Community colleges are committed to enriching diverse communities by delivering high-quality, affordable, and accessible education for all students enrolled in online, hybrid, and face-to-face classes and courses. The advantages of attending a community college will inspire the transformation of individual lives, the workforce, and society.

This is a sponsored post written by me in partnership with Tomorrow, powered by Remake Learning. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you ever stop and consider that perhaps not every child has the opportunity to attend college? Not every family can afford university tuition. Not every family encourages their children even to want to go to university. Not every child has an idea of what they want to study. Not every child has a support system in place to guide them in making these decisions.

What exactly are the benefits of community college versus university?

My children have known from a very young age that I wanted them to attend college. My children know I will do whatever I can to help them achieve their dreams, whatever they might be. Their dreams have changed as they have grown, but I always was inspired by my children’s ambitions to become astronauts, singers, musicians, doctors, and gamers I want my children always to be excited about their life choices and I can do this by being a positive and massive encouragement in their lives.

This week my two oldest children began attending two different local community colleges in our area. My son just graduated from high school this spring, with honors, and was offered a substantial academic scholarship to an out-of-state college. He accepted, and then with the recent changes in our nation, he withdrew his acceptance and decided to attend community college instead. My oldest daughter has decided on community college this fall as a dual enrollment student. What this means is that she is attending college early as a high school student. She is not enrolled in a dual enrollment program, but attending college early as a typical college student and has not graduated from high school yet.

My son has a few friends who are attending community college with him for free. They participated in a scholarship program all through high school that enabled them to earn two years of tuition for free by maintaining substantial grades, good attendance, no-repeat classes, graduating on time, and providing service hours to their community. They are beginning college with one full semester already completed by enrolling in dual enrollment classes in their junior and senior high school years.

If students are still in high school, I highly encourage them to take dual enrollment classes as it is the most economical way to earn college credits. The tuition cost for dual enrollment students is typically about 90% off the average tuition rate.

The academic experience of college first hand during high school can help so many young adults today to stay focused on their goals and their vast dreams. The dedicated faculty and staff at local community colleges are committed to all students’ success. These staff members provide students with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to pursue their educational goals and achieve their highest dreams.

Community College Myths and Assumptions

Some families and students may never seriously consider a community college because they believe the unfavorable myths. Perhaps you may think that community colleges are less academically rigorous or won’t give your children a real college experience. I say these myths and assumptions are misguided.

I know both of my children feel academically challenged in their classes this semester. Most of my kid’s teachers have their Master’s degrees in their area of expertise, and a couple has PhDs. I find these teachers to be very supportive, attentive, and approachable. This week alone, my daughter has received a personal text from a teacher, making sure she received a notification from him. This same teacher asked my daughter to call him with her question today because he felt he could answer her better over the telephone versus going back and forth over email. I have heard each one of my kid’s teachers state they are there to help them succeed.

Perhaps another assumption regarding a community college education is that instructors may be less experienced than teachers at a state or private university. I fully expect my children to learn this semester from their very qualified educators who prioritize teaching over research because these instructors choose to work at our local community colleges.

Here are some Community College Statistics:

• According to the White House blog, by 2020, 35% of job openings will require a bachelor’s degree, while 30% will need at least an associate’s degree.

• Four out of 10 graduating high school students begin their college careers at community college, according to College Board.

• Two-year colleges are the most extensive and fastest-growing sector of higher education.

• There are over 1,600 community colleges in the United States serving 11 million students.

• Jill Biden calls community colleges "America's best-kept secret," saying they are "uniquely positioned to provide the education and training that will prepare students for the jobs in the 21st century."

Community Colleges and the Needs of the Community

Community colleges offer various educational experiences and activities that respond to local businesses, lifelong learning, and personal needs of the community. Community colleges are formatted to include day, evening, and weekend courses, online courses, workshops, refresher skill programs, certificates, and certification preparation courses. These programs promote the philosophy of ongoing learning to assist students in their educational paths. The fantastic programs also help students participate in local businesses and the personal needs of the community.

In my honest opinion, community colleges are working harder than universities because they are doing so much. Community colleges play a critical role in educating the American workforce! Here are the benefits to consider by attending a community college.

• Provide two years of a four-year degree

• Address community workforce needs

• Offer selective degree programs in health sciences and tech

• Collaborate with local high schools in dual-enrollment programs

• Continue to serve the needs of remedial students

• Provide adult education

• Align with local business through contracts to offer job training at local levels

Benefits of Attending A Community College

• AFFORDABILITY

• FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

• SMALLER CLASSES/SMALLER CAMPUS

• QUALIFIED PROFESSORS

• TRANSITIONAL

• EMBRACE TECH

•  CERTIFICATIONS

• COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

• HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

• NETWORK OPTIONS

Community colleges prepare students for an education at four-year institutions and prepare graduates to work in local economies. Community colleges partner with strategic area business for an inside scoop on which skills these businesses look for hiring new graduates. Simply put, you will learn what is relevant, marketable, and in-demand at community colleges.

The partnerships between local community businesses and community colleges create opportunities together. They recruit students for internships and experiential learning opportunities, including job shadowing, tours, paid internships, apprenticeships, financial support, mentorship, expertise, and classroom activities. Some local businesses even donate equipment to the labs and classrooms for state-of-the-art training facilities.

Estimated 2 Year Cost at Published Tuition

These College Board numbers are based on published tuition costs, not what students actually end up paying out of their own pockets. Besides tuition and fees, students have to pay for housing, food, books, and supplies. They also have to cover any additional college fees and other living expenses

Community colleges have become a practical option for many high school graduates today. Whether you know what your educational path will be or you simply want the opportunity to explore your options, local community colleges may be the best fit on the path to achieving your dreams.

If you are wondering whether or not community college is the best fit and the right choice for you, just think about the possibilities and your children’s dreams! It is time to teach our children how to be engaged in our local communities civically, educationally, and personally!