Homeland Security ** First Responders: Community Colleges on the Front Line of Security **
** Special report on homeland security from the Community College Times ** Community colleges represent the largest, fastest growing sector of higher education, currently educating the majority of the nation’s “first-responders.” Over half of new nurses and close to 85 percent of law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs are credentialed by the colleges. In addition, the colleges are rapidly establishing or expanding programs to prepare professionals in related fields. Located throughout the country in urban, suburban, and rural areas, these colleges offer accessible training and educational programs. The broad range of security and safety programs community colleges offer include: - Law enforcement
- Fire safety
- Environmental safety
- Cyber safety
- Energy - e.g., power grid, pipeline security
- Emergency response management
- Medical technicians and nursing
- Food safety
- HAZMAT
Fast Facts About Community Colleges Number of Community Colleges:
Public institutions - 979
Private institutions - 148
Tribal institutions - 30
Total - 1157 Enrollment:
11.6 million students
6.6 million credit
5 million noncredit 46% of all U.S. undergraduates
45% of first-time freshmen
58% women; 42% men
62% part time; 38% full time
(full time = 12 + credit hours) Student Profile:
47% of black undergraduate students
56% of Hispanic
48% of Asian/Pacific Islander
57% of Native American Average student age - 29 years Healthcare:
65% of new healthcare workers get their training at community colleges. Homeland Security:
Close to 85% of firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMTs are trained at community colleges
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