On July 14, 2009, during a speech in Michigan, President Obama unveiled a 12 billion dollar proposal to support an increase in enrollment in the community and junior colleges in the United States. His plan calls for an increase in two-year college graduates to meet a goal of five million by 2020. This program is designed to focus federal money on community and junior colleges by offering competitive grants to colleges.
These grants will support development of innovative ways of teaching students, keeping students in college to finish degrees, helping students’ master basics such as math and communication skills, and creating connections between students and employers. President Obama also endorsed building an open source of distance education classes that is especially beneficial in rural areas and for people who continue to work while enrolled in continuing education programs.
This announcement means that adults seeking to continue their education can earn a more affordable associate degree or certificate. In addition to affordability, this program offers the opportunity for more adults to complete college education and even at a person’s own pace. This is due to expected expansion of part-time programs. School’s offering real quality education will begin providing valuable opportunity for hundreds of thousands of students as the program ramps up in the near future.
Part-Time Degree Programs
Today’s life style needs make the ability to work while pursuing a college degree necessary for most people today. The number of institutions making part-time degrees a centerpiece of the school’s academic offerings is expanding, rather than being relegated to side-line endeavor. Opportunities to earn degrees at night and on weekends are expanding, as well. In simple terms, the higher education consumer demands more choices and most two-year schools are providing solutions.
Distance Education for Two-Year Schools
Many two-year schools are now offering distance education programs and this type of learning will dramatically expand. More than four million college students took at least one online course during the 2006-2007 school year (National Center for Education Statistics, Distance Education at Degree Granting Institutions, 2008). Distance education provides adults with many options, including:
- Completion of school work is based on a convenient schedule, which is more adaptable to varying work schedules and family events.
- A degree can be earned quicker than enrolling in traditional education settings of attending classroom classes.
- An online degree earned from a reputable institution is the same as attending classroom courses at the same institution.
- An adult can attend school in their pajamas or complete course work anywhere.
As with any new endeavor many people have questions regarding distance education and these can answered at frequently asked questions.
Financial Considerations for Continuing Education
A key point in President Obama’s speech is the offering loans and grants for students strictly through the federal government, instead of through banks and other commercial lending services. This will decrease the cost to adults enrolled in community and junior colleges, because of the lower interest rates charged by the federal government. Additional information about federal loan programs is available at Federal Student Financial Aid Programs.
Another financial consideration is that tuition for community and junior colleges is typically much cheaper than attending a four-year school. This makes earning an associate degree from a two-year college more enticing for adults who have plans for additional continuing education at a four-year college. Most state colleges and universities are required to accept transfer of all credits earned from a two-year college, when the student earns a degree.
Making Connections for Two-Year Continuing Education
Adults who take advantage of the financial boost President Obama is focusing on community and junior colleges for continuing education are self-determined to succeed. The seven habits of successful adult learners are the traits that successful adults follow through life.
Although no associate degree or certificate earned in a two-year college can predict financial security, the education an adult completes can mean the difference between moving up the career ladder and staying on the same rung for years. The long-term benefits of investing in an educational program far outweigh the time spent in school. An associate degree or certificate can translate to higher earnings, a more secure job, and a career that offers more every day.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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