David Gray of the New America Foundation has an idea. Instead of free community college for everyone, as President Barack Obama would like to provide, perhaps we could serve students better by helping ensure students can succeed at community college.

Mentors could help do exactly that.

“The increasing expense of four-year institutions has made community college comparatively attractive as a pathway to a four-year degree,” Gray writes for Real Clear Policy. “Earning a two-year degree can lead to significantly enhanced employment opportunities. However, graduation rates at two-year colleges are half of what they are at four-year institutions, at roughly 25 percent of beginning enrollees. We need to help more students complete community college, gain a credential, and move into employment.”

Despite what the president’s proposal contends, the cost of community college isn’t the problem.

“President Obama’s $60 billion plan to make community college free for most students (those with family incomes up to $200,000) focuses on cost,” he writes. “Because of Pell grants, financial aid, and the low cost of community college, most low-income students are able to afford the tuition at a two-year school.”

Because of the many financial aid programs, including Pell grants, most of that $60 billion would go to people who don’t need it — the middle- and upper-income students who can afford community college’s relatively modest tuition and fees.

So again, cost isn’t the problem.

“The greatest challenges to community-college students are often personal,” Gray explains. “Community-college students are more likely than four-year students to work during school, struggle with transportation, be single parents, and have child-care needs. More than a third are the first in their family to engage in post-secondary studies and lack role models or advice on how to study, set goals, balance work and life, and navigate a college system. Many lack a clear plan for what to study and an understanding of the opportunities a degree will lead to on the other side.”

Mentors could make a huge difference — experienced professionals and older adults who can help guide students through the often-overwhelming pressures of being a student, employee and parent all at the same time.

“A more modest investment, around $75 million, could create a strong program of mentors to help students stay focused, make plans and develop goals, figure out child care and transportation systems, and link their studies to employment opportunities,” Gray says. “Some community colleges already have programs involving older students, work-study funds, and specific populations, but a large-scale pilot project — one connecting mentors, state education agencies, and grants to local community colleges under Title 3 of the Higher Education Act — is worth trying.”

Seniors who have already signed up with Senior Corps, part of the Corporation for National Service, could play a role.

“Many have wisdom about getting jobs in their community, possess the maturity needed to help younger students focus, know their local transportation systems, have the time and training to navigate the child-care system, and are looking to stay connected to real-world problems,” he notes.

Gray’s idea is worth exploring.