Session Abstract

Community colleges represent a uniquely American contribution to higher education that is attracting notice—and imitation—around the world.  Long leaders in workforce training, technical field preparation, developmental  education, and as  local arts and cultural institutions, community colleges have also emerged, in the twenty-first century, as affordable alternatives for students who seek to complete liberal arts and general education college requirements in a supportive setting before transferring to baccalaureate-granting institutions.  Nearly half of all entering freshmen, nationally, are beginning their post-secondary education at a community college.  Many who complete an associates degree will complete their general education requirements in history at a two-year college.  Recent studies suggest that one-fifth of all doctoral recipients in the United States began their post-secondary education at a community college, as well.