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First public community college
In 1901, Joliet Community College began as an experimental postgraduate high school program. In the beginning, only six students were enrolled. -
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Low enrollment at Community Colleges
Although there are a few community colleges by the 1920s, enrollment is low. Programs of study focus on liberal arts. -
Job training at Community College
In the 1930s, the Great Depression was causing high unemployment. Community Colleges stepped in by creating job training programs in hopes of easing unemployment. -
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Baby Boomers go to college
In the 1960s, the Baby Boomers reached college age. Both the number of community colleges and enrollment at those colleges began to skyrocket. Enrollment doubled from 1960-1970 and almost doubled again from 1970 to 1980. Part of this was also during the Vietnam War when many enrolled in Community Colleges to escape the draft. Community Colleges became a major part of the education system. -
26% of college students attend Community Colleges
By 1965, a little over a quarter of students at degree-granting colleges were attending community college. -
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Enrollment in community colleges increases by 413%
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Scottsdale Community College opens
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Dual Enrollment begins
Community Colleges start to offer dual enrollment, where high school students can take college courses.
Click here for more information on the history of dual enrollment -
60% of all college students are men
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SCC moved to its current location
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Part-timers are now the majority
The proportion of college students enrolled part-time increases from 49% to 64%, making part-timers the majority of the students at community colleges. -
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SCC adopts Artie the Artichoke as its mascot
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Minorities make up 20% of community college students
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$283 average yearly tuition at community colleges
Tution at 4-year colleges during this time was $617 -
55% of college students are women
Between 1970 and 1980, the gender in the majority at community colleges shifts from men to women. -
Dual Enrollment Gains Popularity
Although dual enrollment in high school and community colleges simultaneously started in the 1970s, it gained popularity in the mid-1980s. -
Partners with Employers
Based on recommendations from the Nationwide Commission on the Future of Community Colleges in 1988, community colleges begin to form partnerships with local employers to be able to teach people job skills that the local employers needed. -
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Certificate programs increase
Community colleges were already offering 1 year certificates which focused on job training. The number of students earning certificates almost doubles between 1989 and 2000. During this same time period, the number of students earning associate degrees increased by 21%. Degrees in the computing field increased by 93%. -
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Funding increases for community colleges
Funding from the government, private sources, and corporate sources all increase in the 1990s allowing community colleges to employ more part-time staff. -
48% of college students attend community colleges
By 1992, the percentage of students attending degree-granting institutions has increased to 48%. -
MCC begins energy conservation program
This very successful program has allowed Maricopa Community Colleges to decrease their energy expenditures by 5% despite gaining 60% more building space. -
First upper division courses added at SCC
SCC also partners with NAU to create a program for getting a B.S. in hotel in restaurant management. For more information, click here -
5.3 million enrolled in Community Colleges
Although growth in community colleges slowed after the Baby Boomers graduated, enrollment continued to grow. It reached 5.3 million students by 1999 -
Minorities make up 33% of community college students
The proportion of students in minority groups steadily increased since 1976. The proportion of Hispanic students shows the most growth since 1976. -
1076 Community Colleges
The number of community colleges reaches 1,076. -
$1359 yearly average tuition at community colleges
Tuition at 4-year colleges was $3506 -
International students arrive at SCC
In 2007, The U.S. Department of State sponsored the Community College Initiative Program. This allows international students to come to community colleges and stay with a family briefly before they attend classes. SCC participated in this program from the beginning.
For more information, click here.
