On Friday, the second season of the Netflix series “Last Chance U” will be available to subscribers. The eight one-hour episodes again focus on the East Mississippi Community College football program, known both for its success on the field and for its sometimes questionable practice of bringing highly-talented, but troubled players from other schools into its program.
For those players, whose academic performance or behavior issues put their playing career in peril, EMCC represents as “last chance” to revive and continue their playing careers.
If the enthusiasm of local viewers for the show is any indication, the series will be a hit.
Even for folks who aren’t sports enthusiasts, the series is compelling story-telling. After all, sports is often seen as a metaphor for life.
And while the program is narrowly focused on a group of young football players and their fortunes, particularly their football fortunes, we note that community colleges represent something important for thousands of Mississippians whose stories will never be told in a TV series.
Community colleges serve a distinct and essential role in our educational system. While it would probably be overstating things to say that community colleges are “Last Chance” institutions for the majority of students, what community colleges represent should not be underestimated. Historically, community colleges have been affordable and accessible. And in recent years, the system has expanded its program to provide students with options beyond an affordable head-start on a four-year degree. Today, community colleges are training students for a variety of vocational skills that translate into good-paying jobs.
Community colleges also have strong appeal to non-traditional students — older people who are returning to school as a result of a change in career path.
Last Chance U? Probably not. But, for many, it is a “Best Chance U,” a first step toward a brighter future.
Given the importance of our community colleges, we are disappointed that the Legislature cut funding for the state’s 15 community colleges, forcing the schools to raise tuition, cut programs and staffing.
Community colleges are one of the few things in education that Mississippi does well. It is unfortunate our state leaders will not make the commitment that will enable these “Best Chance U” institutions to not only survive but thrive.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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