By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.
It’s a nice accomplishment to be named the No. 2 community college in the country, to be in the running for the Aspen Prize, to be recognized for value, return on investment, and economic mobility of students.
Perhaps Cochise College could be satisfied with that. But just as we bask in the glow of those accolades, local workforce statistics say that less than half of county residents have earned some kind of post-secondary credential, that only 49 percent of high school graduating seniors matriculate to some type of academic or training program, that a higher than average percentage of young people aren’t in school or working, and that Cochise County lags behind the state and the state lags behind the nation on these same statistics.
As president of a college that has “community” in its middle name, that’s hard to ignore. Those statistics point to a true community need that will only compound if it’s not addressed. We know if we can get students to us, we have the proven capabilities to help them be successful in the new economy. The challenge is getting them to us.
Two local organizations recognize that and recently took steps to help reach a population that no one is reaching. The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and American Southwest Credit Union, through the 5th Annual Sheriff’s Bike Run, is directing funds raised toward graduating seniors who have earned less than a 2.5 grade point average in high school. The $13,000 contribution to the Cochise College Foundation will help Cochise College recruit 52 students.
Do I think the biggest challenge to potential students is financial? No, I do not.
I think there are other challenges, including lack of information, lack of support or mentors, lack of confidence, and lack of a vision for what can be, rather than what is familiar.
The funds raised through the motorcycle run are part of Cochise College’s Graduating Senior Scholarship Guarantee. The guarantee is an enticement for high school students to provide their contact information so that Cochise College can begin meeting the challenges identified above, particularly communication and overcoming barriers that often deter students from enrolling.
There’s more to it than that. The college is in preliminary discussions with county high schools about the possibility of embedding mentors who can help inspire high school students, particularly the uninterested or undecided, to envision and reach for their future, be that at Cochise College, some other institution, or through another meaningful activity that helps them progress. Your local superintendents, largely hampered by limited resources, recognize the need.
Overcoming apathy isn’t the easiest of work, and we need your help, be it a kind word of encouragement to a young person who needs it, or a contribution to the scholarship guarantee.
Residents who can’t or don’t contribute to the local economy represent a significant opportunity. Helping them pursue their potential is good for everyone, and we all have a stake in it. The alternative is to watch our workforce shrink and the vitality of our businesses and communities decline. If you’d like to do something about it, Cochise College welcomes you to be part of the conversation.
J.D. Rottweiler is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.