2011 Run For The Dream Project...
Historically Community Colleges have been a great step for students who are late in developing their physical talents, undecided on which career to pursue and for those who can’t afford the high price of attending a four year college.
We must take advantage and increase the public awareness of California Community Colleges. The California Community College system offers track and field athletes a place to compete locally, especially at a time when four year colleges are limiting numbers, dropping men’s teams, limiting travel rosters and reducing scholarships because of:
A. The expense in traveling to compete out of state due to conference alignment.
B. The cost of chasing NCAA qualifying marks.
C. The dollars spent trying to allure top recruits.
D. Lack of funding needed to meet student needs in their mission service area.
In 2002, America spent $40 billion dollars fighting obesity. In 2008, $147 billion was spent and the Center For Disease Control estimated that $344 billion will be spent in 2018, greatly adding to the Americna health care crisis
Looking for solutions and realizing the value of Community Colleges in enrolling students in health related fields, the Education Bill, attached to the Health Care Reform Bill, included $2 billion dollars for Community Colleges with promising pilot programs.
Meanwhile, the Gates Foundation believes that two-year colleges are the key to improving higher education. The foundation is providing $400 million dollars to encourage Community Colleges to be more innovative.
Considering the increasing Health Care Crisis in America, we can no longer ignore the value of sports participation and let the big revenue sports dictate “the college sports scene”. There is too much at stake. Students from limited family resources need the same opportunity to live and learn about healthy lifestyle choices. Community Colleges are meeting the needs of these students and allowing them fulfill their dreams.
Community Colleges are also a huge factor in in meeting the needs of Student-Athletes. They provide excellent competition between nearby communities. We are now at a time in our culture when we must examine cost versus value in Education.
The 2011 Run For The Dream Project would like to emphasize the following:
- Community Colleges can be a major step in helping young men and women fulfill their dreams.
- The importance of the Community College system in the California State plan for higher education.
- Emphasize and recognize outstanding Community College Graduates.
- Honor former outstanding San Joaquin Valley Community College Alumni.
- Address the problems community college athletes with associate degrees face when trying to transfer to a upper division programs.
My Personal Statement
No other experience made any bigger impact on my life than the 2 years I spent at the College of Sequoias from 1956-1958. My counselor gave me great advice, my sociology professor set me on the right course and my English professors helped me understand my academic deficiencies. My Track Coaches helped me develop my physical talents, taught me training principles, helped me improve my technique, taught me travel conduct and how to develop team spirit. All of which helped me build confidence and prepare for the next level of education. Because of my family situation, I had two choices; get a part-time job and ride the bus from Kings County to College of Sequoias or get a full-time job and not go to college at all. Without the California Community College System, I could not have fulfilled my dreams or reached my goals.
Bob Fraley
Run For The Dream Project Director
Run For The Dream Home
|
