Community colleges must receive funding

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor in
Chief  Timothy Kudo

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 Edward Chiao
 Kelly Rayburn

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 Edward Chiao

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If recent financial and resource cuts to nation-wide community
colleges are allowed to continue,the result will be more than a
loss of dollars. It will also be a loss in prospective students,
important learning and life chances.

In addition to playing a critical role in the University of
California’s dual admissions program, community colleges are
an indispensible resource for students of all ages and needs.
Community college is an affordable alternative to four year college
for students with financial constraints. It’s a place where
college graduates can continue the process of lifelong learning by
enrolling in classes for pleasure. And it’s a second chance
at admission to a four-year college for those who didn’t
perform well in high school or diverted from the path of higher
education. For all of these students ““ and those who attend
community colleges for other reasons ““ cutting faculty and
raising tuition will impair both their quality of education and
chances at future success. In fact, one of the programs targeted
for cuts in California are the academic counselors who steer
students on to four-year institutions ““ a direct threat to
the effectiveness of the dual admissions program.

Preserving funding for community colleges should be a priority
for both the state and federal governments, especially during a
time of economic hardship when financially friendly options are
limited. If community colleges are not able to serve their purpose,
it will mean fewer students will have a chance at obtaining an
education.