Community Colleges  are  alternative  system  of  education  which  aims  to empower individuals through appropriate skill development leading to  gainful employment  in  collaboration with the  local industry and the  community. It helps in developing skills for employment and self employability,particularly to the marginalized and under privileged sections of society.Community Colleges offer the advantage of  tailoring  the  programmes  to local  needs and state based  requirments  by  using  approaches  that will be  most  acceptable to workers in the given community.

Community Colleges generally have a  2  year curriculum that either leads to an Associate Degree for transfer to an  undergraduate college or lead to the students  direct  entry into any occupation  or  trade . These colleges are a source of  economic growth , because  they provide an educated and skilled workforce that improves the quality of life for individual students,communities, and the nation.

The Indira  Gandhi  National  Open  University has begun an earnest move in providing this innovative alternative model of higher education . Starting this July academic session,IGNOU is commencing the scheme of Associate degree Programmes through community Colleges in various parts of India.

CEDMAP has entered into collaboration with IGNOU for launching Community Colleges in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh.