With two community colleges, a CSU campus and numerous private institutes of higher learning, Monterey County boasts plenty of educational opportunities for everyone.

J. Bubbenmoyer

Age: 37

Occupation: Auto Mechanic

Resides: Seaside

Do local colleges and grad schools add to the community? Yes. Education in general adds to a community.

Are you concerned about students'' influence on our job market? Not at all. Educated people attract companies, which gives us better business opportunities.

Have you ever thought about going back to school? As a matter of fact, I am going to register today after work.

Michael Joyner

Age: 31

Occupation: Physician

Resides: Fort Ord

Do local colleges and grad schools add to the community? Education is very important. It adds new technologies and new ways of thinking.

What about students as an increasing part in our community? It''s a great motivation for our elementary and high school students. There''s also an increase of volunteer services, business and a greater awareness of the local government.

Have you ever thought about going back to school? Always!

Jeannie Gruber

Age: 35

Occupation: Housewife

Resides: Seaside

Do local colleges and grad schools add to the community? Education is important for everybody to have.

What about students as an increasing part in our community? I think it is a good thing. Students seem more interested in going to college again.

Have you ever thought about going back to school? I have taken previous classes at MPC.

Danielle Rightsell

Age: 22

Occupation: Day Care Provider

Resides: Fort Ord

Do local colleges and grad schools add to the community? They''re perfect for our community.

What about students as an increasing part in our community? It makes the community younger.

Have you ever thought about going back to school? Yes, I would like to learn languages.

Jason Kimbrough

Age: 24

Occupation: After-School Coordinator

Resides: Seaside

Do local colleges and grad schools add to the community? They have a lot to offer. More classes are being added each year, and that''s good because there is not much else to do around here.

What about students as an increasing part in our community? I think it is real great. It puts us on the map, but in a positive way.

Have you ever thought about going back to school? I have a B.A. in Social Work already. Now I am either going to go for a Master''s, or go into teaching or counseling.