COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMPLETION CORPS

2 BACKGROUND

3 THE PROBLEM : ONLY 25% of 8 million community college students actually complete their degrees or certifications. The USA has fallen to 12 th place among industrialized nations concerning citizens holding higher education credentials. While 65% of students who drop out plan to return, only about 38% do return.

4 BACKGROUND THE CHALLENGE : The President has challenged community colleges to produce an additional 5 million degrees or certificates by –essentially doubling the current number

5 BACKGROUND THE RESPONSE : 6 leading national organizations that serve community colleges - including Phi Theta Kappa - signed the CALL TO ACTION Then formed The Community College Completion Challenge And formed its action arm: The Community College Completion Corps

6 BACKGROUND

7 THE PURPOSE : To foster a culture of completion To address soaring drop-out rates To renovate the process of higher education To cultivate life-long learning To prepare students for the work force and/or for transferring to senior institutions To equip students w/the tools to succeed in school, in life, in all they do

8 ACTION

9 PHI THETA KAPPANS = The Completion Corps spreading the word

10 GOING SOMEWHERE? Transferring to a senior institution? You’ll encounter fewer barriers to transfer! Many state college systems have articulation agreements that guarantee transfer of community college credits when associate degree students enter state universities. You’ll save time & money by not having to repeat courses or take courses you did not know you needed.

11 COMPLETE to COMPETE You’ll be prepared! It’s a tough job market out there, especially in today’s economy. –Having a college degree will give you a leg up on the competition. Plus, people change jobs up to 10 times in their working lives, and when you are job-hunting, a college credential will always give you a competitive edge.

12 LEARN MORE, EARN MORE You’ll earn more! Students who complete their associate degree or certificate can expect to earn as much as –$8,000 more per year –and about $400,000 more in a lifetime than a high school graduate =

13 10 REASONS to COMPLETE YOU WILL 1.earn more money over a lifetime! 2.be better prepared for the workforce! 3.have less likelihood of unemployment! 4.be ready to begin a path to a university! 5.increase your chances for a transfer scholarship!

14 10 REASONS to COMPLETE YOU WILL 6.feel good about reaching your goal and having a degree to show for it! 7.have children who will be more likely to graduate from college! 8.have a family who has a healthier lifestyle. 9.be a better citizen! 10.be more mindful of environmental concerns!

15 SIGNING DAY

16 SIGNING DAY November 5, 2012

17 SIGNING DAY March 22, 2013

18 SIGNING DAY November 14, 2013

19 SIGNING DAY November 13, 2014

20 SIGNING DAY November 13, 2014

21 SIGNING DAY April 7&9, 2015

22 SIGNING DAY October 22-23, 2015

23 SIGNING DAY Now it’s YOUR turn….. COMMIT to COMPLETE COMPLETE to COMPETE