{"id":24681,"date":"2023-05-09T14:43:42","date_gmt":"2023-05-09T19:43:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/?p=24681"},"modified":"2023-05-30T10:31:09","modified_gmt":"2023-05-30T15:31:09","slug":"community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Colleges&#8217; Essential Role in Workforce Development"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#community-colleges-support-underserved-student-populations\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Community colleges support underserved student populations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#the-impact-of-community-colleges-on-workforce-development\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">The impact of community colleges on workforce development<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#how-community-colleges-create-opportunities-for-underserved-populations\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">How community colleges create opportunities for underserved populations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#challenges-that-community-colleges-face\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Challenges that community colleges face<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#1-basic-needs-insecurities-among-students\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">1. Basic needs insecurities among students<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#2-lack-of-funding-for-institutional-needs\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">2. Lack of funding for institutional needs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#3-limited-resources-at-rural-institutions\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">3. Limited resources at rural institutions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#4-access-to-student-health-and-well-being-services\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">4. Access to student health and well-being services<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#how-community-college-leaders-can-respond-to-institutional-challenges\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">How community college leaders can respond to institutional challenges<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#1-form-partnerships-and-take-appropriate-steps-to-support-needs\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">1. Form partnerships and take appropriate steps to support needs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#2-identify-new-sources-of-funding-for-student-services\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">2. Identify new sources of funding for student services<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#3-expand-mental-health-resources\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">3. Expand mental health resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/community-colleges-essential-role-in-workforce-development\/#additional-resources-that-support-community-colleges\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Additional resources that support community colleges<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"24681\" class=\"elementor elementor-24681\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c671caa elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"c671caa\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-82d2677 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"82d2677\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2427dd5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2427dd5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacc.nche.edu\/research-trends\/fast-facts\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">1,038 community colleges<\/a> in the U.S. play an important role for students and communities, providing a quality education that prepares students for jobs or to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Given that over <a href=\"https:\/\/ccrc.tc.columbia.edu\/community-college-faqs.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">40% of undergraduate students in the U.S. are pursuing an Associate\u2019s Degree<\/a> and the percentage of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/04\/08\/business\/hiring-without-college-degree.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">job openings that require a four-year degree declined<\/a> from 51% in 2017 to 44% in 2021, the significance of community colleges in shaping the next generation of workers can\u2019t be overstated.<\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"community-colleges-support-underserved-student-populations\"><\/span>Community colleges support underserved student populations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacc.nche.edu\/research-trends\/fast-facts\/?_gl=1*1v13w2o*_ga*MTQ4ODMyMjY3MC4xNjgwNzEwNjk2*_up*MQ..\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">2023 demographic breakdown<\/a> of community college students from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) shows how these schools provide opportunities for underserved student populations:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d32fc81 elementor-widget elementor-widget-progress\" data-id=\"d32fc81\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"progress.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-title\" id=\"elementor-progress-bar-d32fc81\">\n\t\t\t\tHispanic\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div aria-labelledby=\"elementor-progress-bar-d32fc81\" class=\"elementor-progress-wrapper\" role=\"progressbar\" aria-valuemin=\"0\" aria-valuemax=\"100\" aria-valuenow=\"27\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-progress-bar\" data-max=\"27\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-text\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-percentage\">27%<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c1dbd5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-progress\" data-id=\"6c1dbd5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"progress.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-title\" id=\"elementor-progress-bar-6c1dbd5\">\n\t\t\t\tBlack\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div aria-labelledby=\"elementor-progress-bar-6c1dbd5\" class=\"elementor-progress-wrapper\" role=\"progressbar\" aria-valuemin=\"0\" aria-valuemax=\"100\" aria-valuenow=\"12\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-progress-bar\" data-max=\"12\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-text\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-percentage\">12%<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f1e1385 elementor-widget elementor-widget-progress\" data-id=\"f1e1385\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"progress.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-title\" id=\"elementor-progress-bar-f1e1385\">\n\t\t\t\tAsian Pacific Islanders\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div aria-labelledby=\"elementor-progress-bar-f1e1385\" class=\"elementor-progress-wrapper\" role=\"progressbar\" aria-valuemin=\"0\" aria-valuemax=\"100\" aria-valuenow=\"6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-progress-bar\" data-max=\"6\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-text\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-percentage\">6%<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7337d00 elementor-widget elementor-widget-progress\" data-id=\"7337d00\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"progress.