Community College Grad Success

Community colleges don't seem to get enough love. I'm curious about 'successful community college graduates'. What paths did they take, in college and afterward, that you think contributed to their success?

There are indeed quite a number of successful individuals who started their journeys at community colleges. While success is subjective and greatly depends on individual goals and pursuits, certain paths are often associated with achieving desired outcomes.

First off, one common practice among the successful community college graduates I'm aware of was taking advantage of the resources available at their respective community colleges. These resources include free tutoring services, writing centers, academic counseling, and career guidance, to name a few. They also took advantage of extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, and volunteer initiatives that allowed them to build leadership skills, network, and gain experiences that are valued in both higher education and the workforce.

Secondly, they often utilize their time at community college to explore their interests, especially if they are uncertain about their academic and career paths. Community colleges offer a wide range of courses that can be taken at a more affordable rate than at a four-year institution, providing a low-risk opportunity to explore various fields of study.

Also, successful community college graduates often take advantage of transfer agreements between their college and four-year institutions. These "articulation agreements" often guarantee admission to a four-year college or university upon completion of an associate's degree or after meeting certain course requirements. This is a common route taken by students who want to eventually obtain a bachelor's degree.

Post-graduation, many of these students either transfer to a four-year institution to further their education or immediately enter the workforce with the skills and qualifications they gained through their associate's degree or certificate programs. Many fields, particularly in technology, healthcare, and certain trades, have high demand and offer strong wages for those with an associate's degree.

A notable example is Eloy Ortiz Oakley, who began his education at Golden West College, a community college in California, and then transferred to University of California, Irvine for his bachelor's and eventually a master's degree. Oakley is now the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges system, the largest system of higher education in the nation.

In summary, successful community college students actively use the resources and opportunities provided to them, explore their academic and career interests, use articulation agreements to aid in transferring to four-year institutions, and leverage their qualifications in the workforce post-graduation. In the end, their success comes down to their ability to effectively utilize the opportunities at their disposal, work hard, and maintain their dedication to their personal and professional growth.