2. The community college lifeline to people of color
Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Yashana Rivera thought a rough freshman year 10 years ago had brought her college days to an end. But a community college restored her confidence and provided the means to achieveher dream of becoming a nurse.
Why it matters: As college tuition and application fees skyrocket, community colleges offer working-class students,immigrants and students of color like Rivera a more affordable,flexible path to middle-class careers.