American community colleges are much like the nation that invented them. They offer an open door to opportunity to all who would come, are innovative and agile in meeting economic and workplace needs, and provide value and service to individuals and communities. Little wonder that they are increasingly emulated around the world and have become the largest and fastest-growing segment of U.S. Although they have been a part of U.S. higher education since 1901, community colleges have traditionally had a low profile and have received little attention in national media. Today, they are attracting significant attention, not only in the United States but also internationally. In other countries, they are seen as vehicles to improve skills and to expand educational opportunity. In the United States, community colleges are considered important to economic strength and recovery and are being challenged to improve student success and completion significantly while increasing both access and quality.