Across the country, some 78 million baby boomers are closing in on retirement age. While some are considering second careers--in teaching or health care, for instance--others are staying active and involved through volunteering and community service. Recognizing the tremendous opportunity this population holds in terms of experience, skills, and…

Many have heard calls from national policy experts, the Obama administration, and influential foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Lumina Foundation for Education to increase the number of Americans with postsecondary credentials earned at community colleges by 5 million within 10 years. If community colleges choose to…

Rough patches occur at both ends of the education pipeline, as students enter community colleges and move on to work or enrollment in four-year institutions. Career pathways--sequences of coherent, articulated, and rigorous career and academic courses that lead to an industry-recognized certificate or a college degree--are a promising approach to…

The dilemma is familiar: too few resources to meet too many demands. Common to many public institutions, this problem poses special challenges to those working in community colleges, adult education and literacy programs, and workforce development organizations. These organizations all serve people who are at an economic and educational…

Describes a study conducted by the College Board to examine what motivates adults to return to school and profile their patterns of learning as they enter and re-enter the educational system. Finds that most adults return to school to improve their careers. Forecasts the future of adult education and its implications for community colleges. (CJW)

Argues that combining service learning with study abroad is a powerful pedagogical innovation for increasing adult students' intercultural competence, language skills, and experiential understanding of complex global problems related to their academic program of study. Discusses development and maintenance of such educational partnerships at…

Provides an overview of Britain's 565 further education (FE) institutions and a forecast for postsecondary education's future. Suggests that FEs are like American community colleges, providing skills and academic training to enable individuals to reach the next step in their career, and promoting economic development. (VWC)

Discusses a 50-state survey by the National Council for Continuing Education regarding the issue of funding for noncredit courses in community colleges. Reports that 17 states include noncredit courses for funding on an FTE basis, and that no states fund hobby, avocational, or recreation non-credit classes. Argues that lifelong learning is a…

Community colleges are undoubtedly aligned in the most strategic positions to affect social and economic change. Numerous factors are playing a part in the shifts felt throughout higher education today. From the recent economic recession that continues to provide America with more displaced workers, unemployed and underemployed adults to the…