Community College Missions in the 21St Century

Abstract

Community colleges are also expected to provide a firm foundation for baccalaureate work (the transfer mission) as well as vocational training for entry-level jobs (the workforce preparation mission.) In some communities these colleges are the most important cultural resource in the area and are therefore asked to provide non-credit-bearing enrichment programs (programs which are often revenue producers and offset other operational costs.) Balancing their various missions requires creativity, care, and, in some instances, compromise. Drawing from the Emerging Pathways project, a longitudinal research project based at the University of Virginia, this chapter paints the landscape of course offerings at community colleges.