Introduction
Aaron Pressley majored in political science at Arizona's top-ranked Maricopa Community Colleges, where he served as an Honors Advisory Council leader. Nearly half the nation's undergraduates attend two-year schools, many of which struggle with low funding and poor graduation rates. (Maricopa Community College District)
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Community colleges are an increasingly important part of the nation's education system, enrolling about 45 percent of all undergraduates, many of whom are unprepared for the rigors of a four-year institution or cannot afford to attend one. Policymakers and business leaders say community colleges, which typically grant two-year associate degrees, are crucial for training the next generation of American workers and ensuring the nation's continued global competitiveness. President Obama is proposing government-funded tuition for community college students who maintain a 2.5 grade point average and attend at least half-time, similar to Tennessee's free-tuition plan. But critics argue that Obama's plan is too costly and could disproportionately benefit middle-class students and that many community college students drop out before graduating. Both critics and advocates of community colleges agree the institutions have a challenging mission: opening their doors to all high school graduates, even those who struggle academically. Meanwhile, some community colleges are offering bachelor's degree programs designed to meet the needs of local employers.
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Feb. 11, 2022 |
Cultural Appropriation |
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Jan. 22, 2021 |
Corporate D&I |
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Oct. 30, 2020 |
Systemic Racism |
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Oct. 16, 2020 |
Monument Protests |
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Oct. 09, 2020 |
Police Under Scrutiny  |
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Aug. 23, 2019 |
Reparations for Slavery |
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Sep. 07, 2018 |
The STEM Gender Gap |
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Jan. 19, 2018 |
Future of Puerto Rico |
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Nov. 17, 2017 |
Affirmative Action and College Admissions |
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Jul. 28, 2017 |
Muslims in America |
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Mar. 10, 2017 |
Charter Schools |
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Sep. 23, 2016 |
Women in Leadership |
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Aug. 05, 2016 |
Diversity in Hollywood |
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May 13, 2016 |
Women in Combat |
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Jan. 08, 2016 |
Racial Conflict |
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Dec. 11, 2015 |
Transgender Rights |
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May 01, 2015 |
Community Colleges |
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Apr. 24, 2015 |
Native American Youths |
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Apr. 03, 2015 |
Latino Voters |
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Dec. 12, 2014 |
Police Tactics |
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Sep. 14, 2007 |
Racial Diversity in Public Schools  |
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Dec. 12, 2003 |
Black Colleges |
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Oct. 10, 1997 |
Diversity in the Workplace |
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Jan. 20, 1971 |
Ethnic America |
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