Community Colleges &
Certificate Programs…
other options that work!
Senior Class Advisory
February 1, 2016
Is Community College for me?
 A bachelor’s degree is not for everyone.
Community colleges offer programs for
students who simply aren’t looking for a fouryear degree or for students who are looking
for specialized education.
 Check out a recent U.S. News & World Report
article on attending a community college
http://www.usnews.com/education/communit
y-colleges/slideshows/10-reasons-to-attenda-community-college
Research and Statistics
 Of the new U.S. jobs in this decade, 65% will require
technical education beyond high school. (U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics)
 Nearly 12 million students are enrolled in America's
community colleges. These students make up 44 percent of
all undergraduates. (National Center for Education Statistics 2010) Two-thirds of community college students attend parttime.
 In 2010-11, average tuition and fees for a full-time student
enrolled in a public two-year community college are $2,713,
compared to $7,605 at public four-year institutions and
significantly higher levels at private for-profit and nonprofit
institutions.
Options after high
school include many
paths….
One Way includes:
The FOUR YEAR Degree…
This path is not for everyone… Ask yourself these questions:
1) Does the job I am seeking require this?
2) Am I a dedicated student capable of competing for SELECT
3)
4)
jobs that require a bachelor’s degree?
What is the job outlook for my career of study?
Can I start with an associate degree?
 If you choose the path of the bachelor’s degree, really
make sure you focus on a career and understanding
what career choices you have once you’ve earned your
degree. The last thing you need to do is earn an 4-year
degree and not have a clue what jobs are available to
you after you graduate.
Another Way Includes
…Certificate Programs
Offered at Community Colleges
18 months or less to attain most certificates
Focus education on specific skills needed in
industry or profession
Get the skills needed in professions that are
in high demand
Get direct link to the job market with your
specific course of study
More on Certificate Programs
Check out this link describing the
15 best certificates for today’s job
market
http://www.onlinecollege.org/2012/
07/19/the-15-best-certificatestodays-job-market/
What do you need to consider when
deciding on what career to pursue?
JOBS AVAILABLE
JOB PLACEMENT
CAREER LADDERS
TRAINING REQUIRED
YOUR SKILLS
YOUR INTERESTS
Explore Careers by…
Interviewing people you come into
contact with….if a job looks
interesting…learn more
Websites
Volunteering
Job Shadowing
TV Shows
Career Fairs
When deciding on a path after
high school….
Focus on post-secondary success not on college
admissions
If the goal is a better job, then do not confuse
education with occupational skills
Know the odds and know the costs
Certificate programs at community colleges offer many
paths to many different in-demand careers
If you are still undecided for life after high school,
investigate the community college system. There are
many rewarding career opportunities available through
certificate programs.