The problem is further compounded by the shortage of minority teachers. It appears that new ways of recruiting and preparing minorities outside of the traditional, university-based teacher education programs must be developed. These institutions enroll 54 percent of all Hispanics and 45 percent of all Blacks currently pursuing higher education in the United States. In addition, community colleges enroll a great many older students who are preparing for a career change. Further, community colleges' general education curriculum, work experience programs, remedial studies, and student development activities provide a good beginning for the systematic provision of undergraduate teacher education.
Student services provide the framework for the development of the student outside of the classroom.
Services that are particularly relevant to the recruitment and retention of minority students include assessment of skills and interests, internship opportunities, and the provision of role models and mentors. Of particular importance are adequate financial aid information and streamlined financial aid procedures. Although the general education curriculum at community colleges is designed to provide the background needed by students to pursue any field of study, successful teacher recruitment will require some exposure to education courses during the first two years of college. Transfer and degree achievement are also facilitated by dual admissions programs, whereby students gain admission to university teacher training programs while continuing their enrollment at a community college. To realize the full potential of community colleges for developing multi-ethnic teachers, their efforts must be integrated with all segments of higher education as the following examples demonstrate.