Indiana Community College Makes Studying Pay Off

Caroline Porter:

The typical community-college student works at least part time while attending classes and often doesn't complete a degree even after three years, according to the U.S. Education Department.

Derrick Johnson is on a different track. The 19-year-old first-year student from a low-income neighborhood of Indianapolis received a scholarship for spending six hours in class each day and another six hours a day studying with classmates. He has pledged not to work during the week. His scholarship, besides tuition and fees, also helps cover expenses, such as some food and transportation costs. Best of all, he expects to earn an associate's degree by May, within one year.

Mr. Johnson sleeps on a couch at his dad's house and rises at 5 a.m. He then rides two buses for about an hour to get to school each day by 7 a.m., and usually leaves campus by 7 p.m. His weekdays consist of little more than attending class, studying and commuting. Other students have more breathing room because they can drive to school, avoiding a lengthy trip on public transportation.

"It takes up a lot of time," Mr. Johnson said. "But I can get stuff done in a year and the cost is less" than a traditional two-year associate's degree.

Mr. Johnson is part of an experimental program at Ivy Tech Community College, a public community college in Indiana. The Associate Accelerated Program, known by the nickname ASAP, aims to chart a new path to a degree as two-year schools across the nation wrestle with poor graduation and retention rates and a growing need to upgrade the skills of people entering the workforce.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at November 4, 2013 4:56 AM
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