Community colleges are among the most diverse institutions in the American higher education system. Students across lifestyles, creeds, racial/ethnic backgrounds, gender groups, ability levels, and socioeconomic status reflect the legacy of two-year institutions to provide educational opportunities for many on the margins of full participation.…

The purpose of this chapter is to continue and potentially expand the conversation about how a diversity-affirming ethical orientation and an understanding of critical epistemology might guide institutional decision making in community colleges in the direction of social justice. The chapter begins with a conceptual overview of the terms…

Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC), one of the oldest community colleges in the country, is located in Sunflower County, Mississippi, which was home to both the infamous White Citizens Council and civil rights heroine Fannie Lou Hamer. It serves one of the poorest areas of the country; the unemployment rate in the district is higher than…

Over the past few decades, community colleges have helped increase the representation of female and minority students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Flexible schedules, low tuition, proximity to jobs, and open access admissions make community colleges attractive to a diverse student body, especially…

Community colleges educate many traditionally underserved students, including students of color, first-generation students, and low-income students. This chapter discusses what we know about these students, how they have fared in college transitions, how educational pipeline and deficit models have helped or hindered their progress, and what…

Drawing on previous chapters in the volume, this chapter identifies crosscutting themes and lessons for those engaged in the development and study of academic pathways. Particular attention is paid to the ways that pathways can increase opportunities for traditionally underserved students.

This chapter uses data from the Transfer and Retention of Urban Community College Students project to provide evidence of success among racially diverse students in the Los Angeles Community College District. Through interviews with student services personnel, it also describes the specific efforts that may be responsible for this success. In…

This chapter highlights the role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in promoting the academic success of minority students and discusses successful strategies used by several Hispanic-Serving community colleges. (Contains 1 table.)

Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) represent a diverse group of different ethnicities and cultures. This study examines how national data on race and ethnicity are reported and describes the characteristics of AAPIs in light of the "model minority" myth. In addition, this study examines a definition of Asian American and Pacific…

This chapter describes the organization, operations, and goals of the Alliance for Equity in Higher Education, a national coalition of associations and institutions founded to serve the emerging majority of racially diverse college students.

This chapter summarizes useful and relevant resources and information on the topic of serving minority populations in community colleges, and presents information about several programs and services that have been successful in ensuring minority student success.

Presents community college minority faculty views on a number of issues, including professional development, teaching and curriculum, job satisfaction, and student quality. Reports that discrimination and declining student quality are significant concerns for minority faculty, yet these instructors expressed general satisfaction with their…

Reports that the dual enrollment program at Santa Monica College (SMC) in California aims to serve underrepresented student populations, particularly in light of the dismantling of affirmative action programs in California. The overall goal of the program is to increase the pool of students qualifying for competitive colleges and universities. (NB)

Discusses policy issues pertaining to minority transfer students and presents a conceptual model for enhancing and facilitating minority transfers. Asserts that four-year institutions must assess the level of cultural competence that faculty and staff members have for effectively interacting with minority students, and that universities must…

This edition of New Directions for Community Colleges offers community college educators alternative models, approaches, and perspectives to consider in working with ethnic minority students. The volume addresses issues of assessment, career and educational goals, learning enhancement, success courses, mentoring programs, campus climate,…