Rebuilding community college momentum by meeting student needs

In February 2020, Comptroller Glenn Hegar rebooted his Good for Texas Tour by highlighting the impact of Texas community colleges. The comptroller estimated that, with 700,000 students, community colleges contributed about $9.8 billion annually to the Texas economy and that the higher pay for individuals with some college or an associate degree raised annual wages by more than $27 billion.

The global pandemic has upended learning on college campuses across our state, challenging students’ pursuit of post-secondary degrees in profound ways. Preliminary data shows community college enrollment may have dropped by about 85,000 students (up to 12%) since fall 2019. Although this dip will adversely affect generations of incoming students, community colleges must continue to rise to the challenge of meeting the needs of our students and employers in communities across Texas.

Where are these students, and why didn’t they enroll?

Getting community college students back on track is as complex as the challenges these students face. Community college students are working adults, first-time college students and/or heads of household who power businesses of all sizes as they pursue high-demand occupations. They face significant needs that often prevent them from enrolling full-time. A May 2020 survey revealed that 21% of community college students were likely to take fewer classes due to the impacts of the pandemic, including lack of regular computer or internet access, and loss of jobs or income.

Student and family income is at the center of the pandemic’s impact on college enrollment. Research shows that substantial declines in community college enrollment nationwide were largest among graduates of high-poverty high schools. In Texas, where enrollment of first-time community college students dropped 22% and first-time public university enrollment dropped 1%, public 2-year college students have one-tenth the state grant aid of their 4-year counterparts. Community college students and their families depend on income to make ends meet; when that income is insufficient, students do not enroll.

How can community colleges continue to meet employer needs?

Recent enrollment losses mean fewer students gaining the skills needed by employers. As the recovery continues, the spotlight on labor shortages grows. Job vacancies burden our hospitals, factories and business centers, and the nation is scrambling for drivers and other logistics workers to move supply chains. Skilled trades, information technology and numerous other fields need a growing stream of skilled workers to fill current openings and replace baby boomers entering retirement. With more than 10.4 million unfilled jobs nationwide and 922,000 unfilled in Texas, the labor shortage is holding small business owners back, costing them opportunity and growth.

As the current provider of more than 90% of credit-bearing career and technical education credentials, Texas community colleges are best positioned to help employers fill these good-paying jobs. We must support students with the services, facilities, financial aid, equipment and quality programs needed for success.

At the same time, with a decline of 85,000 students, our community colleges have suffered a significant financial hit. Many colleges are operating on thin margins with little in reserves. We must recognize the implications of these facts and work to ensure we have strong community colleges.

Texas community colleges are committed to work in partnership with industry leaders, helping students succeed and our communities grow. We must work together to reengage our students, securing their path to the skilled workforce and our bridge to a stronger economy.