educational system. Community colleges are often the most diverse education centers in a city or town, as their very nature is to serve the entire community. Community colleges are not only substantially less expensive than a four-year institution, making education more attainable for the average person, but they also understand their student population’s needs and are better able to support the well-being of students outside of the classroom by providing programs and services from mentorship opportunities, to free tax services on campus. All of these services make for a very nurturing place to learn — which can be extremely beneficial if you are unsure about the higher education process, or what you are looking to get from school. I found club advisors and professors in community college that I still have relationships with and who I can still turn to for guidance.

The biggest difference I found after attending both a community college and state school in the same metropolitan area was that the perspective gained from a community college is unmatched. You have the opportunity to be in classes with people ranging all walks of life. I was working hand in hand with fresh–out–of–high–school students like myself, to students three times my age, some of whom on their 10th or 11th tries at going back to school. This meant I was able to see the city for what it truly was, rather than experience a small group of the lucky few that can attend a four-year institution. Many of my classmates worked full-time jobs and/or had children, something I saw much less of at the university. This is not to say that there are no students at universities outside of the typical “college-age” demographic, but that in community college there is no typical age range or experience level — which can lead to less of a feeling of isolation. Another surprise I found was the number of international students attending from almost every continent. Many finding the route of a community college more accessible than applying directly to a university.

I recognize that this is not the case for all community colleges and those in smaller cities or rural towns are going to have a different experience; however, I think it is an option people at any stage of life should heavily consider. In these times when technology is developing faster than schools can keep up with, looking to your local community college can be a great option for obtaining a degree, certificate or just learning a new skill. 

I want to leave you with one of my fondest memories from my time in community college, which came at the very end: When I was graduating with my associates degree, there in the student section with me was a 96-year-old WWII veteran who proudly proclaimed that he had already registered for the next semester. Anyone who has attended or worked for a community college can tell you how special they are. With most economists predicting another recession and the future of higher education in flux as never before, I am grateful to know community colleges will be more important than ever in filling gaps and making learning accessible to help people obtain the skills they need for employment.