No confusion here on community colleges
Considering how little President Donald Trump seems to know about the world — except for his favorite subjects, himself, money, golf and TV ratings — it is hard to be too surprised when he displays ignorance of a commonly known institution.
But even for Trump, this statement made during a recent speech was over the top: “We do not know what a ‘community college’ means,” he said while speaking at an Ohio training facility for construction apprentices. He may not know what a community college is, but those of us in Santa Fe and across the country do.
Locally, the community college remains a dream come true for this city, an affordable education for students who want to pursue degrees but lack the financial means or opportunity to leave town for a four-year college elsewhere.
But it’s more than that. A community college — and Santa Fe Community College is hardly unique — also offers a variety of courses that will lead to jobs after a year or two of schooling. Santa Fe Community College has vocational education for those who want it and academics for others.
Since 1983, the college has taken root in this town, offering a springboard to four-year colleges or universities for some and a quick path to a better jobs for others. It has created opportunities that are affordable and widely available. So it is with community colleges across the United States, where some 40 percent of undergraduates are enrolled in community colleges, according to the College Board higher-education research firm.
Locally, our neighbors and relatives can study welding, woodworking, green energy, automotive repair, filmmaking, medical technology, controlled agriculture and so many more. Or, students might seek an associate degree in business, liberal arts, mathematics or education. There are continuing education classes to meet immediate needs; right now, interested people can take a course in how drones will help small businesses. In short, our community is richer because Santa Fe Community College is here. We’re sure that is true across the country.
As Santa Fe Community College tweeted after hearing about the president’s comment: “Community college fun fact: We love our trades but many of our students save thousands of dollars earning an associate’s degree before transferring on to four-year degrees.”
Why does it matter so much that the president does not understand the importance of a community college? Trump was in Ohio to talk about infrastructure and job creation. Community colleges are essential for job creation because they can restructure programs quickly to offer training in fields where workers are needed. They are available for midcareer workers to find new skills when their industries shut down. Affordable classes can mean the ability to find work, and not just any job, but ones that pay well and will support families.
Trump obviously does not understand higher education, with its many complexities and different paths. Vocational education is important, but there is no conflict between trade schools and community colleges. Both offer opportunity. In Santa Fe, they work side by side — at, where else, the community college.