Research Paper - Outline - Free Community College

Intro

The demands for associate degrees and certifications are growing.

The controversial issue, Free Community College fights for a good cause; the benefit of all students in the United States and better prepared workers.

Even though the proposal for free college may seem like the best way to open doors of opportunity for students, those resources should be invested in programs that educate them about scholarships.

Background

Free community college is a 60 million dollar project (video source)

Financial aid programs such as the ones in Oklahoma, are an extremely effective way to encourage persistence in education. 

Mendoza, P., Mendez, J. P., & Malcolm, Z. (2009). Financial aid and persistence in community colleges: Assessing the effectiveness of federal and state financial aid programs in oklahoma. Community College Review, 37(2), 112-135. Retrieved from http://moe.highline.edu:2158/docview/213204852?accountid=1327

Summary of opposing view

Tennessee is a state that has already put this proposal in practice. Positive feedback has come from this state like the significant increase of enrolled high school graduates into college and the opportunity that these students would not have without free tuition.

 Does free community college work? (2015, January 10). CNN Wire. Retrieved from

Position  

There are many different ways to pay community college (Book Source) INFORMING students about these alternatives can take away from the fear of paying tuition.

Handing over the tools is much better than handing over the money.

Marin Kennen, E. (2005, Aug 15). GEAR UP: Creating college students in 7th grade. The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, 15, 18. Retrieved from http://moe.highline.edu:2158/docview/219215909?accountid=1327

Thinking about college can be overwhelming for young adults, the sooner they are given options the more likely they are to take initiative and peruse a carrier.

Proof

Often times, the lack of resources can causes many students to discard the idea of college.

Olivo, A. (1998, Mar 13). FINANCIAL AID: Financing a college education; creative ways to search for funds. The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, 8, 5. Retrieved from http://moe.highline.edu:2158/docview/219202191?accountid=1327     

We know that if college was free more students would enroll. However, this proposal may not be sustainable. Giving options to students and parents can open a doors of opportunities as well. These organizations would bring better use to the funds that already exist.  

Conclusion

-        Money used for the proposal of free community college should be invested in guiding our students in the right direction to pay tuition.

-        Giving students the right tools and information will lead them to success.

-        All students and families are different, but there is an option for everyone.

Common ground

With this idea possibilities will open up and take away from the fear and anxiety of paying tuition off. Planing ahead means success!

Organizations that inform students early on about how to pay off education is a much more realistic way of increasing the number of students receiving higher degrees and reaching their goals.