Dennis Gosnell, Assignment Editor
With the widening job market, an expanding world philosophy, and frustrating educational requirements, education becomes the foundation of stability for American economics. Thus, committing to an educational plan and setting a goal to receive an undergraduate degree, helps provide confidence for the current and future generation.
“It’s not just quitting on yourself, it’s quitting on your country – and this country needs and values the talents of every American. That is why we will provide the support necessary for you to complete college and meet a new goal: by 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.” – President Obama 2009 Joint Session of Congress Speech
Finding work has become difficult because the professional job market requires that higher education or job training prior to employment be completed. Community Colleges are the first step for 46% of Americans in achieving a career in the professional market, according to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
Students around campus commit to compete by signing a banner. Photo by Tracie Bullen
“Community colleges train 80% of the country’s police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians and more than half of its new nurses and health care workers. They are the go-to destinations for displaced workers and immigrants seeking language and cultural skills. Community colleges are where people most often go when they need to brush up on math or English before pursuing a college degree. And they have become increasingly attractive to families who can’t afford to send their kids to a four-year school.” – Mary Beth Marklein, Aug.1, 2008, USA Today.
The drawback comes in the form of transferring from a two-year community college to a four-year state university.
“Failing to complete the degree, allows universities to pick which courses they will or will not accept, forcing you to repeat classes or take additional classes, which will cost you added tuition, fees, and time,” Dr. Rod A. Risley, Executive Director Phi Theta Kappa, said.
The Commit to Complete campaign is a hopeful answer to the President’s call to increase the number of degrees and certificates earned, within a span of 10 years. The annual income an individual is likely to earn, by completing a degree, increases and helps boost the economy by providing stimulus to job creation or business earnings.
“It is exciting to see how many people signed the pledge banner. It’s not a commitment to the school; it’s about making a commitment to yourself to complete what you start,” Caryl Gibbs, RSC Co-advisor Phi Theta Kappa said.
