Thus, students who attend a community college can prepare themselves to transfer to a four-year institution by completing the lower division courses at the community college instead of at a university. After two years, students can apply to the four-year college or university to complete their degree. International students may also be interested in the technical programs and job-training programs that community colleges offer. Community colleges also provide basic-skills courses for students who need help with reading, writing or math. These students may need special preparation for their jobs or in order to continue their education.
Many people also attend community colleges to enroll in special-interest classes.
These classes may be for recreation or hobbies, such as sports, dancing, music or art. Community colleges, by definition, serve the community with the kind of programs that citizens want and need. Community college education is available to adults of any age and background. As a result, community colleges have a unique place in the educational system of the United States. These quality institutions are the fastest-growing segment of American higher education and now enroll more students than any other kind of institution.