It's Time to Ask Why
Most students enroll in community colleges full of excitement. They talk frequently about making a career change that will be more fulfilling, or help them support their families. But even if they're making "C's" or better their first year, too often they drop out before making the career changes they thought would change their lives. Research shows that while 86% of community college students hope to complete a degree or certificate program, only 25% complete either within six years.

This is because community college students are often working adults with complex lives, and sometimes families. Their challenges are many, including:

• more than half are first-generation college students;
  
• almost 85% of community college students work, and more than half of them (54%) work full-time;
  
• nearly one-quarter (23%) of community college students are parents;
  
• nearly 70% of community college students are enrolled part-time;
  
• more than half of all community college students are older than 25.

KnowledgeWorks Foundation has responded to the challenges facing community colleges by becoming involved with Achieving the Dream, a data-driven approach to discovering where students are floundering in their college careers, and why. Several community colleges in Ohio will join this national initiative that is increasing the success of community college students across the country. The initiative funds selected Ohio community colleges that are setting their sights on a student-centered vision; a culture of evidence and accountability; and a commitment to excellence and equality.