They must continue to mine the talents and resources of our immigrant population and other non-traditional students. Community colleges recognize the gifts their students can contribute to society and give them the tools they need to succeed and thrive. And in return, they give the larger world the gift of their graduates insight, tenacity and leadership skills. Each of us can look back in our lives to find someone who benefited from the support of someone who recognized a unique spark in them and provided the broad shoulders or the guiding hand to help along the way. Our community colleges play that role for so many New Jerseyans, and we must ensure that they continue to have the resources to provide that stepping stone to our immigrant and non-traditional students.
Community colleges offer both to their students.
Their community college education is the launching point for a continuing quest to grow, and an appreciation for the diverse skills and talents of their fellow New Jerseyans. That s a resource we can t afford to squander.