Community College Open Access Policy Analysis

affordable and accessible education to all students became the driving mission of the community college foundation. The open access policy at community colleges has allowed all individuals equitable access to education and workforce development.

Admissions

Students decide to attend community colleges for an array of reasons. Historically, community colleges have provided services to students who are considered underrepresented in the area of higher education. Underrepresented students consists of students who are first-generation students, low-income students, and students of color (American Association of Community Colleges, 2005; Townsend, Donaldson, and Wilson 2005). Community colleges offer students resources outside of the classroom

The demographic make-up of the student population at community colleges consists of individuals from every aspect of society (Ma and Baum, 2016). The attraction of offering a less expensive substitute to a four-year education draws in both traditional and non-traditional students. In addition, the number of minority and immigrant students who attend community colleges has risen (Zeidenberg, 2008). Community colleges were not created just to provide services for those seeking to obtain degrees in higher education or those looking to transfer to four-year institutions; they also provide work-force certifications, remediation, and job training courses (Roman,

Students from all backgrounds often seek community college educations due to its open door access. Research indicates that the majority of students that attend community colleges are minority, first-generation, and low-income students (Ma & Baum, 2016). The diverse population requires community colleges to ensure that they are providing services to all of their students. As factors such as workforce needs continued to rise, an influx of adult learners are deciding to attend community colleges. Smaller classroom sizes and the flexibility of class schedules both serve as benefits for adult learners. Extension centers, weekend courses, workplace cohort groups, and senior institutes have all be created by community colleges with the notion of attracting more non-traditional learners (Cohen & Brawer, 2008). Community colleges also house a large population of minority students. According to Fletcher (2013), “30 percent of African American and Hispanic student who had an A average while in high school wind up at a community college”. While these populations are seeking community colleges to obtain both educational and socioeconomic mobility, community colleges must identify resources to assist these students. Community colleges offer programs such as TRIO programs (e.g. Student Support Services) and minority mentoring programs that provide additional resources to students to minority