The chance to study on a part-time basis is another way we expand access, making it possible to attend classes while also working and taking care of other family or community obligations. The average age of our students is 27. About half come directly from high school, the other half adults who are returning to college later in life. Once again, expanded access means that everyone in our community can attend, no matter what their age. And older students often fear they will not be able to compete in a classroom of younger students for whom academic work is routine, and they too discover that the diversity of perspectives adds value to their education.
Community is our middle name for other reasons as well.
For one, our mission includes serving the workforce and economic needs of our region. We offer training by contract with local businesses so their employees continuously upgrade skills, allowing the business to remain competitive. We consult with local businesses in a constant survey of needs, so we can develop new programs as new needs emerge. Another component of providing access to everyone in our community is serving people whose basic skills would not enable them to do college-level work. These classes are free, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education, and the program is a model of collaboration, as we work in partnership with local school districts, the Wampanoag Council, the Cape Cod Literacy Council, and the Barnstable County Economic Development Council.