Promoting equity and access in 2-Year college intercollegiate athletic programs

Over 40% of the institutions of higher education in the United States are 2-year colleges that enroll over 10 million students annually. Over 1/2 of the students enrolled in 2-year colleges are women. Many 2-year colleges sponsor intercollegiate sport programs. Athletic participation is an important part of the educational process, instilling important lessons about discipline and teamwork. Thus, equity and access to sport should be vital issues of concern for leaders at 2-year institutions. The issues of equity and access to sport are important not only because they increase opportunities for young women to participate in athletics and fitness-related activity, but also because they provide young women with increased educational opportunities. Title IX was enacted to address the historic lack of access and opportunity for women and girls to participate in athletics. This article provides background information about gender equity in intercollegiate athletics, as well as specific strategies for achieving equity at the 2-year college level.