This paper offers the definition of the term "special populations" that appears in Section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational-Technical Education Act of 1998: (1) individuals with disabilities; (2) individuals from economically disadvantaged families, including foster children; (3) individuals preparing for nontraditional training and…

This paper reports on a study funded by Mesa Community College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and Rio Salado College in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. The aim of the study was to learn more about some of the external factors that are affecting or will affect these institutions. The report provides information in four major areas: (1) State…

This report reviews the accomplishments of the Timber Retraining Benefits (TRB) program of Washington's 32 two-year colleges. These colleges served 1,651 TRB workers in 1997-98, and 7,000 workers since the program inception in 1991. The report, based on data from college enrollment records and unemployment insurance system data, provides detailed…

Describes surveys done by Hartnell College's Salinas Valley Region Business Retention and Economic Advancement Project, which collected data from regional businesses concerning workforce and training issues. Results were used in two ways: (1) to reshape services to specific businesses thereby leading to regional business retention; and (2) by the…

Argues that the constantly changing workplace and the need for workers to be adaptable requires changes in postsecondary curricula. Suggests that jobs created by the new economy will require higher skills. Argues that the new economy will blur demarcations that exist between community colleges, proprietary schools, and other postsecondary…

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…

The rural community college has evolved into a multipurpose institution that meets lifelong learning needs and the economy's demand for information and skills. The best institutions merge an applied higher education with extension-like services for local industry. New challenges facing rural community colleges include competition from other…

The Illinois Community College Board provided more than $3.3 million to community colleges during fiscal year 2007 to provide workforce and economic development services through their Business and Industry Centers. The workforce development activities conducted under this grant include customized job training on campus or on-site at a business;…

This Policy Brief is intended to help the National Commission on Adult Literacy consider state and federal policy strategies that hold promise for increasing the number of lower-skilled adults, including those with limited English skills, who earn postsecondary credentials that can open the door to family-supporting jobs and careers. It examines…

The National Workforce Assistance Collaborative (NWAC) was established by the National Alliance of Business to provide assistance to community colleges and other organizations that offer programs to increase business productivity. The NWAC is charged with building the capacity of service providers that work with small and mid-sized companies in…

In February 1995, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) established a committee to study accessibility and opportunity within the community college system. This document provides the Committee's report, focusing on changing conditions and challenges facing the system. Following introductory materials, a paradigm shift between the 1950's and…

The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (Canada) surveyed 3,006 students who graduated from its 4 institutes and its extension programs in 1995 to determine their employment status, the relationship between their employment and their education, and their overall evaluation of the training they received. Responses were received…

In August 1996, the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges conducted a study of the characteristics of workers enrolled in state and federally funded job skills enhancement training programs from 1990 to 1995 to determine related needs for the state's community and technical colleges. Data sources included a survey of 1,151…

Since 1993, Washington community and technical colleges have received funds under the Workforce Employment and Training Act to provide new and expanded retraining programs to serve unemployed workers. This report reviews accomplishments of the colleges under the provisions of the act from 1993-95, providing detailed information about the colleges'…

Designed to illustrate exemplary strategies used by community colleges to meet the needs of corporate partners and which other colleges may wish to model, this monograph provides descriptions of partnerships at 14 community colleges written by the practitioners involved. Each narrative discusses how the partnerships were formed; their structure,…