The Truman Commission Report (1947)

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The community college was established out of the need to enhance the lives the American people by providing a viable option for continuing education after high school. The need arose out of the political, economic, social climate of the nation at the time. The face of America dictated the need to redefine the purpose of education, to formulate concise methods and approaches to address the issues and challenges at hand (The Truman Commission Report, 1947). The Truman Commission Report of 1947 (1947) was a collective response to this discussion that was created to address the changing needs for students and simultaneously provide a blueprint for the future. In 1946, institutions of higher education were experiencing a great upsurge in enrollment …show more content…

Most interestingly, these factors continue to influence and impact the system of higher education today. The Truman Report (1947) discussed the function of education in a democracy and other critical issues such as how to increase equal opportunities for higher education for the American people. Moreover, the discussion included: Improving high school education, providing free tuition, providing merit-based scholarships for “worthy students”, improving adult education, and making higher education accessible and equal for all regardless of the individuals’ “race, creed, sex, or national …show more content…

Free community college tuition would close the divide and remove a barrier that prevents many from attending college. Also, it would help the nation to regain the number one position in the world for college graduates. Additionally, covering costs other than tuition such as housing, books, and living expenditures can be problematic for many low-income students. In response to meeting those needs and rewarding gifted students, merit-based scholarships and fellowships were suggested to provide worthy, talented students with additional monies for college (The Truman Report, 1947). The report also discussed the expansion of adult education and why it is important to consider the unique needs of this changing population. The needs of non-traditional students differ greatly from those of the traditional students and programs, services and financial assistance should be focused on how to best support them (The Truman Report, 1947). Today we know it is not a “one size fits all”, answer to serving this important

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