With jobs being lost in the auto industry and elsewhere, associate degrees from community colleges are a great way to learn new skills and prepare yourself to work within the new businesses and industries developing as our economy changes. In the coming years, jobs requiring at least an associate degree are projected to grow twice as fast as job requiring no college experience.

To meet this economic necessity, President Barack Obama has announced a $12 billion bill called, The American Graduation Initiative. It will reform and strengthen community colleges from coast to coast so that they get the resources students and schools need – and the results workers and businesses demand. This plan will help an additional five million Americans earn degrees and certificates in the next decade.

With President Obama’s American Graduation Initiative, community colleges will be able to build on their strengths and introduce new innovations for the 21st century economy by allowing competitive grants for community colleges to expand proven reforms.

Community colleges could:

• Build partnerships with businesses to create career pathways where workers can earn new credentials and promotions via classes at community colleges.

• Expand course offerings and offer dual enrollment at high schools and universities, promote the transfer of credits among colleges, align graduation and entrance requirements of high schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities.

• Improve remedial and adult education programs, which would accelerate students’ progress and integrate developmental classes into academic and vocational classes.

• Offer students more by personalizing services to help them plan their careers and stay in school.

Community colleges are the largest part of our higher education system, enrolling more than 6 million students, and growing rapidly. They feature affordable tuition, open admission policies, flexible course schedules, and convenient locations, and they are particularly important for students who are older, working, need remedial classes, or can only take classes part-time.

Now, and in the coming years, jobs requiring at least an associate degree are projected to grow twice as fast as jobs requiring no college experience. Gain some education and respect. Look into the community colleges in your area.

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