Best Community Colleges: Walla Walla Community College (WA)

 

Best Community Colleges: Walla Walla Community College (WA)

Walla Walla Community College (WWCC), a multi-campus community college, is located in southeastern Washington. Situated on 100 acres, the Walla Walla campus is an educational and cultural hub for the region. Walla Walla Community College’s Clarkston Center, located in Clarkston, Washington, broadens its facilities and programs throughout a four-county district. Walla Walla Community college is a center of learning in Garfield and Asotin counties. WWCC also maintains a facility at the Washington State Penitentiary.

With a current annual enrollment of over 13,000 new, returning and international students, Walla Walla Community College offers courses in Academic Transfer Education, Professional/Technical Education, Transitional Studies and Extended Learning.

Generally speaking, academic courses (100 level or higher) at WWCC are transferable to most four-year institutions. WWCC’s e-learning program enables students to get an Associate’s degree entirely online or through a combination of on online and on-campus courses.

The Running Start program offers high-school juniors and seniors an opportunity to enroll in courses at Walla Walla Community College.

In addition to traditional areas of study, Walla Walla CC is a base for technical and local community learning, hosting the Ag Center of Excellence, educational opportunities in agriculture; College Cellars of Walla Walla, educational opportunities in the field of Enology and Viticulture, including an operating winery; Learning Center for Non Profits, resources, training and education to current and prospective staff and board members of nonprofits; Water and Environmental Center, education for environmental and economic sustainability; and the Walla Walla Valley Early Learning Coalition, helping to improve the lives of children and families through early childhood experiences.

The Aspen Institute named Walla Walla Community College the 2013 co-winner of its prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The Aspen Institute also recognized the junior college as a 2011 Finalist with Distinction for the same prize.

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Best Community Colleges: Schoolcraft College (MI)

 

Best Community Colleges: Schoolcraft College (MI)

Schoolcraft College, located in Livonia, Michigan, has a satellite campus in Garden City, Michigan. Schoolcraft College celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011.

Enrollment annually averages 30,000 students. The college awards certificates, associate degrees and post-associate certificates.

Examples of degree-oriented academic programs include Liberal Arts, Health, Fine Arts, Anthropology and Education.

Examples of certificate programs include Fire Technology, Baking & Pastry Arts, Computer Graphics- 3D Animation, and Sound Recording Technology.

Schoolcraft College, well known for its culinary arts program, is headed by four certified master chefs. It has the highest chef/student ratio of any culinary program in the U.S. The college operates three dining venues as part of its culinary arts program.

The Transition Center supports students and is home to the Women’s Resource Center, Adult Student Services, Family Resources and Student Engagement Programs.

The Biomedical Technology Center focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and genetics, robotics, information systems and nanotechnology (GRIN).

The 11,000 sq. ft. Schoolcraft Fitness Center, with its state-of-the-art strength, cardio, free weight and stretch equipment is free to credit students and available for membership for non-credit students, faculty, community members and alumni.

The college’s Public Safety Training Complex, opened in 2010, houses its public safety programs such as Criminal Justice, Fire Technology, Correctional Science, Homeland Security, Police/Fire/Academies and Public Safety in-Service.

Schoolcraft College has a strong student activity presence. The MacGuffin, is a national literary magazine published from Schoolcraft College and The Schoolcraft Connection, the school’s award winning student newspaper continues to garner journalistic praise.

In 2009, the Women’s Basketball team won their second NJCAA Region 12 District H Title.

To serve local families, the school’s “Kids on Campus” program offers classes for children over the weekends during the fall, winter, and spring semesters.

To serve local businesses and industry, the college’s Business Development Center includes the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), and Workforce Training Solutions.

The college is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC).

Schoolcraft College ranked #49 in the CNN Money listing of community colleges in 2012.

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Based on their proven levels of excellence, all of these community colleges have earned the privilege of your consideration.

Still not sure which one to pick? Here are five tips for choosing the best community college for you:

1. Does the community college have an honors program? What are the academic requirements? Would you qualify? Getting accepted into the honors programs at a community college will afford you additional opportunities and increase your chances for successful graduation and transfer.

2. Do you plan to transfer to a four-year college or university? If so, call a few of the places you hope to attend and find out how they perceive the community colleges on your list and which colleges accept the most transfers from those community colleges. Ask about any guaranteed transfers and “articulation agreements” that may be in place.

3. Inquire about the specific academic program you are interested in and compare the completion rates of that program to the overall rates of the college. If there is a notable gap between the two rates, ask why.

4. For optimal learning, do you prefer a small campus with special counseling/coaching or a larger campus with an expansive array of course options and educational opportunities? If needed, ask about remedial courses and other support resources. Compare the colleges on your short list to your personal needs.

5. Research and compare the stats on the schools you are most interested in: the college’s graduation rate,
transfer rate, “success” rankings based on various surveys.

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