I have frequently asserted that a fundamental underpinning of the American community college is access. The most democratic of higher education institutions, community colleges assist virtually anyone who can benefit from their services. Unlike selective admissions universities, which generally serve the academically elite and the wealthy, community colleges are open to everyone. This access is especially important to people living in Greater Minnesota.

As a community college in a rural setting, providing access to education is crucial to the success of the residents, employers and communities of the region we serve.

Geography: Those bound by geography report that Riverland is the only viable higher education provider in the region because of time and travel constraints.

Affordability: Community colleges provide a more affordable option than universities and private institutions.

Flexibility: Students balancing work and family need more options. Evening and weekend classes and online learning provide opportunities to access education more conveniently.

Inclusiveness: Our supportive environment assists the traditionally “under-served student,” including ethnic minorities and others who are the first in their families to attend college.

Reaching the underrepresented is also a priority of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system’s Board of Trustees. Their directive to all colleges and universities in the system is to build on current initiatives at institutions to recruit and retain students from low-income families, students of color, first-generation college attendees and students from immigrant families.

This month Riverland will successfully attain one such initiative when 16 students enrolled in the second “Be Your Best” College Prep Academy complete the program. The “Be Your Best” program is an initiative targeting under-served, under-participating and under-represented students to develop the skills necessary for higher education. This year students from Austin, Albert Lea, Waseca and Northfield are taking courses in math, reading, writing, computers and student success strategies. Along with their classes, students work with tutors, build social relationships, engage in college and career preparation advising, and participate in service learning projects.

Developing the under-served worker is critical to our economic vitality. Economic vitality is dependent on workforce development, and the heart of workforce development is education. Statistics reveal that Minnesotans are not replacing themselves, and our workforce is not growing at a rate sufficient to meet current needs. There are not enough skilled workers to replace the retiring baby boomers, let alone expand the workforce to compete in a global market. We must find creative ways to educate and train the entire population.

I am often struck by the potential benefits of providing education to traditionally under-represented individuals who have not had opportunities to get into a high-skill, high-demand career. What if even one of these untapped individuals, given the opportunity, was the world’s next great scientist, next great inventor or the next great leader? Think of the potential benefit not only to the individual but also to you and me. This concept illustrates that providing access to those who will work to realize their potential is not just an obligation; it is also our privilege.

Terrence Leas is the president of Riverland Community College.