That's what a community college is for, is to give access to all students. Give them a first chance, if not a second chance.

If the Legislature approves the governor's proposal on community colleges, we could kick off a cohort of students on our west campus this fall.

I think some of the students will be ones who want to pursue professional technical education and get a two-year associate degree. Some may be students who applied to Boise State and couldn't get in. We turned away 800 last fall.

We know from our scholarship programs that the top community college students are every bit as good as the juniors in these highly selective schools. If you really want to address the issue, you really have to work with community colleges.

Students and community members alike are realizing that the college is here for them and that they can save a significant amount in terms of higher education. With people embracing their local community college, our numbers will continue to grow.

(Community college students) may be more likely to respond to the marketplace.