leading to the Associate Degree requires a high school
diploma or the equivalent and at times, proven proficiency
in certain academic areas.
How Is Excellence in Education Ensured?
According to the U.S. Network for Education Information:
Accreditation is the process used in U.S. education
to ensure that schools, postsecondary institutions,
and other education providers meet, and maintain,
minimum standards of quality and integrity regarding
academics, administration, and related services.
It is a voluntary process based on the principle of
academic self-governance. Both institutions and
programs (faculties) within institutions participate in
accreditation.
There are six regional accrediting associations in the United
States that continually monitor and assess the quality of
instruction at both two- and four-year institutions. The same
standards that apply to four-year colleges and universities
also apply to the assessment of community colleges. For
more detailed information about the accreditation process
in the U.S., please consult the U.S. Network for Education
Information website at: ed.gov/NLE/USNEI.
All community colleges that participate in the YFU Program
are regionally accredited.
How Are Community Colleges Funded?
Most community colleges are publicly funded, which means
that financial support comes from state and local taxes paid
by the citizens of that community. Another large portion of
the funding comes from student tuition and fees.
For privately funded community colleges, financial support
comes primarily from student tuition, contributions from
private citizens and foundations, income from the colleges’
own accumulated endowments and, for church affiliated
colleges, from their religious organizations.
After the Community College Experience...
Internationally renowned politicians, artists, scientists, and
others began their education at a community college. They
were given opportunities to