Question: Do you have a degree/credential? Answer: (you fill this part out).
See? I knew it. Wow, you must be impressed. No, no– contain your awe, I’m just your average humble American.
Anyways, let’s discuss something. Let’s start with using Valencia College as an example. Many of us know or understand that Valencia was a community college. The thing is, though, that a few years (10) ago, they changed their name and decided they would start offering bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, Bachelor’s in Applied Science (B.A.S.) and Bachelor’s in Science (B.S.). That was when they agreed that Valencia Community College was a mouthful, and by dropping the “Community” they could better market their brand [Just kidding, though they did drop the “community” from their name – just not for marketing purposes (that we know of…)].
Why would Valencia decide to start offering bachelor degrees?
Secondary question: Did you know that Washington and Florida have significantly raised up their community college bachelor programs more than any other state? (As a matter of fact, only 23 states allow their community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees.)
“Students who enroll in community college bachelor’s programs are typically adult learners who are working and may not be in a position to study full time toward a bachelor’s or transfer to a four-year institution.”
In a recent policy brief, the Education Commission of the States list three main points why a community college would be enticed to offer bachelor degrees in addition to their typical two-year degrees and certifications:
1) To adapt and meet local workforce demands
2) Expand access to bachelor’s degrees to a diverse and nontraditional student population
3) (Potentially) Offer more affordable bachelor’s degrees.
Well, as an LCAN that focuses on helping nontraditional students obtain an education that prepares them for the workforce of the future, we can definitely sympathize with such above-mentioned reasons. (Quick factoid about Valencia’s student demographics: 17.9% African American, 4.9% Asian/Pacific Islander, 32.5% Caucasian, 32.5% Hispanic, 0.3% Native American, 11.5% Other.)
Of course, there will be those that nay-say such benefits. They would argue that by offering bachelor’s degrees community colleges are reaching beyond their scope, would compete and undermine other 4-year institutions, and stretch resources (most of that sounds a little elitist to me, but hey, what do I know). Sure, policy is hard to write and enact, but so is the herculean effort to GET PEOPLE TO EDUCATE BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL. Short of hijacking full public buses and taking them to the closest college and forcing the poor individuals inside to register for classes at the end of a pointy stick, it will take some tough talk to affect the hemming and hawing that dominates the legislature.
Fortunately for us Floridians, we already have some of the necessary legislation. At this point, it will merely be a matter of expanding what we have in place. So if you have a dog in this Central Floridian race, whisper in his or her ear to please increase the bachelor’s degrees being offered by community institutions.
I think with that, I’ll close this short, (hopefully) informative rant.
Until next time, friends.
— Jon
Sources
Florida Department of Education. Baccalaureate degree proposal process. fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system
Florida Legislature. Site-determined baccalaureate degree access. Florida Statute XLVIII 1007.33. leg.state.fl.us/statutes
Fulton, Mary. “Community College Bachelor’s Degrees: An Update on State Activity and Policy Considerations.” Education Commission of the States. February 2020, ecs.org.
Valencia College. 2020, valenciacollege.edu
Wikipedia contributors. "Valencia College."Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 7 Mar. 2020. Web. 7 Apr. 2020.
