The community college experience is changing. The problems of destitute graduation rates and bad outcomes are being addressed with mixed success.
But community colleges continue to be recognized as an important resource,particularly recently with increased federal attention, and are looking to educate and play important roles in their communities. Among the colleges main the change are five unique community colleges we are profiling for you -- schools that enjoy been recognized for their ability to step up and innovate in an environment that poses significant challenges to the American system of higher-ed -- as part of our special series, or "The Community College Challenge." nowadays we travel to the southwest corner of Texas,to the Mexican border city of El Paso, where we find El Paso Community College. El Paso Community College was named one of 10 finalists for the Aspen Prize in 2015 - an award recognizing community college excellence.
EPCC, or as it's known,is defined by its geography. The majority of its students are Hispanic, and around 800 students commute daily across an international border to attend classes. Many of the students are the first in their families to attend college. El Paso Community College president Dr. William Serrata says the key excitement and challenge of his job is to be the leader in a community trying to acquire a college-going culture. He wants the entire community to raise its expectations, and he thinks his school as at the middle of it. We also hear from EPCC students and members of the forensics debate team,for which the school has won national recognition.
EPCC president Dr. William Serrata with a graduating student.
(Fernie Garcia) EPCC students.
(EPCC) EPCC student George Stowe III graduates.
(Fernie Garcia)
Source: wnyc.org