This chapter describes the dramatically changed external landscape in which community college leaders pursue state dollars and details how other spending priorities in health care, K-12 education, and corrections negatively affect the states' ability to fund community colleges.

Provides an overview of traditional and nontraditional approaches to community college involvement in economic development, highlighting national, state, and institutional initiatives. Contrasts traditional (e.g., long-term, on-campus degree programs) and nontraditional (e.g., short-term, work-site, customized training) approaches. (DMM)

Discusses the development of two-year public colleges in five Midwestern states. Identifies key events in the colleges' history, their current organizational pattern, and the key issues facing them now and in the future. (AS)

Argues that an institutional typology is needed for community colleges to help understand the diversity of institutional settings. Proposes a classification system composed of three major categories: publicly controlled, privately controlled, and federally chartered/special use institutions. Discusses differences in governance/administration,…

Traces the development of the Clinton Administration's economic policy, including an overview of reports authored prior to July 1992 which influenced the Clinton/Gore workforce development strategies. Presents the key components of the Clinton economic plan, locates the plan in a historical context, and analyzes the six specific planks of the…

Describes factors contributing to the successful planning and implementation of alternative teacher certification programs in one Texas community college school district. Asserts that if community colleges are to become major players in alternative teacher certification, they need to carefully assess the local market first, working in close tandem…

This two-part report presents quantitative and qualitative data from a 1994 national study of community college participation in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program, a transitional welfare-to-work program. Following a preface, an executive summary reviews the study methodology, indicating that 277 colleges out of 1,170 surveyed…

Argues that there is a crisis in Latino leadership at community colleges. States that, based on studies, only 3-4% of CEOs at community colleges are Latino, and only 4% of all doctorates are earned by Latinos. Suggests that higher education institutions seek out and fund aspiring Latino community college leaders. (Contains 25 references.) (NB)

Provides a review of the literature on graduate and continuing education for community college leaders, including the preceding articles in this volume. Argues that uncertainties related to these graduate programs rest on two interrelated issues: program intent and professor-practitioner relations. Suggests steps to reduce the gulf between…

Discusses community college involvement in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS) as an example of how federal and state workforce policy impacts publicly controlled institutions of higher education. Discusses the challenges faced by JOBS in an era of devolved responsibility for funding from federal government to states.…

Despite recession, economic displacement, and corporate downsizing, the demand for higher education in the United States continues to grow. In 1995, there were 14.5 million people seeking higher education, compared to 11.5 million in 1980 and 3.5 million in 1960. Moreover, the relationship between educational attainment and gaining employment has…

Describes issues affecting the open door policies of community colleges in light of funding cutbacks. Suggests that the central challenges for community colleges will include linking noncredit workforce development programs to the regular college curriculum and ensuring ease of transfer among secondary schools and community colleges. (16…

The proposals for work force training put forth by the Clinton Administration offer unprecedented opportunities as well as risks for community colleges, particularly for community colleges in Illinois. These proposals are grounded in a world view that recognizes the need for public investment in employment and training, although this agenda for…

Title III, the Strengthening Institutions Program, is one of the most important federal programs for rural community colleges. Created by the Higher Education Act of 1965, Title III provides institutional aid to qualified colleges and universities that serve large numbers of first-generation, low-income students and students from groups…

Discusses the seriousness of the digital divide-the discrepancy between technology-literate and -illiterate people-in rural areas in the United States. Reports that rural young, minority, and single-parent households lag behind the national average in both personal computer ownership and Internet access. Offers suggestions for ways rural community…