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-title\" id=\"elementor-progress-bar-7337d00\">\n\t\t\t\tTwo or more races\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div aria-labelledby=\"elementor-progress-bar-7337d00\" class=\"elementor-progress-wrapper\" role=\"progressbar\" aria-valuemin=\"0\" aria-valuemax=\"100\" aria-valuenow=\"4\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-progress-bar\" data-max=\"4\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-text\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-percentage\">4%<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dcc663e elementor-widget elementor-widget-progress\" data-id=\"dcc663e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"progress.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-title\" id=\"elementor-progress-bar-dcc663e\">\n\t\t\t\tOther\/Unknown\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div aria-labelledby=\"elementor-progress-bar-dcc663e\" class=\"elementor-progress-wrapper\" role=\"progressbar\" aria-valuemin=\"0\" aria-valuemax=\"100\" aria-valuenow=\"4\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-progress-bar\" data-max=\"4\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-text\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-percentage\">4%<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-169a7bb elementor-widget elementor-widget-progress\" data-id=\"169a7bb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"progress.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-title\" id=\"elementor-progress-bar-169a7bb\">\n\t\t\t\tNative American\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div aria-labelledby=\"elementor-progress-bar-169a7bb\" class=\"elementor-progress-wrapper\" role=\"progressbar\" aria-valuemin=\"0\" aria-valuemax=\"100\" aria-valuenow=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-progress-bar\" data-max=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-text\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-percentage\">1%<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c186d6c elementor-widget elementor-widget-progress\" data-id=\"c186d6c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"progress.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-title\" id=\"elementor-progress-bar-c186d6c\">\n\t\t\t\tNonresident aliens\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div aria-labelledby=\"elementor-progress-bar-c186d6c\" class=\"elementor-progress-wrapper\" role=\"progressbar\" aria-valuemin=\"0\" aria-valuemax=\"100\" aria-valuenow=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-progress-bar\" data-max=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-text\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-percentage\">1%<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e16d51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-progress\" data-id=\"1e16d51\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"progress.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-title\" id=\"elementor-progress-bar-1e16d51\">\n\t\t\t\tWhite\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div aria-labelledby=\"elementor-progress-bar-1e16d51\" class=\"elementor-progress-wrapper\" role=\"progressbar\" aria-valuemin=\"0\" aria-valuemax=\"100\" aria-valuenow=\"45\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-progress-bar\" data-max=\"45\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-text\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-progress-percentage\">45%<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c3bd5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3c3bd5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Additionally, 30% of community college students are first-generation, 16% are single parents, 9% are non-U.S. citizens, and 5% are veterans. The average age of a community college student is 27, and 35% of students are between the ages of 22 and 39. These stats show that community colleges are a diverse hub for developing and strengthening our economy\u2019s ever-changing workforce, as well as increasing representation in the workforce for those typically underrepresented.<\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-impact-of-community-colleges-on-workforce-development\"><\/span>The impact of community colleges on workforce development<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>Community colleges are critical in preparing individuals and addressing the skills gap for in-demand local jobs, making them key contributors to our workforce. These educational institutions and technical colleges offer affordable and accessible education, which is often tailored to meet the needs of the local job market. This not only prepares students for available job opportunities, but also contributes to the economic growth and development of local communities\u2014especially low-income and underserved populations.<\/p><p>Some key ways that community colleges contribute include:<\/p><ul><li>Offering degree programs and education programs that lead to certificates and Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in fields with high demand for skilled workers, such as healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing. And in states such as California, four-year bachelor&#8217;s degree programs at community colleges are expanding for in-demand jobs. Data suggests that nearly <a href=\"https:\/\/edsource.org\/2023\/we-need-more-community-college-bachelors-degrees-to-fuel-our-economy\/685881\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">98% of students who complete these degrees<\/a> find employment in the same field of study as their degree.<\/li><li>Collaborating with local businesses to create training programs that meet specific industry needs. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspeninstitute.org\/publications\/courses-employment-partnering-create-paths-education-careers\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">study by the Aspen Institute<\/a> found that partnerships between community colleges and businesses lead to increased program quality, student success, and job placement rates. The study also found that these partnerships help address workforce shortages in high-demand industries.<\/li><li>Providing career counseling and job placement services to learners to enhance career readiness and employability. In fact, people with some college or an associate\u2019s degree have made up <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/spotlight\/2017\/educational-attainment-of-the-labor-force\/home.htm\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">the largest share of the U.S. civilian labor force<\/a> compared to all other major categories of educational attainment since 2012.