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For Advancement of Teaching, Carnegie Foundation has recognized Collin College as one of the few community colleges. They will be offered a ‘community engagement classification’ according to sources from Collin College.

This college is one of the twelve community colleges in the nation that was chosen for the 2010 community engagement classification by the Carnegie Foundation says a press release. Many universities and colleges across the country with a focus on community engagement as an institution applied for this classification.

As a part of the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education restructuring, this program was offered first in the year 2006. A total of 115 American universities and colleges were distinguished.

Most other classifications of the foundation rely entirely on the national data. This classification however is different in the sense that it is elective. Institutions were first asked to submit necessary documents that described their extent and nature of engagement with their local community as well as beyond that.

Based on these documents, the institutions were then elected to participate. Aspects of institutional distinctiveness and mission were hitherto addressed by this approach that is not usually represented by the national universities and college data.

Colleges are universities are encouraged by the foundation to enhance their learning and teaching efficiency, to impart knowledge that is socially responsible for the benefit of communities and to demonstrate committed and consistent community engagement through this classification.

This classification also acknowledges the institutions’ commitment and contribution, said Anthony Bryk, the President of Carnegie. He also said that they are very pleased with the direction in which the foundation is moving in.

Other colleges and universities that joined the Collins College include Sam Houston State University, Blinn College, The University of Texas at El Paso, Texas Southmost College, The University of Texas at Brownsville, The University of Texas at Arlington and St. Mary’s University. The honor was awarded by the Texas universities and colleges.

Carnegie Foundation has till today been supporting transformations in the American higher education through student learning evidence, effective use and communication of this evidence, better connections between teaching practice and structured knowledge building opportunities. Located in Stanford, California, this foundation has its own website that provides all related information.

Information on the civic activities and initiatives conducted by Collins College can be found on the college website. Collins College has been offering more than a 100 certificates and degree programs. This college has been consistently serving at least 51,000 credits and continuing education students. Collins College holds the distinction of being the only public college in its county.

This college has been serving the community to a great extent in cooperation with the government, industries and businesses. Collins College plays an invaluable role in developing work force and providing customized training to students.

This classification should really be a huge incentive for other universities and colleges to follow suit and contribute towards their own community development and restructuring. This would indeed make a great difference in fostering community spirit and enhancing educational and job opportunities.