Community colleges have often gotten short shrift on the spectrum of higher education. Their policy of accessibility to all has often relegated them to a lower status than traditional, four-year institutions; and because they offer a wide range of programs, community colleges often defy easy description. But a challenging economy and a shift to new kinds of jobs will likely be a boon for community colleges. Their challenge now is getting the word out. As community colleges adapt to changing circumstances, the schools continue to offer value, communicate their strengths, and deliver results. With an annual enrollment of about 11.5 million students in approximately 1,200 schools, community colleges are shouldering a huge proportion of higher education in the United States. Their ability to do so effectively will have an impact not only on their own success but also on the nation's.