<\/li><li>Partnering with local employers to offer internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning experiences that provide students with real-world experience and job training. <a href=\"https:\/\/cci.stradaeducation.org\/pv-release-march-16-2022\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">Findings by Strada Center for Education and Consumer Rights<\/a> found \u201cpaid internships are linked to getting paid more after graduation\u201d and with \u201cgreater confidence they will be successful in the job market.\u201d<\/li><li>Serving as employers, creating job opportunities, and investing in residents\u2019 education, ultimately leading to the economic development of the community. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crossrivertherapy.com\/research\/community-college-statistics\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">community colleges contribute $809 billion to the U.S. economy<\/a> each year and create 13 jobs for every $1 million spent. Moreover, community college grads pay $6,200 more in taxes each year than those with only a high school diploma.<\/li><\/ul><p>With research and statistics like those above, it\u2019s easy to see why community colleges are vital in promoting economic growth and increasing opportunities for American workers. The $500 million <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eda.gov\/funding\/programs\/american-rescue-plan\/good-jobs-challenge\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">Good Jobs Challenge<\/a> from the EDA is a great example of how strategic partnerships can support workforce development and create opportunities while promoting equity and diversity.<\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-community-colleges-create-opportunities-for-underserved-populations\"><\/span>How community colleges create opportunities for underserved populations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>Community colleges are particularly important resources for low-income students\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.impactingourfuture.com\/community-development\/low-income-adults-need-strong-community-colleges\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">58% of community college students have low-income backgrounds<\/a> compared with 42% of students at private four-year colleges. And, over 70% of Black and Native American community college students and two-thirds of Latinx students are low-income students.<\/p><p>For many of these students, one of the greatest barriers to academic success is a lack of <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/basic-needs-college-students\/?highlight=basic%20needs%20support\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">basic needs support<\/a>. Access to resources such as food, housing, childcare, mental health care, financial assistance, and transportation is critical for ensuring strong academic performance, increasing persistence and graduation rates, and improving health and well-being among community college students.<\/p><p>In response to community college partners\u2019 needs and data that showed <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/basic-needs-support-for-community-college-students\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">71% of community college students experienced stress due to the lack of basic needs<\/a>, TimelyCare launched basic needs support. Care coordinators connect students to free and reduced-cost resources through local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and campus programs to help with their needs.<\/p><p>As the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newamerica.org\/education-policy\/edcentral\/its-not-enough-to-make-college-tuition-free\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">cost of college<\/a> has increased, so have the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newamerica.org\/education-policy\/edcentral\/college-pays-off\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">economic benefits of earning a degree<\/a>. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce estimates that graduates with associate degrees make <a href=\"https:\/\/cew.georgetown.edu\/cew-reports\/collegepayoff2021\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">$2 million in lifetime earnings<\/a>, compared with $2.8 million for bachelor\u2019s degree holders and $1.6 million for full-time workers with a high school diploma. For this reason, it\u2019s crucial to ensure all people, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, can access and afford higher education and the basic needs to achieve their academic goals.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e28fc21 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"e28fc21\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ade67cb ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"ade67cb\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-473baf4 elementor-cta--layout-image-right elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"473baf4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-content-item elementor-cta__content-item elementor-icon-wrapper elementor-cta__icon elementor-view-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"146.176\" height=\"149.08\" viewBox=\"0 0 146.176 149.08\"><g transform=\"translate(-5555.288 -2392.131)\"><g transform=\"translate(5573.009 2394.381)\"><line y1=\"12.497\" transform=\"translate(55.269)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line x1=\"4.597\" y1=\"12.631\" transform=\"translate(33.56 2.884)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line x1=\"8.411\" y1=\"10.024\" transform=\"translate(13.725 13.204)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line x1=\"11.903\" y1=\"6.872\" transform=\"translate(0 27.022)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line y1=\"5.882\" x2=\"10.188\" transform=\"translate(100.545 30.656)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line y1=\"9.717\" x2=\"8.153\" transform=\"translate(89.438 14.618)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line y1=\"12.555\" x2=\"4.57\" transform=\"translate(72.38 3.933)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><\/g><g transform=\"translate(5600.548 2457.433)\"><path d=\"M5623.736,2471.934l8.421,6.919a11.128,11.128,0,0,1,4.064,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5580.568 -2434.024)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5603.063,2471.934l-8.421,6.919a11.131,11.131,0,0,0-4.066,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5590.576 -2434.024)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5625.288,2485.928l.043,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5580.1 -2429.801)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5598.626,2485.928l-.043,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5588.16 -2429.801)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><circle cx=\"17.492\" cy=\"17.492\" r=\"17.492\" transform=\"translate(10.336)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/circle><\/g><g transform=\"translate(5557.538 2443.63)\"><path d=\"M5570.025,2461.331l-8.422,6.919a11.132,11.132,0,0,0-4.064,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5557.539 -2423.422)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5565.588,2475.325l-.043,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5555.122 -2419.198)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><circle cx=\"17.492\" cy=\"17.492\" r=\"17.492\" transform=\"translate(10.336)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/circle><g transform=\"translate(96.357)\"><path d=\"M5656.774,2461.331l8.423,6.919a11.133,11.133,0,0,1,4.064,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5623.942 -2423.422)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5658.325,2475.325l.045,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5623.473 -2419.198)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><circle cx=\"17.492\" cy=\"17.492\" r=\"17.492\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/circle><\/g><\/g><path d=\"M5620.952,2417.885c12.105,0,22.848,4.921,29.487,12.474h9.655c-7.442-12.054-22.191-20.286-39.143-20.286s-31.7,8.232-39.142,20.286h9.655C5598.105,2422.806,5608.847,2417.885,5620.952,2417.885Z\" transform=\"translate(7.326 4.737)\" fill=\"#f4bd51\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTake proactive measures to support students' mental health journeys\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn more about how virtual health care can set your students up for success prior to entering the workforce. \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-md\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/contact\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener noreferrer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTalk to TimelyCare\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1657c23 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"1657c23\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-99c2201 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"99c2201\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f1ffaf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1f1ffaf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"challenges-that-community-colleges-face\"><\/span>Challenges that community colleges face<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>There are various challenges that community colleges face that can impact these institutions\u2019 ability to effectively serve students and communities. Community college leaders must navigate a complex landscape to fulfill their mission of providing accessible and quality education. Consider these four community college challenges.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1a6cabd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"1a6cabd\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a09ff61 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"a09ff61\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28cacf7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"28cacf7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-basic-needs-insecurities-among-students\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">1. Basic needs insecurities among students<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ded0dc6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"ded0dc6\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-57e852a ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"57e852a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f0f1b70 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f0f1b70\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Center for Community College Student Engagement\u2019s (CCCSE\u2019s) recent study <a href=\"https:\/\/cccse.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Mission_Critical.pdf\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\"><em>Mission Critical: The Role of Community Colleges in Meeting Students\u2019 Basic Needs<\/em><\/a> found that over one-quarter of community college students, particularly students of color, face basic needs insecurity. While the report also found that those struggling with food and housing were more involved and engaged in their academic studies, this resilience shows that students can often do more with less. However, this doesn\u2019t set students up for long-term success, when nearly a third (29%) reported running out of food and 14% are housing-insecure.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-8f2d2c5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"8f2d2c5\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-00e288f ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"00e288f\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84fce62 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"84fce62\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-lack-of-funding-for-institutional-needs\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">2. Lack of funding for institutional needs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0cf4889 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"0cf4889\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e1c255f ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"e1c255f\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-88b4fe2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"88b4fe2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Federal Government established the <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.ed.gov\/about\/offices\/list\/ope\/caresact.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability Act (CARES)<\/a> on March 27, 2020. But now that those resources are depleted, additional strain is being placed on community colleges. And, <a href=\"https:\/\/files.eric.ed.gov\/fulltext\/ED616954.pdf\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">according to the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)<\/a>, community colleges across the country face tight budgets that are caused in part by states reducing their investments in them and chronic underfunding at the federal level. This fact makes it difficult for community colleges to provide the resources that students need to thrive.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9a6b66b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"9a6b66b\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5989075 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"5989075\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7eec422 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7eec422\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-limited-resources-at-rural-institutions\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">3. Limited resources at rural institutions<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e07cf7a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"e07cf7a\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4bc583c ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"4bc583c\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-730e07b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"730e07b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.regionalcolleges.org\/project\/ruralserving\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">1,087 rural-serving institutions (RSIs)<\/a> in the U.S. which serve communities facing socioeconomic disparities. For some communities, these institutions may be the primary or sole providers of essential resources (e.g., mental health counseling, food banks, Internet access, transportation, etc.). Of the higher education institutions located in low-employment counties, 83% are RSIs. With decreased access to basic needs that may prevent students at RSIs from accessing care, <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/the-impact-of-virtual-care-on-college-students-in-rural-communities\/?highlight=rural\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">RSIs face many challenges<\/a> such as inadequate broadband connectivity, lack of public transportation, limited access to affordable childcare, and more.