The June 23, 2008 online edition of USA Today described challenges that community colleges face as a wider audience recognizes the important role they play in today's economy. In the article, reporter Mary Beth Marklein described "heartwarming stories abound of how community colleges can transform lives" in addition to illuminating on how the needs of some students go unmet.  

According to Marklein:

In the first six years after enrolling in a community college, only 36% of students earn a certificate or an associate's or bachelor's degree, according to an analysis of federal data by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York…

Some community college presidents and educators say it's unfair to expect higher success rates, considering their shoestring budgets and their multiple goals. Like their four-year counterparts, though, they are under growing pressure to ensure that more students succeed.

--The full-length USA Today article is available at http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-07-22-comcol-main_N.htm (registration may be required).

--Learn more about CCRC's research on promoting community college success through the Lumina Foundation's Achieving the Dream initiative.