The problem of funding is found at all community college campuses. Colleges have seen a flood of new students entering their doors, yet monies to provide their education has not followed. At one time, community colleges were small campuses requiring minimal support from public funds. Today, campuses are bursting with enrollment and diverse needs. Significant state aid and federal funding are required in order to meet the current demands. Recently, community colleges have been forced to increase class size, reduce the number of low enrollment classes, offer minimal student support services, decrease full-time faculty, and increase part-time faculty.

These are just some of the responses that schools have been forced to exercise in order to solve the problem of reduced budgets. Community colleges along with government agencies must work together to develop an increased and equitable funding model. Without additional funding, community colleges will not be able to continue.

We are at a crossroads. Combining the multiple missions of community colleges into a focused clearly stated mission is a necessity. Once there is a focus, the next steps are apparent. It is time to find solutions to operations and funding. This will not be an easy road. However, losing an American institution, community colleges, would be devastating.