Community colleges build strong communities

President Barack Obama called attention to the nation's community college system in his State of the Union address. He further challenged colleges and universities to increase their financial stewardship in an effort to address the rising costs of higher education.

As the president stated, "In the 21st century, the best anti-poverty program in the world is a world-class education." The lifetime earning potential for people with postsecondary education is dramatically higher than those with high school diplomas alone, U.S. Census Bureau statistics show.

However, the lasting economic impact of a community college education does not end with one's earning potential. Viewed locally, nine out of 10 Illinois community college graduates remain in Illinois and contribute to the state's economy after completing college, cites the Illinois Community College Board. More than 80 percent of police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians are certified through community colleges. And remember, because community colleges train 60 percent of the nation's nurses and allied health professionals, your support of community colleges affirms the quality of your community's hospitals, doctor's offices, nursing homes, schools and dentist offices.

I can think of no more compelling reason for increased support of community colleges than an economically healthy community with a well-educated work force. Never before has a college degree been so important to the future of our citizens, our economy and our nation. Yet, just as employers increasingly require postsecondary degrees, certificates and credentials, higher education has become less affordable for those who need it most.

"In the United States of America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college," Obama noted.

Community colleges offer unique accessibility to higher education, especially to low-income students and students of color. Community college students realize significant savings in tuition costs and finish college with significantly lower rates of debt. Elgin Community College data indicate that students who start at ECC and transfer to four-year institutions save between $11,000 and $70,000, depending on the college or university they choose.

Community colleges represent the fastest-growing segment of higher education. Nationwide, community college enrollments have increased by close to 10 percent due, in part, to the economic downturn, according to American Association of Community Colleges data. At ECC, we are experiencing enrollment increases of 15 percent.

The real news here is not record-breaking enrollments but rather the eye-opening realization that community colleges have and will continue to offer the best value for our citizens' hard-earned educational dollars.

At ECC, we honor our mission "to improve people's lives through learning" by committing ourselves to innovative programs, such as our Alliance for College Readiness, a partnership with schools in our district to ensure that all of our community's students are ready for college, regardless of where they choose to go. Our participation in the national Achieving the Dream initiative is designed to help more students succeed in their educational goals.

It is critical for legislators to recognize the merits of Obama's American Graduation Initiative, which will fund necessary improvements in community college programs, address achievement gaps, increase completion rates and ensure that facilities provide the best possible environment for learning.

Lawmakers have the ability to determine whether a college education is within reach in today's economy. Across the nation, students and their families are placing their faith in community colleges, and they deserve nothing less than the best education our society can provide.

• David Sam is president of Elgin Community College in Elgin.