States that community colleges have an increased need to focus on marketing their services to students in addition to providing them. Gives the example of Central Piedmont Community College's (Virginia) partnership with the local Workforce Development Board, and the competitive edge it afforded the college. Explores whether job training…

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)

Contends that the language of business and the language of education do not always translate neatly. Notes that more than 200 U.S. and Canadian community colleges are trying to solve this problem by adopting a "common language" solution called Work Keys. Most of the centers that use this solution are housed at community colleges. (AMA)

In 2002, public safety professionals in California developed a unique, groundbreaking curriculum targeting an audience of in-service, pre-supervisory, professionals from all three major public safety disciplines--corrections, law enforcement, and fire. This article features the California Public Safety Leadership & Ethics Program (CPSLEP), a…

Argues that workforce and economic development in urban areas are linked and that community colleges must develop new strategies to meet these challenges. Reviews urban trends and advocates focusing on the demand side of the labor market, or getting employers to become driving forces in shaping job preparation. (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…

Suggests ways for community colleges, workforce boards, economic development corporations, and school systems to work together to address the challenges of attracting, training, and retaining a quality workforce. Presents the examples of the Enterprise Center and the Information Technology Center, and other partnerships, in Marion County, Florida.…

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.…

Discusses the shift in function of PICs (Private Industry Councils) from overseeing training programs for unemployed workers to developing the skills of the entire work force in local communities. Analyzes the relationship between community colleges and Private Industry Councils. (JDI)

Suggests that changes in employment brought on by the information age will force a reevaluation of the nature of education. Argues that the nonprofit civil sector, or the "Third Sector," will become crucial in providing employment. Proposes that community college service-learning programs will be crucial to future job-training efforts. (MAB)

Reviews possible effects of pending workforce development and welfare reform legislation on the delivery of support services to communities. Highlights structural reforms involved in state-based initiatives. Suggests that community colleges may have to reconfigure program lengths and accountability methods to adapt. (MAB)

Describes the background to the 1994 Reemployment Act, finding a need for the act in the current economic environment and increase in laid off workers resulting from automation. Describes key elements of the act, including the comprehensive dislocated workers initiative and competitive grants to operate universal one-stop career counseling and…

Analyzes four cluster colleges located in the U.S. and Europe that have specialized in helping train the work force for local dominant industries. Argues that college and industry cluster connections can enhance the competitive advantages of clusters and improve opportunities for individuals. (JDI)

States that, when a major local employer closed its doors, Chemeketa Community College (Oregon) joined forces with state agencies and opened the Woodburn Workforce Transition Center to help the displaced workers with vocational counseling, language and literacy assessments, developing interview skills, and resume writing. Warns that similar…

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,…