Social Justice and the Community College Context, Then and Now

Nearly half of all undergraduates attend community colleges. Over the last 100+ years, the two-year college sector has served an increasing number of first-generation, underrepresented racial/ethnic minority, and low-income students. While higher education historically was reserved for the affluent, community colleges are a case in point for broad social justice changes that resulted in this tier becoming a major player in postsecondary attainment for divergent learners. Founded on the principles of social justice, community colleges are a unique American invention that contributed to the massification of higher education and continues to have an imprint on the mission of tertiary education across the globe. This presentation will highlight the pivotal role of community colleges in broadening access, participation, and providing routes to higher learning for diverse collegians. Attention will be drawn to contemporary social justice concerns and the role of community colleges as the "people's colleges" and as a democratizing force in higher education.

 ~ A light lunch will be provided ~