Open Access Policies in Community Colleges, Speech Example

For some time now some academics have argued that Community Colleges should not retain their “open access” policies.  Some have felt that allowing academically under-prepared students to enroll in Community Colleges has resulted in the “watering down” of academic rigor.  Notwithstanding these arguments, most States have continued to embrace open access policies.

As economic challenges surround us, cutbacks are taking place in the public sector as well as in private enterprise.  School funding (including Community Colleges) has taken a beating.  Some have even talked about requiring academic admission standards at Community Colleges as a way of lightening enrollment.  In times like these it is tempting, but I stand against it.

Open access is important.  Consider the story of George.

George was raised on a farm in central California.  He was not a very good student and barely made passing grades.  With a dream of becoming a NASCAR driver, he spent more time working on cars than doing homework.  Between his cars, and Buck Rogers comic books, George barely finished high school.  Two weeks before graduating, George was in a terrible car crash and spent two months in the hospital where he decided that being a NASCAR driver might not be such a good idea after all.

Aside from cars and comic books, George also liked photography and expressed an interest in studying art in college.  Unfortunately, his high school grades were so poor, that he could not get accepted.  His only alternative was to attend a Junior College since they would accept anyone.  George got serious about school, turned his grades around, and eventually got accepted into the University of Southern California.

If the Modesto Junior College would not have had an open access policy, George might never have had the opportunity to go to college, and the world would never have met Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, or Indiana Jones.  The story of George Lucas is the story of thousands of community college students who rely on the open access policies of community colleges to give them a chance for an education.

John F Kennedy said: “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.  The human mind is our fundamental resource.”  This premise suggests that the past and continued success of our nation is based on our commitment to educating our citizenry.

For over 100 years, community colleges have been bridging the education gap between high school and university.  Community colleges offer affordable and transferable academic programs providing a second chance for those who may not have done well in high school.  In 2006, Landgraf noted that the average community college student is 29 years old and is already working full or part time.  These are people who for whatever reason did not make the transition directly into college from high school.  Like George Lucas, many of these people have settled down in life, and have come to realize the importance of continuing their education.  Community colleges give these people the chance to do that.

In our society, we need highly educated doctors, teachers and scientists with baccalaureate and post-graduate degrees.  We also need plumbers, welders, electricians, and dental hygienists.  Community colleges provide these vocational niches with skilled, qualified people.  The fact that s person may not have attained good graded in high school, or did poorly on an SAT or college entrance exam should not render him ineligible to begin the process of improving himself.

Even in difficult economic times where resources are limited, America’s investment in the education and training of her citizenry will be her long-term salvation.  There is a direct correlation between a person’s level of learning and their productivity and earning potential.  Taxpayer investment in the community college system produces a positive economic impact on the communities they serve.

The US census Bureau reports that an average high school graduate will earn 1.2 million dollars in their lifetime. With a bachelor’s degree, it’s 2.1 million.  Masters level – 2.5, and people with doctoral or professional degrees will earn 3.4 and 4.4 million respectively.

People who are educated or trained in a vocational skill, earn more money.  They also spend more money, pay more taxes, and stay off the welfare roles.  Community colleges produce a measurable return on investment.  In North Carolina, it’s 1.61.  That means that for every dollar of taxpayer’s money invested in the community college system the state receives $1.61 in future revenue resulting from the education or training received by those students. In Ohio, the number is 2.9.  In California – 3.67.  And the state of Texas calculates a 4.9 ROI from its community college investments.

Eliminating open access would adversely affect the number of students eligible for attendance at community college and would ultimately affect the economy.  We need MORE educated and vocationally trained people in this country – not fewer.

Dallas Herring (the father of the North Carolina community college system) said this:

“The only valid philosophy – is the philosophy of total education – a belief in the incomparable worth of all human beings, whose claims upon the state are equal… whose talents (however great or limited)… must develop to the highest degree.  That is why the community college doors must never be closed to anyone of suitable age who can learn what they teach”

Mr. Herring, we agree with you.  We will not allow our Community Colleges to deny access to those who don’t “measure up” to standards designed to keep them out.  The strength of our Nation is found in our people.  Let us commit to lending a lifting hand to anyone willing to improve their life through education – whatever the cost.