Headlines often focus on the challenges facing higher education — rising costs, shifting workforce demands and questions about value. Yet at a time when confidence in institutions is waning, many California community colleges are quietly earning trust the old-fashioned way: by delivering on their promises.

From my vantage point as chancellor of the State Center Community College District (SCCCD), serving California’s vast Central Valley, I see that story firsthand. Community colleges are not only adapting — they are thriving — expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the communities they serve.

How Community Colleges Expand Students' Opportunities

We are widening access, driving innovation, and producing tangible results for students and communities alike as one of the largest districts in the state, serving more than 70,000 students annually across Fresno, Madera, Reedley, Clovis and our surrounding communities. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and our mission is to provide access and meet them where they are, offering clear, affordable pathways to a better future.

That mission is reflected in our growth. In the 2024-25 academic year, our community colleges saw a 13% increase in enrollment — more than 8,400 students — a remarkable number in an era when many colleges are struggling to attract students.

But these numbers tell only part of the story. The real impact lies in the innovative programs, support systems and affordable solutions that make education accessible and achievable for all.

For many, aspirations to attend college start young, and our College and Career Access Pathways and enrichment programs bridge high school and college, allowing students to earn college credits before graduation. In just five years, our dual enrollment headcount has grown from 8,003 in 2020-21 to 14,130 in 2024-25. This year alone, enrollment increased by 18%, with over 2,100 new students joining the program. Behind these numbers are real stories of impact. Take Kassandra, for example. The first in her family to attend college, dual enrollment has been transformative for her. A student at Design Science High School, which is a middle college high school in partnership with Fresno Unified School District, she was dually enrolled in Fresno City College. With college credits already under her belt, Kassandra is now on track to graduate from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, all while saving thousands of dollars in tuition.

Read the full article about community colleges by Carole Goldsmith at EdSource.