Shifting Gears was launched in 2007 by the Joyce Foundation, a Chicago-based organization focused on improving the quality of life of citizens residing in the Great Lakes region of the United States. The primary goal of Shifting Gears is to increase the number of low-skilled, low-income Midwestern adults who obtain college-level occupational…

Discusses a study of the labor market, occupational mobility, and job ladders of top-level two-year college administrators. Finds the mobility of administrators (particularly presidents, chief academic officers, and chief student affairs officers) largely within postsecondary institutions and more specifically within two-year colleges. Discusses…

In light of the increasing demand for well-prepared chemical technicians, this paper provides suggestions for two-year colleges interested in initiating or upgrading a chemical technology program. Introductory comments indicate that, from the industry standpoint, chemical technicians are invaluable, but inadequate in numbers and often unprepared.…

Designed to assist in determining the need for the present and proposed occupational and degree programs offered by the Saddleback Community College District (SCCD), this report examines selected demographic and labor market data related to Orange County, California, industrial and occupational trends, and employment opportunities for SCCD program…

The Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICCD) has conducted labor market assessments in 17 occupations related to its programs. These assessments are an integral component of the EICCD program evaluation process. These assessments provide valuable information in the specific occupational areas regarding (1) characteristics of the local…

Within the context of a discussion of the challenges facing Canadian higher education, this paper reviews some of the innovative approaches to student retention, curriculum development, and modularization in use at Mohawk College in Ontario. After stressing the need for innovation in advanced technological education in Canada, the paper offers an…

In 1982-83, a study was conducted of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute's Recreation Leadership program to determine if program objectives were being met, to measure program success, and to identify aspects needing improvement. Surveys were sent to 36 students who graduated before 1978, yielding a 44% response rate; to 31 students…

Prepared as a companion to a 1996 California Community College plan for family and consumer sciences (FCS), this resource packet provides materials to help faculty, administrators, counselors, and other educators understand the elements of the plan, sharpen their focus on the dynamics of FCS programs, and increase support for programs at their…

This report addresses three issues concerning the ability of California's collegiate nursing programs to produce enough registered nurses to meet a growing statewide shortage: (1) the existing enrollment capacity of nursing programs in the State's public and private colleges and universities; (2) plans for the expansion of enrollments on existing…

In 1983-84, a feasibility study was conducted to determine the viability of establishing a comprehensive alternative energy technology program at Southeastern Illinois College (SIC). The study involved an examination of a number of exemplary associate degree programs in alternative energy, through on-site visits and telephone surveys; a survey of…

Designed as a management tool for governing boards and administrators to promote the development and improvement of vocational education opportunities in Maricopa County, this report presents an update of a 5-year (1984-89) vocational education plan for secondary and postsecondary education. Section I provides an introduction to the report and to…

In September 1986, a comprehensive labor market survey of Santa Cruz County, California, was conducted by Cabrillo College to assess the employment and training needs of business leaders in the county. Questionnaires mailed to 428 randomly selected businesses and services yielded the following findings: (1) the service and retail industries were…

In their 2004 State of the State speeches, the nation's governors cited many issues competing for their attention and their states' resources, including health care, education, crime, and security (Nodine 2004). Among the most compelling challenges were those related to economic development and the ability of a state's workforce to meet the needs…

Intended as a resource for California community colleges and districts in assessing and improving family and consumer science (FCS) programs, this program plan provides information on current trends affecting the delivery of FCS programs and guidelines for assessing and developing new comprehensive or specialized programs. Following letters of…

Summaries are provided of the presentations, discussions, and major conclusions of a conference convened in May 1983 to develop mechanisms for improving the linkages between industry and community colleges in California. Introductory material offers an overview of the conference's goals, employment training in California, and the role of the…