Recent high school graduates and older students are enrolling at Colorado’s community colleges at higher rates – The Colorado Sun

Report on Colorado Community College Enrollment and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

Recent data indicates a significant positive trend in enrollment within the Colorado Community College System, reflecting progress toward key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A notable 6.3% increase in student enrollment over the previous fall semester demonstrates a strengthening of the educational infrastructure, which is crucial for achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The growth encompasses diverse student demographics, including recent high school graduates, older learners, and dual-enrolled high school students, signaling a broad-based recovery and expansion of accessible tertiary education.

Detailed Enrollment Analysis

Key Enrollment Statistics

• Total Enrollment Growth: The system recorded a 6.3% increase in total student enrollment compared to the previous fall.
• Student Population: The total number of students enrolled reached 94,303.
• Absolute Increase: This represents a net gain of 5,555 students.
• Full-Time Students: Approximately 24,000 students are enrolled on a full-time basis, taking 12 or more credit hours.

Demographic Trends in Enrollment

The enrollment increase reveals important shifts in student demographics, contributing to inclusive educational access.

1. Recovery Among Traditional Student Groups: There has been a notable rebound in enrollment among recent high school graduates and older students. This trend is significant as these groups had shown lower enrollment rates since the pandemic, and their re-engagement supports lifelong learning opportunities (SDG 4) and workforce development (SDG 8).
2. Sustained Growth in Dual Enrollment: The largest area of growth continues to be among high school students under the age of 17 participating in dual enrollment programs. This segment increased by 3,400 students, bringing its total to 40,321. This pathway provides an early and accessible entry into higher education, directly aligning with targets for equitable educational access.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 4: Quality Education

The enrollment surge directly supports the objectives of SDG 4 by enhancing access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education.

• Target 4.3: The 6.3% overall increase demonstrates improved equal access for all to post-secondary education.
• Target 4.4: By enrolling students from various age groups, community colleges are equipping more youth and adults with relevant skills for employment and decent jobs.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Community colleges are pivotal in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth by preparing a skilled workforce.

• Target 8.6: The rising enrollment, particularly among recent graduates and older students, helps reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET) by providing clear pathways to skills acquisition and career advancement.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

By providing accessible and affordable education, the Colorado Community College System plays a critical role in reducing inequalities within and among communities.

• Target 10.2: The system’s growth empowers individuals regardless of age or background, promoting social and economic inclusion. The expansion of dual enrollment programs, in particular, creates opportunities for students who might otherwise face barriers to higher education.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The entire article is focused on education, specifically the enrollment trends in Colorado’s community colleges. It discusses access to and participation in post-secondary education, which is the central theme of SDG 4. The article’s data on rising enrollment numbers directly relates to the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

  This target is directly addressed. Community colleges provide technical, vocational, and tertiary education. The article highlights a 6.3% increase in total enrollment, indicating improved access. Furthermore, it notes enrollment gains among diverse age groups, including “older students and recent high school grads” as well as students “under the age of 17,” which aligns with the target’s emphasis on access for all.

• Target 4.4: Substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

  While the article does not mention employment outcomes, community colleges are primary institutions for providing the “technical and vocational skills” mentioned in this target. The reported increase of 5,555 students enrolling in these colleges implies a direct increase in the number of youth and adults seeking to acquire these relevant skills, which is the first step toward achieving this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 4.3: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal education.

  The article provides several quantitative data points that serve as direct indicators for measuring participation in tertiary and vocational education:

  • The overall enrollment increase of 6.3% over the last fall.
  • The total enrollment number of 94,303 students.
  • The number of full-time students (24,000), which measures the intensity of participation.
  • The specific number of dual-enrolled students under 17 (40,321), indicating youth participation.
  • The mention of “gains with older students and recent high school grads” implies a positive trend in the participation rate for those specific adult and youth demographics.
• Indicator for Target 4.4: Number of youth and adults enrolled in technical/vocational education.

  The article’s core data can be used as a proxy indicator for progress towards increasing the number of people with relevant skills. The key metrics are:

  • The absolute increase in student numbers: “up 5,555 students over last fall.”
  • The total number of students enrolled in the community college system (94,303), which represents the pool of individuals currently acquiring technical and vocational skills.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: coloradosun.com