https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2017/08/04/rhode-island-makes-community-college-free. Glad mores states are doing this
Good idea - a better trained/better educated population means the State will be better off.
It’s just a question as to whether the state can afford it. California tried to make community college free and had to give it up. It does look like the states trying to do this now have more restrictions and smaller community college systems, though.
The evolution of secondary school education has resulted in the decimation of the old “trade school” model. True, skill sets have changed, but an affordable solution to the skill collapse has not evolved. When one looks at the currently available educational institutions and the myriad of financial and political pressures on our secondary public school systems, community colleges offer the most practical solution.
Companies in Maine (my State) and throughout the country are having trouble finding a workforce with the skills they need. The Ivies, MIT and company do not produce these skill sets.
GOOD LUCK, RI! Innovation is really needed! :bz
If Brown is the college in my community, can I go for free?