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Community College Timeline

  • First community college

    First community college
    Joilet Junior College in Illinois was established as the first community college in 1901. During this time junior colleges served as an extension of high school and focused on general liberal arts programs. Source: “The Changing Role of Community College” by Henry T. Kasper.
  • Phoenix College is established

    Phoenix College is established
    Established in 1920, Phoenix College is the flagship of the Maricopa Community Colleges, a district that ranks as one of the nation’s largest community college systems and the single largest provider of higher education and career training in Arizona. Phoenix College is a learner-centered,
  • Community colleges offer job training programs

    Community colleges offer job training programs
    During the great depression in the 1930's and Influenced by the widespread unemployment rate community colleges offer job training programs as part of their curriculum. Source: “The Changing Role of Community College” by Henry T. Kasper.
  • Phoenix college breaking ground

    Phoenix college breaking ground
    Phoenix college enters era of new construction and growth. (http://www.pc.maricopa.edu/anniversary/95th.html)
  • The Evening Division

    Phoenix college considered one of 15 outstanding junior colleges in the nation. By 1951 enrollment would reach 2,200 with half of the students attending in the evening.(http://www.pc.maricopa.edu/anniversary/95th.html)
  • Enrollment of baby boomers

    Enrollment of baby boomers
    Student enrollment increases from 1 million in 1965 to 2.2 million by 1970. As a result many community colleges are built during this decade. Source: “The Changing Role of Community College” by Henry T. Kasper.
  • Phoenix College highlight

    Phoenix College highlight
    Phoenix college introduces the first cohort of a new dental hygiene program.(http://www.pc.maricopa.edu/anniversary/95th.html)
  • Gender gap in community colleges

    In 1970, 60 percent of all community college students are men.Source: “The Changing Role of Community College” by Henry T. Kasper.
  • Period: to

    Race, ethnicity, and national origin

    From 1976 to 1999, minorities made up an increasing proportion of students enrolled in community college.Source: “The Changing Role of Community College” by Henry T. Kasper.
  • Reversal of gender gap among community colleges students emerges.

    Reversal of gender gap among community colleges students emerges.
    The enrollment of women increases accounting for 55 percent of community college students.Source: “The Changing Role of Community College” by Henry T. Kasper.
  • Community partnerships and vocational training

    Community partnerships and vocational training
    Nationwide commission on the Future of Community Colleges recommends these colleges create partnerships with employers and make facilities available for workforce training. Today community colleges supply vocational training programs/associate degrees/remedial educational services, and customized, courses designed to meet workforce needs. Source: “The Changing Role of Community College” by Henry T. Kasper.
  • Enrollment trends

    Compared to 4-year institutions the student enrollment in 2-year community colleges nearly doubled by 48 percent.Source: “The Changing Role of Community College” by Henry T. Kasper.
  • Certificate Programs on the Rise

    Certificate programs appeal to those who want to upgrade their current skills or acquire new ones, increasing their job opportunities in the marketplace.Source: “The Changing Role of Community College” by Henry T. Kasper.