Introduction
Generally, community colleges consist of public and private colleges as well as technical institutions (Raby and Valeau 3). They are regarded as vital players in education systems that are quite diverse. Despite the fact that defining the community college concept is quite complex, various attempts have been made (Wiseman et al. 301).
In the United States, for example, a community college is an educational institution that is endorsed to award the associate in arts or sciences as its highest degree. Though accepted, the definition ignores some important aspects of community colleges such as vocational as well as community functions.
Although some people see them as a waste of public resources and a result of a diluted workforce, free community colleges should be encouraged in order to offer students affordable educational services under flexible terms.
Arguments on Both Sides of the Debate
The importance of community colleges has been growing over the years, and the trend is bound to continue (Townsend and Twombly 102). For this reason, free community colleges should be encouraged. Proponents allude to a number of reasons in support of free community colleges. First, most students attend community colleges because of their flexibility. The flexible schedule permits us to study while working.
Reasonable costs associated with community colleges also make it possible for students to explore numerous options. Smaller classes under community college systems are equally important since they make it possible for students to access their teachers easily.
Free community colleges are also an important strategy that can be used by the government to ensure that those who also less fortunate in society are not overlooked. While meeting education expenses for some families may not be a problem, there are those whose financial backgrounds can not allow them to be part of an expensive education system. Free community colleges will thus accommodate those who can not afford costly university fees.
On the other hand, free community colleges have been criticized for the short time taken. Consequently, a student who desires to undertake a 4-year degree program is compelled to move to a different university at a later time in order to get the award. Fears have also been raised concerning the workload, which is generally lighter than what a student is likely to encounter at a state university.
Employers are, therefore, afraid that they may end up with a diluted workforce. Students under community colleges are also less involved and miss out on the campus life experience. As mentioned earlier, there is a feeling among opponents that free community colleges are a waste of public resources and should thus be abolished.
Conclusion
Despite the concerns raised by opponents of free community colleges, there is certainly a growing need to support their development. As has been explained in this paper, there are many individuals with a strong desire to access education, but they simply can not due to their underprivileged status in society. Promoting free community colleges will, therefore, make it possible for such people.
The flexible structure is equally beneficial for those who are interested in pursuing education while working at the same time. State governments can also use free community colleges to create a platform for the less fortunate to advance in life. It is thus important for state governments to boost the establishment and development of free community colleges.
Works Cited
Raby, Rosalind and Edward Valeau. Community College Models: Globalization and Higher Education Reform. Northridge, CA: Springer Science & Business Media, 2009. Print.
Townsend, Barbara and Susan Twombly. Community Colleges: Policy in the Future Context. Portsmouth, NH: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2001. Print.
Wiseman, Alexander, Anuradha Sachdev, Thomas Janis, Ryan Glover and Audree Chase-Mayoral. Community Colleges Worldwide: Investigating the Global Phenomenon. Bingley, UK: Emerald Group Publishing, 2012. Print.