Multiple Missions and Open Admissions Policy
The reason for offering multiple academic programs is to address the increased number of students admitted at community colleges. Also, by expanding education programs, older students get a chance to enroll. Most of the more former students are seeking additional skills for job upgrade or personal interest and, as such, attend part-time classes. Also, during the recession, many people enrolled after losing their job hence increasing the population of older students. Additionally, advanced placement and dual enrollment have also contributed to the increased influx of students under eighteen years of age. Moreover, the availability of part-time students has also impacted on the programs offered at the community college.
The community college has also considered open admission policies to address the diverse population of education needs. For instance, the college has made deliberate effort to open programs for senior citizens, weekend part-timer, and for those who are off campus and places of their work. Besides enrolling residents, the community college has also focused on international student’s admissions. Also, the community college considers offering scholarships for illegal residents who at least have completed their high school education. Furthermore, the community college has included a variety of instructional programs initially provided by public hospitals, and these include fire and police academies, banks, religious centers, and hospitals.
The community college also provides exclusive benefits to students with high academic ability. For instance, those graduating in the 10% of their high school get tuition waivers amounting to $3200. Also, those graduating in the top 5% receive $5000 for two years covering textbook costs and tuition. Moreover, the community college also supports enrollment and completion among males and females through encouraging both genders through participating in STEM fields. The community college is also open to enrolling in racial and ethnic minorities.
The importance of offering a wide range of programs in the community college is to provide equal opportunity for the growing population. Also, the available programs capture different segments of the people, such as old students, working-class, and undocumented or illegal students such as immigrants. Additionally, the numerous programs offered also aid in reducing the gap between those able to study at the university and college by providing a cost-effective education system. The offering of scholarship programs increases the enrollment level for those unable to meet tuition. Also, supportive programs such as STEM are crucial in meeting the demands for the job market whereby both genders participate, given the persistence of gender-differentiated fields.