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April is National Community College Month and West Virginia Northern Community College joins more than 1,100 community colleges across the nation in acknowledging the contributions these institutions make to the students and communities we serve.
"Nearly half of all undergraduates in the United States attend community colleges, and with good reason. These open-access institutions serve a diverse student population with diverse needs. From recent high school graduates to adult learners, the affordability and flexibility offered by community colleges can help put any person's educational and career goals within reach." (American Association of Community Colleges, 2016.)
Community colleges in this country were founded on a philosophy of access. That access is evidenced primarily through a commitment to two core values: open admissions and affordability. There's no hiding the fact that I'm a firm believer in the value of community colleges. The mission of these worthy two-year institutions caught my attention early as I ventured into a career in higher education.
Hopefully, you are familiar with the programs and services West Virginia Northern Community College offers on its three campuses -- New Martinsville, Weirton and Wheeling. Our student body is comprised of traditional age students, but you also will find first-generation college students, single parents, veterans and those seeking a career change.
In 2015-16, the college served more than 2,900 students in credit courses and programs. A total of 396 students graduated that academic year with certificates or associate degrees. In fact, those nearly 400 grads received 421 degrees because several enterprising students earned more than one degree. In addition, we provided an average of 55,000 hours of workforce training to students and employers.
There's a good reason our students, and particularly their parents, find us appealing. The college's tuition rate remains among the lowest in the region. Last year Northern again was named one of the most affordable colleges in America. With an average annual tuition and fees of about $4,000, WVNCC provides a quality educational value and permits students to graduate with less debt. This can be particularly attractive to students desiring a four-year degree. They can start their education at Northern and take advantage of the many transfer agreements with our partners at local and state four-year institutions.
By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school ("Recovery: Job Growth and Education Requirements Through 2020," Carnevale, Smith, and Strohl.) Northern offers one- and two-year degree programs that prepare students for a variety of careers.
While offering traditional career programs, the college also works closely with employers and the economic development community to keep workforce skills current and to identify emerging trends. For example, we are positioned to provide anticipated programming needed to support the proposed ethane cracker and ancillary industries.
Northern employs a qualified and dedicated faculty and staff who care about student success. They live, shop, worship and volunteer in our communities; they are the true believers in our mission. We thank our students for choosing WVNCC and we thank our many partners and friends for their ongoing support.
During this month set aside to honor community colleges, I can say unequivocally: West Virginia Northern is proud to be your local community college.
Riley is president of West Virginia Northern Community College and has served in community college education for more than 30 years.