Driving down U.S. Highway 264, it’s easy to pass by Beaufort County Community College by without much of a second thought. As an institution, its been around since 1969, when it was chartered as Beaufort County Technical Institute. It’s been a community college since 1979.

But let’s not get too bogged down in history and dates. What’s really incredible is what the college is doing in the here and now, and the services it offers for Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington Counties.

University transfer, workforce development, continuing education courses, small business consultation and workshops —the college truly offers something for anyone interested in bettering themselves. In turn, these same people go forth and better our communities.

While many are familiar with the college, and have benefited from its services, a quick look at the institution’s aspirations under its mission page reveals what BCCC is really about. These aspirations include breaking the cycle of poverty, growing the middle class, promoting self-sufficiency and economic independence and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

These are tremendous aspirations, addressing serious social issues in the college’s four-county service area. It’s not just about giving students transfer credits or teaching them a skill they can use in a trade. Beaufort County Community College is about making life better for people and improving our society as a whole. That’s a powerful mission.

It’s also a mission BCCC is living up to. Whether a student plans to go on to university, put skills to use in a trade, build their business or simply enjoy a little personal enrichment, the offerings at BCCC can make it happen.

Looking at the big picture, the same can be said of community colleges throughout the state of North Carolina. In terms of accessibility, cost and value, these institutions put better futures in reach for everyone. That’s something we should value.

To learn more about BCCC, visit www.beaufortccc.edu.