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-45266fd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"45266fd\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ba2799 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"2ba2799\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5cc1f46 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5cc1f46\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-access-to-student-health-and-well-being-services\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">4. Access to student health and well-being services<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-010e7c1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"010e7c1\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6f9a001 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"6f9a001\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-31da63a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"31da63a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Comprehensive support services play a crucial role in the success and retention of community college students. Many students may not have access to physical and mental health care beyond what\u2019s offered by the school, which may come at a cost to the student. Many institutions may lack the necessary resources to provide these services, affecting persistence rates. The CCCSE\u2019s report noted that students of color and low-income students are more likely to face challenges accessing or paying for physical and mental health care. According to a Gallup-Lumina poll, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gallup.com\/analytics\/468986\/state-of-higher-education.aspx\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">55% of associate degree students<\/a> who considered dropping out cited emotional stress as the primary reason. Without access to student support services that address basic needs and mental health, students are at heightened risk of dropping out of college. According to a recent study, <a href=\"https:\/\/ps.psychiatryonline.org\/doi\/10.1176\/appi.ps.202000437\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">over 50% of community college students<\/a> screened positive for symptoms of one or more mental health conditions, and among these students with symptoms, fewer than 30% used mental health treatment in the past year. The study found that the cost of care is the most significant barrier to treatment for community college students in need.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23089e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"23089e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-community-college-leaders-can-respond-to-institutional-challenges\"><\/span>How community college leaders can respond to institutional challenges<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>Despite these challenges, community colleges remain resilient and continue to provide essential services to their students and communities. Even so, policymakers and stakeholders must prioritize support for these institutions to ensure they can continue to serve as a pathway to success for students. Community college leaders must look for solutions to overcome challenges.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5c21271 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"5c21271\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ab0a60a ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"ab0a60a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-556c3f4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"556c3f4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-form-partnerships-and-take-appropriate-steps-to-support-needs\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">1. Form partnerships and take appropriate steps to support needs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4665417 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"4665417\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3f52f46 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"3f52f46\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e372ba3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e372ba3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Both the CCCSE and ACCT recommend that community colleges build stronger partnerships with community organizations to support students\u2019 basic needs. To adequately care for students, community college leaders must also be aware of students\u2019 needs, identify or develop the necessary resources to meet those needs, and actively connect students to services for support. Virtual resources, such as TimelyCare, can provide basic needs assistance to connect students to the resources they need.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4c74d70 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"4c74d70\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0ebe392 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"0ebe392\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a0baa5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6a0baa5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-identify-new-sources-of-funding-for-student-services\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">2. Identify new sources of funding for student services<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4173391 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"4173391\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4304f8a ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"4304f8a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-62f16f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"62f16f5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>With HEERF funding no longer available, it\u2019s essential that community college leaders look to new state and federal funding opportunities for student services. For example, California\u2019s Budget Act of 2021 included $30 million in ongoing local assistance funds to support expanding the availability of mental health services available to California community college students. The combination of this funding allocation and a partnership with <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/timelymd-partners-with-foundation-for-california-community-colleges\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">The Foundation for California Community Colleges<\/a> (FCCC) means that one-third of California\u2019s community college students have equitable access to care anytime, anywhere, through TimelyCare.