News

In the three years since President Barack Obama announced his American Graduation Initiative, many local, state and national projects have been undertaken to help increase college completion. Given that the key to a successful finish is often a strong start, many of these projects and efforts have focused on students’ preparation and readiness for higher education. January 2014 will mark the implementation of one such initiative — a new edition of the General Educational Development (GED) exam designed to ensure that this first step toward a higher education is truly a step up. 

In recent years, it has been difficult to miss the emphasis placed on the importance of college degree or certificate completion. Many statistics and studies have been quoted outlining the benefits to individual students, society and the economy. It is the benefits to the economy that have garnered the attention of federal and state officials who are exploring new financial incentives and penalties to encourage completion. 

Education has embraced the three “Rs” since at least the late 1700s. While Waubonsee Community College remains committed to teaching students to excel in reading, writing and arithmetic (along with other vital academic skills), this year we’re focusing on the three “Cs”: connect, collaborate and cultivate. 

Safety is among the many priorities addressed by Waubonsee Community College. There are some exciting new projects the college is working on to further enhance the health and safety of our students and college community. 

For decades, a core mission — and strength — of community colleges has been to prepare students for successful careers. Numerous industries hire community college graduates each year, and many companies hire community college alumni who went on to complete bachelor’s or graduate degrees. Throughout the Fox Valley, it is difficult to find an employer that doesn’t have at least one community college alumnus on staff. In fact, many of our local business leaders started their education at a community college. 

As a younger person, the milestones come quickly. Your birth, your first steps and words, your first day of school, and getting your first car all have significant meaning. As you grow older, your first job, getting married, the birth of your children, and your children’s own milestones become lasting memories. However, no matter how old you are, completing your college degree and receiving your diploma is one milestone that you will never forget. 

For most people, college is the time to answer the age-old question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Students are often exposed to new ideas and academic disciplines as they navigate their college curriculum. However, research has shown that students who declare a major field of study early have higher rates of degree completion. The main reasons are two things — time and money. 

Exploring the world beyond our borders creates unparalleled learning opportunities. Travel exposes you to different cultures, languages and perspectives. Dedicating a summer, a semester or a month to studying abroad deepens the benefit, forging lifelong skills. Not just an option for juniors and seniors at four-year institutions, community college students also enjoy this valuable experience through many study abroad destinations. 

For the past decade, labor experts have outlined the need for education beyond high school to compete in nearly every industry. Some careers require years of higher education to earn the advanced degrees needed to work in the field. More typically, other careers rely on workers with associate or bachelor’s degrees. However, job seekers often forget that many careers can be effectively launched with the first step in higher education — the certificate.

The Institute for College Access and Success’ Project on Student Debt reports that in 2011 four-year college graduates averaged more than $26,000 in student debt. Educational and financial experts are deeply concerned about the amount of debt students are incurring to complete bachelor’s degrees. While unemployment rates for those who complete a degree beyond high school are considerably lower, this debt can still have a long-term effect on these graduates’ success for years to come. Major life decisions such as getting married, having children and buying a home are often delayed due to remaining student debt.