The “back to school” season is here, along with all the anticipation and the memories it brings. For the 200,000-plus Ohioans served by our state’s community colleges, “back to school” means new opportunities, and many options to support the journey. Students might be taking classes at the community college campus, online or at work. They could be earning an industry-recognized credential, an associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree in an applied field.

“Back to school” for the youngest college students happens in high school, where earning college credit and even an associate degree before graduation is possible, thanks to Ohio’s College Credit Plus program. More than 60,000 Ohioans will use this program to go to community college tuition-free, before high-school graduation.

For “traditional” college students, beginning their higher education experience at community college also lays the foundations for bachelor’s degrees through many “2+2” and “3+1” transfer agreements, which allow them to complete a sizeable chunk of coursework more affordably before finishing their degrees at a partner university. Because of Ohio’s guaranteed transfer pathways and continued collaboration, students can have confidence that their credits will be honored in other institutions of higher learning.

These days, however, more than one-third of Ohio community college students are 25 and older and most are working. More than one-third are parents. For them, “back to school” is about advancing or pivoting their careers, while they are also managing other responsibilities.

As Ohio’s economy continues its historic transformation and a new generation of technology industries takes root, our 22 community colleges are the perfect solution to a growing need for an expanded work force. More than 1,000 business partnerships guide course offerings in technology, health care, manufacturing, agriculture, finance and many other fields.

The programs also can range in length, from short-term skill certificates to industry credentials to associate degrees and straight-to-bachelor’s tracks.

All offer clear, achievable and flexible pathways. A range of Ohio scholarships support these options and soon, Workforce Pell will help accelerate and expand financial assistance for more short-term programs.

For community college students, “back to school” doesn’t have to mean “away from work.” In fact, many times it’s the opposite: With work-based learning, students’ main classrooms can be real-world simulations and internships. With earn-and learn partnerships, students can study in the classroom and then get paid to work a few days a week at the job they are training for. The commitment to work-based learning is just one reason community colleges are the top workforce partner for Ohio employers, and the best value in higher education for Ohio students. Thanks to Ohio leaders, past and present, these types of higher education training and education remain accessible and affordable.

I hope that this season is an inspiration for people of all ages who are considering bigger and better opportunities. Best wishes to all students going “back to school” this fall, and thanks to all who are supporting their endeavors.