As health care providers, patients, and employers adjust to the changes related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which promises to extend medical coverage to thirty million previously uninsured Americans, community colleges are gearing up to keep pace with rising economic and societal demands for medical and allied health…

By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school. That's a pretty strong statement in defense of the value of higher education in this country. But it will mean little unless the nation's colleges and universities--and, specifically, community colleges--can produce more workers…

Discusses the emergence of a global, technology-drive, skills-based economy where manufacturers are now talking about the need for qualified workers. Describes Minnesota's severe worker shortage that threatens to choke the state's continued economic growth. Recounts Dakota County Technical College's decision to take a leadership role to address…

Discusses challenges facing community colleges related to economic development; changes in workforce needs; and changing student characteristics, including increasing numbers of adult students. Describes efforts at Florida's Valencia Community College to address these challenges by becoming more learner-centered. Highlights efforts to link…

Argues that technological advancement has dramatically changed the nature of work and the skills necessary to adapt to the new work place. Reviews required competencies of "techno-professionals," or the new knowledge workers concerned with technological research and application. Highlights the role of two-year colleges in imparting these…

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)

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 institutional planning for workforce development programs should be based on serving four major workforce segments: emerging workers, transitional workers, entrepreneurs, and incumbent workers. Suggests that a typical college be divided into four components to deal with these different workers and their differing educational and…