States that although many organizations offer training courses, they also rely on educational institutions to provide training and proper credentials. Discusses the recent demand for skills in information technology (IT) and how it has generated a wide range of courses offered by community colleges. Addresses how competency in IT is assessed, and…

Explores the major changes occurring within present-day American community colleges and their missions, such as the increase in courses tailored to meet the needs of the workplace. Uses the experience of Montgomery College (Maryland) to offer suggestions on managing change and meeting challenges, and examples of colleges achieving success.…

Reports on Southern Illinois University's (SIU) idea to consolidate its A.A.S. Electronics Technology degree with its two-year capstone B.A. degree in Electronics Management (ELM). Explains that this four-year ELM curriculum is designed to accommodate the transfer of two-year students who have already completed two years of course work. Offers…

Presents an excerpt from the book, Help Wanted...Credentials Required: Community Colleges in the Knowledge Economy. States that credentials are now highly sought after by many employees, and community colleges must balance between providing a good education/training and the economic strain of doing so. Discusses changes in the trends of higher…

Discusses the changes in the American economy during the past century, highlighting its evolution from an industrial economic base to a system of high-performance work organizations. Describes the increased importance of postsecondary education and the role of community colleges in providing both academic and applied skills training. (21…

Describes efforts of the Los Angeles Community College District's three most affected campuses to help rebuild Los Angeles in the wake of the 1992 riots. Discusses sensitivity gatherings, new job development partnerships with business and government, community outreach, and the district's long-term commitment to the city. (DMM)

Discusses the challenges that the federally-mandated shift from the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program poses for community colleges. Describes efforts undertaken by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to help states and communities manage the shift. (AJL)

Presents recent data on 2,700 manufacturing plants that employ fewer than 500 employees. Suggests that low-road shops (i.e., those that are not very systematic, modern, or distinctive) outperform high-road shops. Argues that community colleges currently provide training geared toward low-road plants, but that they should shift their focus toward…

Describes the efforts of Iowa's community colleges to meet the need for highly skilled, well-educated workers who can help the state sustain growth, retain companies, and fend off stagnation. Programs developed include partnerships, the establishment of the Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program, and the Accelerated Career Education Program.…

Provides a manufacturer's perspective on ways that community colleges can better meet employers' needs, such as improving educational quality, keeping promises made, customizing programs, helping companies develop training strategies, providing on-site training and credit courses, being flexible, ensuring innovation, cooperating with companies,…

Asserts that many people who seek education to improve their job skills or upgrade their positions are becoming frustrated with inconvenient learning opportunities, and are pursuing alternatives to traditional higher education. Describes the Workforce Development Continuum initiative, which aims to develop a seamless education and training system…

Identifies societal trends increasing the need to retrain older workers for second careers. Sees community colleges as an important resource for retraining older workers and describes some pioneering programs. Identifies key program components (e.g., employment skills for mature adults, ties to regional employers, achievement expectations), and…