CCRC in the News
A Clean Slate
Several historically Black colleges and universities are using federal stimulus money and donations received during last summer's racial justice movement to forgive graduates' student loan debt. CCRC Senior Research Scholar Judith Scott-Clayton, whose work illuminated the racial gap in student loan debt, told Inside Higher Ed that the colleges' actions are admirable, but it's policymakers who really need to take on debt forgiveness.
Welcoming Adult Students of Color
This Hechinger Report newsletter summarizes CCRC's new studies examining what states and community colleges can do to address the needs of racially minoritized adult learners. CCRC Director Tom Brock emphasized the importance of targeting resources toward specific student subgroups and focusing on cultural sustainability.
How Community Colleges Are Retooling to Raise Enrollment
Community colleges across the country are using creative strategies to bring students back and counteract pandemic-induced enrollment declines. CCRC Director Tom Brock told PBS NewsHour that boosting community college enrollment—especially in certain workforce programs—is crucial for the U.S. economy.
New Report Highlights Adult Learners of Color
Inside Higher Ed described findings from CCRC's new report on how colleges and states can support racially minoritized adult learners who are pursuing postsecondary education as a path to reemployment, better jobs, and higher incomes. Community College Daily also wrote about the publication.
Madison College Is Letting Students Try Before They Buy
To reduce financial risk for students and boost enrollment, a Wisconsin college is offering learners the chance to test out classes for free before they decide to enroll. CCRC's Hana Lahr told Higher Ed Dive that in order to get students to commit after the trial, the college should make it clear how the classes can help them meet their goals.
The Rise of the Five-Year Four-Year Degree
On the Economix blog of the New York Times, CCRC's Judith Scott-Clayton writes that more students are taking longer to earn a bachelor's degree, and colleges have no incentive to speed them up.
Community Colleges Are Innovators. A New Effort Aims to Share Their Insights.
This EdSurge story describes the Community College Research-Practice-Policy Exchange, which CCRC is proud to be a part of. The initiative will develop a practitioner-defined national community college research agenda and disseminate research findings throughout the country.
How Colleges Can Ensure This Year's High School Graduates Aren't Left Behind
Community colleges across the country are experimenting with ways to rebound from pandemic-related enrollment slides. CCRC Senior Research Scholar Davis Jenkins told Higher Ed Dive that in order to bring students back into the classroom, colleges must make it clear that their programs will lead to a good job or a bachelor's degree.
Biden’s Plan to Make Community College Tuition Free Could Help NW Students, Local Administrators Say
President Biden's call for free community college is an acknowledgment that workers need a postsecondary credential to meaningfully participate in the economy, CCRC Senior Research Scholar Davis Jenkins told Union-Bulletin.
Biden’s Plans to Expand Free Education May Be New for America. But in Other Countries, They’re the Norm.
During his April 28 speech, President Biden said his proposal to expand access to free community college will help the United States compete with the rest of the world. CCRC Director Thomas Brock told The Washington Post that America's community colleges are difficult to compare to other countries' higher education systems, though similarities can be drawn to higher education in Canada, Australia, and Britain, where financial aid is also used to offset high tuition.