Education Minister announces the launch of the Community College of Qatar

Date: 10 May 2010


The Supreme Education Council (SEC) today held a media briefing at the SEC building in Dafna to announce the launch of the Community College of Qatar. When the new college opens its doors in September 2010, 300 students will take advantage of a new educational opportunity. Students will be able to earn a certificate or a two-year Associates degree in a select number of fields critical to Qatar’s economic growth. The first of its kind in Qatar and the region, the CCQ allows students to pursue a course of study that will prepare them to either enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution to complete a Bachelor’s degree.

“The launch of the Qatar Community College comes within the framework of sound scientific planning to meet the country’s educational needs as it is aligned with one of Education for a New Era’s goals of an integrated, student centered education system aimed at catering to the needs of individual students from kindergarten to university,” said HE Saad bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Minister of Education and Higher Education and Secretary General of the Supreme Education Council (SEC). “The inauguration of the college also embodies H.H the Emir’s vision of creating a knowledge-based economy by investing in Qatar’s human resources through enrolling in the college thus enables the country to compete effectively in a rapidly changing world.”



HE Al Mahmoud continued to say, “I appreciate the role played by the CCQ steering committee members who turned a vision into a reality. I thank everyone who contributed in the establishment of this college that will play a leading role in advancing sustainable development in the country.” Beginning in June, students will be able to begin registration for testing and orientation on a first come, first serve basis. With an initial enrollment of 300 students, the CCQ plans to grow to 1,000 students in three years to meet the demand for students needing college degrees and workers needing certificates.

Pursuit of a national community college is an outgrowth of Qatar’s economic expansion and educational investments in its citizens. It fills a unique role in Qatar – it offers higher education to anyone who is interested and offers an educational path for learners of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

Some students will attend CCQ straight from high school while others students will be working adults who take classes to advance in a career or to change fields. Still other high school students may take courses known as dual enrollment classes, to earn high school and college credit at the same time. Other students who did not go to university straight from high school and now wish for a chance to qualify can begin at CCQ. For Qataris, enrollment in CCQ will be free.

The CCQ offers specialized courses, and training programs to meet the needs of a particular sector of the labor market and industry. Many students can study technical or trade programs to gain specialized skills before or after entering the workforce.

The CCQ Steering Committee chaired by Dr. Ibrahim Saleh Al Naimi spearheaded the efforts to translate the vision of a community college into reality. Dr. Al- Naimi appreciated the unlimited support offered by the chair, vice chair and members of the board of the SEC, the executive committee members, HE Al Mahmoud and the steering committee.

“The steering committee members worked hard to achieve the reality of a community college in Qatar,” said Dr. Al- Naimi. “The college will provide a recognized certificate; expand academic options; groom students to enter the labor market or continue their study to obtain a bachelor degree. It also provides short intensive and specialized training courses to meet labor market needs. The college has a supportive learning environment, provides interactive learning, has a flexible admission policy and is free for Qataris.

Initially, the CCQ will offer two-year university transfer and technical Associate degree programs. These programs are not available at any other institution in Qatar. After the first year, the school will begin offering Associate Degrees in fields such as construction engineering, surveying, technology, finance and communications/media. For students seeking a Bachelor’s degree, credits can be transferred to a four-year university, such as Qatar University and Education City universities. “The CCQ will provide world class opportunities for Qatari students, parents and families with a dream to attend college,” said Dr. Judith M. L. Hansen, the newly appointed dean of the CCQ. “The CCQ responds to the educational need of our rapidly growing economy with the community college model of access to learning for all. I am excited to be working with the SEC, HE Al Mahmoud, Dr. Naimi, the CCQ steering committee and educational professionals towards the opening of the college in September.”

Dr. Hansen brings a career of community college leadership and recognition to the CCQ. A graduate of Iowa State University, she received her Bachelor Degree in Sociology, Master’s Degree in Counseling and Ph.D. in Higher Education. She was previously president at Southwestern Oregon, Independence and Olney Central Community Colleges; executive director at Shoreline Community College, executive vice president at Waubonsee Community College and dean at Crowder College. Dr. Hansen was recognized for Shirley B. Gordon Phi Theta Kappa Presidential Leadership, U.S. Department of Education Exemplary Community College for Career Pathways and by Kansas Governor and now U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius for service to Kansas Higher education.