What do We Mean by Transitions?

Community colleges serve students from diverse backgrounds with varied levels of experiences and resources. They may be starting college while still enrolled in high school through dual and concurrent enrollment or directly after graduating high school, or they may be coming to college after a long time away from an educational setting. Colleges may have clear onboarding support mechanisms for students coming from local high schools after graduation; however, more systems design may be needed to provide that same support for students coming to the college via a non-traditional pathway. 

New students may have been out of high school for a few years and have a newfound inspiration to go to college to pursue a career or interest, or even to get that next, better job. They may be attending an adult school to gain skills or strengthen their English proficiency, and could continue into college courses. Or they might be coming to college after service in the military or from incarceration. Recognizing the strengths and experience students bring, as well as the supports they may need to transition to postsecondary education systems is critical in ensuring the success of all students, especially those coming from nontraditional educational paths.