Abstract
This study assessed how participation in a learning community connected with a basic communication studies course might result in changes in students’ communication competence and communication apprehension levels. The pre-, post-test design of this study allowed students enrolled in an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) connected to a basic communication studies course to complete the Self-Perceived Communication Competence Scale (SPCC) and the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA) at the beginning and end of the semester. Survey results indicate a considerable increase in competence levels and decreased apprehension levels from beginning semester scores to end of semester scores. Implications of findings and future research are discussed.