From locally focused institutions intent on access and affordability to higher education, workforce preparation, and community engagement, the contemporary community college is poised as a global partner for the democratization and development of a global workforce. In this chapter, the authors revisit the development of international education in…

American policy makers, educators, and others are concerned that predicted workforce shortages in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields will have a catastrophic impact on the economy. This article takes a realistic look at the "STEM problem," identifying how community colleges can be a part of the solution. We provide…

Among the diverse and varied missions of community colleges is the provision of instruction for students who have either been underserved by their previous educational institutions or not had the opportunity to complete high school. Included under this umbrella are low-performing high school students, individuals with low basic skills, and those…

This paper relies on data collected through the TRUCCS (Transfer and Retention of Urban Community College Students) Project, a 3-year, longitudinal and comprehensive study of the goals, success, and academic patterns of 5,000 community college students in urban Los Angeles, California. Researchers collected qualitative data on issues relating to…

This paper relies on data collected through the TRUCCS (Transfer and Retention of Urban Community College Students) Project, a 3-year, longitudinal and comprehensive study of the goals, success, and academic patterns of 5,000 Community College students in urban Los Angeles. Researchers collected qualitative data on issues relating to student…

This document is a report on the attendance patterns and similarities of students enrolled at four-year colleges who attend community colleges primarily during the summer. The study surveyed 206 students who attended four-year institutions but enrolled in classes at East Los Angeles City College during the summer. Results indicated that 75% of the…

This is a report on the Los Angeles Transfer and Retention of Urban Community College Students (TRUCCS) Project, which tracks approximately 5,000 community college students from nine campuses of the Los Angeles Community College District in order to gather information on retention and persistence. The project also investigates urban community…

Argues that the traditional definition of the collegiate ideal is inappropriate for vocational community-college students and that a more realistic portrayal of students and their programs is needed, taking into consideration the reality of fiscal constraints. "Contract education" and partnerships between colleges and industry can help students…