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e8bce54 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"e8bce54\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-223625b ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"223625b\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35a68c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"35a68c0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-expand-mental-health-resources\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">3. Expand mental health resources<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-44af2cf elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"44af2cf\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-51dbafe ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"51dbafe\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7599d1a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7599d1a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An essential part of any community college\u2019s strategy to prepare students for the workforce must include investing in their health and well-being\u2014it\u2019s good for the student, it\u2019s good for the community college, and it\u2019s good for America\u2019s workforce. However, <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/ready-and-resilient-class-of-2023-feels-stressed-but-prepared-to-enter-the-workforce\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">TimelyCare\u2019s recent survey<\/a> of college graduates found that, for associate-degree-seeking students, the negative impact on their mental health stemmed primarily from COVID-19-related factors that made them feel less prepared to enter the workforce. To equip academic communities to achieve these ends, virtual care platforms, such as TimelyCare, can partner with community colleges to extend the reach of campus health resources.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-130ec16 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"130ec16\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5075a77 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"5075a77\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d07915f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d07915f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"additional-resources-that-support-community-colleges\"><\/span>Additional resources that support community colleges<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>Community colleges play a critical role in providing access to higher education, but many students face significant challenges that can impact their mental health and academic success. Fortunately, there are solutions to these challenges. Data-informed approaches, peer support initiatives, and programs that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thirdway.org\/report\/how-social-belonging-impacts-retention-at-broad-access-colleges\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">help underserved student populations formulate a sense of belonging<\/a> can all be effective approaches to address these challenges. Here are a few organizations that can assist:<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/achievingthedream.org\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\"><strong>Achieving the Dream<\/strong><\/a><br \/>A national nonprofit helping community colleges improve student outcomes through coaching, technical assistance, and professional development opportunities, with a focus on equity and student-centered reforms. Their resources help community colleges improve the retention, graduation, and transfer rates of their students.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacc.nche.edu\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\"><strong>American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)<\/strong><\/a><br \/>A national advocacy organization representing nearly 1,200 community colleges. They offer professional development, policy advocacy, research, and other services to help community colleges navigate legislative and policy changes, improve institutional effectiveness, and enhance student success.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.luminafoundation.org\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\"><strong>Lumina Foundation<\/strong><\/a><br \/>A private foundation that partners with community colleges to increase the number of Americans with high-quality degrees, certificates, and other credentials. They provide grants, research, and technical assistance to community colleges, prioritizing equity and student-centered approaches in their work. Community colleges can benefit from their resources to improve student outcomes and increase graduates in their communities.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncwe.org\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\"><strong>National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE)<\/strong><\/a><br \/>A professional organization supporting community colleges in providing workforce education and training programs. They offer resources and professional development opportunities to align programs with local workforce needs and help students acquire the skills and credentials needed for success in the labor market.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ccrc.tc.columbia.edu\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\"><strong>Community College Research Center (CCRC)<\/strong><\/a><br \/>A research and policy center that conducts research on community colleges and provides guidance on how to improve their outcomes. They offer resources to implement evidence-based reforms, with a focus on topics such as student success, developmental education, and guided pathways.<\/p><p>TimelyCare\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/basic-needs-support-for-community-college-students\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Basic Needs Support<\/a> service connects students with free or reduced-cost programs that provide support for services like food assistance, transit support, childcare, and in-person health care, helping to bridge the gap community colleges face. <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/quote\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\"><strong>Contact TimelyCare<\/strong><\/a> to learn how we can provide your campus with complete clinical care, advanced technology, and expert guidance to develop a hybrid model of care designed to keep community college students engaged\u2014and in school.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 1,038 community colleges in the U.S. play an important role for students and communities, providing a quality education that prepares students for jobs or to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Given that over 40% of undergraduate students in the U.S. are pursuing an Associate\u2019s Degree and the percentage of job openings that require [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":24682,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24681","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Community Colleges&#039; 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