Community colleges have historically been looked down on as institutions for people who can’t get into 4-year schools — but these days, companies are calling “baloney” on the elitist claim.
For the last few years, community colleges have waded into the business sector, providing entrepreneurial incubators and management training.
Now, as The Wall Street Journal reports, some of the biggest names in tech are launching their own two-year schools to do the same.
Amazon, Google, IBM. Ever heard of ’em?
Borrowing a page from the long-subscribed construction and manufacturing industries, tech giants like Google, Facebook, and IBM have started setting up apprenticeships, new certifications, and even degree programs.
Google recently announced direct partnerships with 25 community colleges in 7 states, and Amazon launched an associate degree program in cloud computing that gives students paid-apprenticeships that lead directly to a job at the company.
White-hot take: School is too expensive
We don’t need to tell you that Americans are currently bogged down with a $1.4T student loan monkey on their backs. Or that 1 in 4 humans bogged down with student loans have low wage jobs.
But these tired facts only illustrate why the community college is due for its time in the sun.
According to WSJ, tuition at community college typically costs less than half of an in-state 4-year school, and 30% of people with associate degrees out-earn the average bachelor’s degree holder.
