In light of the increasing interest of adults in furthering their education, discusses the differences between continuing education and extended schooling. Traces the growing involvement of community colleges in continuing education and describes the challenges facing the community college of the 1980s. (AYC)

Critics of the community college are justified in challenging unsubstantiated statements about the institution by college spokespersons or in public relations releases disguised as institutional analyses. During the 1960's, for example, increasing enrollments were often cited as evidence of public support for community colleges--without reference…

Until 20 years ago, it was commonly assumed that men would spend their time working at a single career, that women would raise families, that senior citizens would retire from work and view at age 65, and that the physically handicapped would be confined to the back rooms of whatever firms offered them employment. Recent socioeconomic changes,…

Trends and projections concerning the objectives and practices of higher education are discussed. It is noted that there is increased public demand for fewer courses in humanities and more courses in engineering, business, computers, and vocational-oriented programs. While remedial courses and learning assistance programs are still being offered…

Examines those characteristics of the community college that enable it to successfully compete in an educational environment marked by declining enrollments in traditional college programs and increasing demands for local, part-time, continuing education opportunities. Provides recommendations for the further development of lifelong learning…

Describes the downsizing and restructuring occurring in many community colleges due to funding decreases and enrollment increases. Discusses the feasibility of keeping an open-door policy, and explores other options to downsizing. Lists steps to help colleges review their missions, arguing that they must move to find their market niches. (AJL)

Many of today's students are non-credit and are not counted by the government. There is a need to define the objectives of community college education to stress the new nontraditional, non-credit, community education function. (LBH)

To meet pressures from politicians and business executives for more job training, community colleges are finding they must make changes in their missions, financing, and relationships with government and industry, and focus on the needs of the locality rather than students seeking additional training. (MSE)

Examines the interdependence of two of China's major social initiatives: the move from a command economy closer to a free market economy and the liberalization of the country's educational system. Highlights needs for and the contributions that community colleges might make in the context of these initiatives. (27 citations) (MAB)

Discusses five influences on the potential for future community college growth, expansion, and survival: the existence of more potential students; more public and private sector competition for students; serious staff development requirements; a focus on personalized and humanized teaching; and the need to evaluate and document institutional…

The rapid rise of the information technology industry, with its need for highly skilled technicians, programmers and support personnel, has accelerated the demand for education and technology training throughout the world--and has accelerated the rise of credentialing and certification programs. Two affiliate councils of the American Association…

This small fact book explains both quantitatively and qualitatively why Maine must convert its technical college system into a community college system. The state ranks below the national average and last in New England for college attendance. One of the major factors in Maine's low college participation is the lack of a comprehensive community…

During the second half of the 20th century, two-year colleges in the rural South were transformed from "junior" appendages of other institutions to community colleges that responded to the needs of local workers and businesses. This paper examines how the South's rural community colleges contribute to economic development today and what…

This paper states that the future of California's community colleges is being reshaped by two inevitable trends. First, as California enjoys an economic renaissance, the digital economy and global marketplace are breaking traditional ties between geography, jobs, and wealth. For many, this new economy will require skills that do not exist now, for…

A study examined the perceived training and retraining needs of Iowa business/organizations and employer views regarding how the continuing education divisions of Iowa's community colleges can best meet those needs. Of the 1,069 Iowa employers contacted, 608 (56.9%) responded. According to the respondents, Iowa's system of community college…