Although California's 106 Community Colleges' mission to accept any student who can profit from instruction and to provide transfer programs and vocational, continuing, and community education invites the non-traditional student to benefit from college education, the Community College students' success is not guaranteed because of the low quality education and high drop out rate in high school. The Educational Testing Service reports that students entering two-year colleges read at an average grade level of 7.1. The National Assessment of Educational Progress reports that secondary students receive very little instruction in writing. These and other deficiencies are apparent in high school graduation statistics. Although California passed minimum competency requirements for high school graduation, nearly 25% of 1981 seniors either lacked the credits to graduate or failed the competency exam. Of those failing the exam, 16% were Hispanics. Low-cost, easily accessible California Community Colleges, 5.5% of whose professional employees are Hispanic, enroll a larger number of Hispanics than any other segment of the California higher education system. Approximately 10% of the students are Hispanics. To ensure the success of these students, the Community Colleges must continue to provide instruction in basic skills and to urge participation in college governing activities. (SB)