In his commentary, Morgan State University President David Wilson states that college enrollment in Maryland has been declining and there is a high rate of those who attend college requiring financial aid ("The changing face of higher education," Feb. 1). Much emphasis nowadays is focused on attendance at four-year colleges, but President Barack Obama recognizes the important role that community colleges can play in helping students develop the skills they need to enter the workforce.
Not everyone wants to go to college and, in fact, many may not need a college degree to get ahead in this world. When I was a student at Poly way back in the 1940s, the school offered a course of study for those who wanted to learn a skill utilizing both hands and brain. These high school graduates became the skilled carpenters, plumbers and electricians that built our factories, our homes and our highways.
Today, community colleges offering courses in construction technologies, biotechnology, computer skills, life sciences and more will produce the skilled workforce industry is looking for today and into tomorrow. Let's give these aspirants the encouragement, respect and "job well done" they deserve.
Sidney M. Levy, Baltimore