Community colleges provide a college education to individuals who otherwise could not afford it. Local residents can complete their first two years of college in their local community college before transferring to a four-year college to complete a bachelor's degree. "Transfer agreements" ensure that community college credits transfer seamlessly to participating colleges and universities; "dual enrollment agreements" increase a student's chances of being accepted at an institution of her choice. Some community colleges partner with four-year institutions to build joint-use educational facilities on their campuses, allowing students to earn their bachelor's degrees without having to travel far from home. Other community colleges now offer their own four-year college degrees, usually in a niche market such as nursing or building construction.
Community colleges offer vocational training and worker retraining courses that address the workforce needs of local businesses and communities. Individuals can earn associate degrees or certification for training that establishes them in an occupation or expands their skill sets and competitiveness in the marketplace. Often, community colleges strike alliances with local businesses, which generate new vocational courses and career fields for the local community. Workforce readiness and retraining programs often motivate businesses to move closer to community colleges; thus, the institutions and their vocational programs can contribute significantly to the local economy.
Community colleges offer other courses simply for the enrichment of local residents. These include courses such as foreign language, gardening and computer courses. Other short courses allow professionals to fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses. These courses generally carry no academic credit and do not count toward certificates or degrees.
Community colleges with robust music and arts programs often host performances and concerts for local residents. These events sometimes showcase students' talents and other times feature a visiting artist or celebrity. These performances range in cost from free to relatively expensive, for concerts that double as fundraising events for the college or other causes.
Local community groups can often count on community colleges for the use of buildings, classrooms, multipurpose rooms, auditoriums and grounds for community events, conferences, meetings and other mass assembly needs. The public can sometimes use the college's library facilities, dining facilities, sports fields and technology capabilities on a limited basis.