About Op-Eds
The term “op-ed” is short for “opposite the editorial page.” It’s a form of writing published by newspapers, magazines and some websites that express an opinion and (most often) make an argument in favor of or against something.
Why publish an op-ed?
Op-eds can be great publicity, or “earned promotion” (as opposed to purchased advertising), and when run in publications of influence, well-written op-eds can make a great impact on how readers view the topic that is discussed. Readers of nationally renowned publications vary widely and include very influential and powerful individuals. But don’t discount local/community and state-based publications! These are read by elected officials and community stakeholders, and your argument can change the way people see things. A published op-ed is also a great achievement for anyone. Your college may have relationships with members of the news media. If you are interested in writing and publishing an op-ed, ask your college’s communications department how they can help.
Note: Your op-ed doesn’t have to be “about” Community College Month itself. Make the best possible argument for your college based on outcomes, student, faculty and other experiences, economic returns, etc.
A few basic guidelines
Every publication has its own guidelines. Be sure to read them before pitching an op-ed. That said, some basic guidelines generally apply:
- Your writing must be strong, clear, and concise. (Use short, simple sentences.)
- The topic must be relevant, timely and newsworthy.
- Learn the demographic profile of readers of the publication you plan to pitch, and write with that demographic in mind.
- 750 words is the absolute maximum in most cases (shorter for some publications). Editors will not consider work that is longer than this. You must put in the work of editing before submitting.
- Sources must be identified and tagged within the op-ed (e.g., “_____, according to the Pew Research Center.”); no footnotes or hyperlinks to external sources that must be read to understand your argument.
- Make your best argument, not all possible arguments.
- Give a reasonable and convincing counter-argument to questions that your argument raises.
- End with a call to action.
- Do not pitch an op-ed if you have a financial or ethical conflict of interest.
Selected Op-Eds & Opinions in Support of Community Colleges
Below is a selection of op-eds and opinion columns in support of community colleges. This year, we've provided not only op-eds dedicated to highlighting Community College Month, but also opinions about urgent problems that community colleges can help to solve. Community College Month is an ideal opportunity to identify what challenges your college can help to resolve and let the community know through op-eds or opinion columns.
Head Start centers in community colleges can change the child-care equation — The Washington Post
April is Community College Month: A time to celebrate the Alabama Community College System — Yellowhammer News
To strengthen New Jersey's workforce, strengthen transfer pathways — The Trentonian
Virginia Peninsula Community College displays community college values all year — The Virginia Pilot
SFCC Celebrates National Community College Month Throughout April — Los Alamos Daily Post
Community Colleges Hold Keys to the City's Success — amNY
California Faces a Nursing Shortage. Community Colleges Can Help. — CalMatters
HCC Reflects on National Community College Month: 'We are Howard County's Community College.' — The Baltimore Sun
It's Hard to Study if You're Hungry — The New York Times
I Owe It All to Community Colleges — The New York Times (Consider asking a notable alumnus or supporter of your college to publish an op-ed discussing how community college benefited them.)
Hostos Community College is helping students in more ways than one. — Bronx Times
Additional Sample Op-Eds & Blog Posts (PDF)
Related information: