This document is part of the New Expeditions series, published by the American Association of Community Colleges. Addressed specifically in this paper is the need for collaboration within and between community colleges if they are to fulfill their role as democratic agencies concerned with access and equity issues. The paper notes that community colleges are "peoples colleges," in that they provide access for low-income, first-generation and other nontraditional students, providing all who enter an opportunity to realize higher degree and career aspirations. The paper describes community colleges as both internally and externally collaborative. Internal collaboration refers to the relationships among faculty, students, and administrators that foster validating classrooms. External collaboration refers to viable relationships with the K-12 school system, the local business and industrial community, four-year institutions, and other community-based organizations. Several models of multicultural education are provided within this paper, offering the reader a comparison between a monocultural and multicultural environment. Model programs offered at community colleges around the country are also provided. The paper provides seven recommendations, each designed around internal or external collaboration, with the goal of creating a relevant and enriching environment for all students, ultimately launching students to higher levels of success. (Contains 35 references.) (AF)