This issue discusses the importance of the community college to higher education in the United States. Contained are six articles: (1) "America's Community Colleges: On the Ascent," by Arthur M. Cohen, which places the strengths and challenges of the American community college within a historical context; (2) "Lamps Beside the Golden Door," by Evelyn Clements, which analyzes the lifelong learning opportunities of the community college; (3) "The Global Linkage," by Michael J. Bandler, which examines the international impact of community colleges, both as models for institutions abroad, and as destination institutions for foreign students; (4) "The Case for the Community College Baccalaureate Degree," by Kenneth P. Walker, which discusses how the two-year certificate might be meshed with the four-year programs of the nation's colleges and universities; (5) "From Classroom to Workplace: Ties that Bind," by Michael J. Bandler, which analyzes the role of workplace development in the American community college system; and (6) "Launching Pads for Life," by Tracey Wong Briggs, which looks at the recent winners of a USA Today annual recognition program. The winners reflect the diverse community college population. (Contains 38 references.) (NB)