Despite its posturing, the Ivy League remains out of reach for most high schoolers. And entrance into many state "flagship" universities can be a long shot, too. Enter community colleges, which currently enroll some 6 million degree-seeking students and are attracting ever-more philanthropic dollars. California's Irvine Foundation, for instance, is giving to community colleges because it believes they are a crucial stepping stone for many high schoolers (especially poor and minority students) who may be intimidated by big four-year universities or who may not have the academic credentials to matriculate upon leaving twelfth grade. Moreover, these students are less likely to drop out if they see a clear path to postsecondary education. Community colleges are also getting into the teacher-training game, which creates additional competitive pressure for hidebound ed schools. Philanthropists take note: Harvard's endowment could buy a small country; community colleges are a better investment.
"Big Givers Turn to Poorly Financed Community Colleges," By Karen W. Arenson, New York Times, November 13, 2006
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