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In the century since they were founded, community colleges have become the largest single sector of higher education in the United States (US), with more than 1,200 regionally accredited two-year colleges enrolling nearly half of all US undergraduates and providing higher education access for millions of students who would not otherwise attend college. Students range in age from teenagers to octogenarians, taking courses in everything from English literature, biochemistry, and statistics to foreign languages, visual and performing arts, community development, emergency medical procedures, engine maintenance, and hazardous waste disposal. Despite the success of community colleges, four challenges undermine the ability of these institutions to fulfill their promise: (1) rising costs; (2) the mismatch between demands and resources; (3) a culture that has emphasized access more than success; and (4) the challenge of monitoring outcomes. The Commission calls for a new three-way social contract involving national leaders, state officials, and community college presidents - an agreement to put community colleges at the forefront of the effort to enhance American communities and ensure national competitiveness. Within this new vision, community colleges will: continue to provide open access, but give evidence of increased completion rates; continue to offer multiple educational options; establish new partnerships with the local business community; commit to a 'culture of evidence' that demonstrates success; and continually reflect on and improve their policies and practices. The Commission also calls for America to create the expectation of two years of education beyond high school.