APPA Library

"Engaging Our Community Colleges"
Author: Meyer, Darrel W.,
Published In: Facilities Manager
Date: May/June 2011

The United States and Canada have a long tradition in recognizing that there are considerable social and economic benefits of providing high quality education to as many people as possible. Community colleges made a significant contribution in expanding educational opportunities for the masses. Attendance at one of these institutions is associated with higher wages, even if a degree is not completed. As the United States and Canada recover from the global economic crisis that began in 2008, it has become readily apparent that community colleges enjoyed tremendous growth. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) reports that between 2008 and 2010 community college enrollment increased an average of 15 percent. The rapid growth of community college enrollment along with the economic downturn has placed a tremendous importance on the operation of the college facilities. Reduced federal and state aid to colleges and universities, increasing concerns over the cost of college education, budget cuts, and future spending issues--targeting spending, major cutbacks, and travel restrictions--are all reasons that community colleges need new and effective leadership more than ever. In this article, the author discusses how APPA leadership has taken action by developing several specific initiatives to increase recruitment and engagement of community colleges.

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