New Roles for Community Colleges: Expanding Economic Opportunity

In an op-ed appearing in several newspapers around the country, MetLife Foundation President Sibyl Jacobson and JFF President Marlene B. Seltzer note the centrality of community colleges in strategies to reduce poverty and expand economic opportunity. However, Jacobson and Seltzer explain, these colleges need more equitable and generous funding from state and local governments. Also, federal student aid should be more readily available to working adults who attend school part-time. Third, federal welfare and workforce laws should promote community college enrollment, not make it more difficult. Finally, all colleges need support from their local businesses, community organizations, and government.