How Community Colleges Are Helping Underserved Students Earn Degrees
A small but growing group of community colleges is helping underserved students earn bachelor’s degrees. These institutions provide tailored support to first-generation and minority learners. Their success rates far outpace those of traditional community colleges across the US. The Come to Believe Network brings together six community colleges focused on holistic student support. Their approach includes personalised mentoring, financial aid, and career planning. Graduates from these programmes are over three times more likely to complete a four-year degree than their peers at other community colleges.
At Arrupe College in Illinois, 80% of students graduate within four years, and the same percentage go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The college gives learners access to Loyola University Chicago’s facilities, including libraries, classrooms, and fitness centres. This integration helps students transition smoothly to higher education. Dougherty Family College in Minnesota follows a similar model. Since 2019, 70% of its graduates have either enrolled in or completed a four-year degree. The college aims to raise £3 million annually to fund wraparound services, covering financial gaps, mental health support, and post-programme planning. Each student also receives one-on-one mentoring and professional development training to navigate academic and career challenges. The results stand in stark contrast to national trends. Only 13% of Title IV students who begin at community colleges earn a bachelor’s degree within eight years. These specialised programmes are proving that targeted support can dramatically improve outcomes.
The Come to Believe Network and its member colleges demonstrate how structured support can change educational trajectories. With higher graduation rates and stronger transitions to four-year degrees, their model offers a clear path for underserved students. The success of these programmes could influence broader reforms in community college education.
Read also:
- Executive from significant German automobile corporation advocates for a truthful assessment of transition toward electric vehicles
- Crisis in a neighboring nation: immediate cheese withdrawal at Rewe & Co, resulting in two fatalities.
- United Kingdom Christians Voice Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation
- Democrats are subtly dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Here's the breakdown
