Question

Drawing on what you have learned in this reading and the previous readings, write a paragraph that describes the role of community colleges in the California education system.

Answer 1

Facts to include are:

They provide vocational education and training for professional certificates.

They allow students to transfer to CSU or UC schools after completing lower-level instruction.

They provide all students access to higher education.

Answer 2

The California Community Colleges (CCC) system, established in 1967, is the largest higher-education system in the United States, serving more than 2 million students.  According to their own statement of purpose, the California Community Colleges exist to "provide students with the knowledge and background necessary to compete in today’s economy."  The California Education Code says that "California Community Colleges shall, as a primary mission, offer academic and vocational instruction at the lower division level for both younger and older students, including those persons returning to school."  The community college system provides workforce training (technical courses) as well as two-year programs that enable students to prepare for and transfer into 4-year colleges and universities.