| There is a tremendous opportunity to enhance our | | | | self-learners. They need to know that they can |
| competitive edge in the global economy that is often | | | | improve their grades with additional efforts. |
| overlooked. It’s time for community college | | | | |
| presidents and school superintendents to form new | | | | Community college admission staff and faculty need |
| relationships. This relationship should consist of | | | | to spend more time connecting with high schools. |
| something greater than traditional dual enrollment | | | | These professionals can play a role in changing a high |
| programs. The potential for changing whole | | | | school student’s expectations. Parents can also |
| communities and job prospects is tremendous. | | | | learn that the cost of community college education is |
| Currently over 47% of the students who attend | | | | often half the cost of four year institutions. Some |
| post-secondary education institutions are attending | | | | high school students say they never have received a |
| community colleges. The employment needs of | | | | visit from an admissions officer from any college. |
| the United States will go unfilled if we are not giving | | | | When community colleges reach out to schools it |
| students greater preparation to earn a minimum of | | | | sends a message that students are welcomed to |
| an associate degree. | | | | apply. |
| | | | | |
| A high school education is not sufficient education to | | | | Students need to be well informed about the |
| comprehend the new way that technology will | | | | opportunity to complete community college credits |
| influence nursing, finance and computer technology. | | | | while they are attending high school. Establishing a |
| As the baby boomers retire a wide array of jobs will | | | | collaborative relationship between school |
| become available that require fresh leadership. A | | | | superintendents and community college presidents |
| high school education will not prepare a new | | | | can create a successful college preparation program. |
| employee to survive in the information age. Some | | | | This is important since many high school students |
| of the conversations about how society is changing | | | | lose hope during 9th grade. There is an opportunity |
| must occur while students are attending high school. | | | | for students to learn how much work is required to |
| It is to our country’s global advantage to have a | | | | prepare for a college level course. It will eliminate |
| workforce that is trained to move into higher levels | | | | some of the peer pressure that discourages high |
| of management and into the executive suite. | | | | school students from academic excellence. |
| | | | | |
| Too many high school students fear that they | | | | The marriage between school superintendents and |
| cannot succeed as a college student. Nationally only | | | | community college presidents can provide an ongoing |
| 30 percent of high school students are pursuing a | | | | resolution to changes in the workforce. Industry |
| degree. This means that the vast majority of | | | | should be an additional partner that inspires students |
| students are not receiving an education to compete | | | | through knowledge of their employment needs. |
| in a 21st century economy. Sometimes students | | | | There will be a greater need for internships that |
| are discouraged because of the types of grades | | | | prepare students for full time employment. The |
| they are earning while attending high school. School | | | | road that leads to a brighter future is paved with an |
| districts need to teach students how to be | | | | educated workforce. |