Dr. ClauDean Kizart
This African proverb holds a profound truth about the impact what often seems to be the smallest players. Like mosquitoes, community colleges have the power to create a ripple of meaningful change. Community colleges, often under-appreciated yet mighty in their mission, are essential agents of transformation—particularly for students from historically marginalized communities. The numbers tell a powerful story.
Community colleges serve nearly half of all undergraduates in the United States, and the demographic breakdown reveals how we reach communities often left on the margins of traditional higher education. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, approximately 44% of Black students and 55% of Hispanic students begin their higher education journey at a community college. These institutions are often gateways to upward mobility, offering access to quality education at a fraction of the cost of universities. Community colleges also serve a high number of first-generation students, adult learners, and veterans, broadening access to education for groups that otherwise might struggle to pursue higher education.
Yet, despite these statistics, myths such as “if you want knowledge, don’t just go to a community college,” a comment made during commencement speech at a university this summer persist. Community colleges are often unfairly characterized as providing a "less-than" education, an unfortunate misconception rooted in elitism and classism. This narrative not only devalues the students and faculty in these institutions but also ignores the reality: community colleges are not “less than” but are instead centers of resilience, opportunity, and excellence.
Today, the need for strong community colleges has never been greater. The current political landscape has brought an unprecedented wave of attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, particularly within universities. These attacks often overshadow the powerful DEI work happening at community colleges. However, these two sectors should not be adversaries; rather, they must work together. Universities and community colleges are both essential to closing equity gaps and supporting all students in achieving the benefits of higher education.
So, how can these institutions collaborate more intentionally? First, community colleges and universities can establish joint programs that allow students to transfer seamlessly, building academic bridges that support students as they pursue degrees. Second, they can share resources for DEI initiatives, pooling knowledge, and expertise to create a cohesive approach across higher education. Finally, faculty from both sectors can collaborate on curriculum development to ensure that DEI principles are integrated into the learning experience from day one.
