Describes a survey of 1069 Iowa businesses to determine their needs for workforce training and the role of the state's community colleges in meeting those needs. Presents results related to types of businesses served; employer goals, needs, and ratings of program quality; and the role of technology. (21 citations) (AJL)

Describes a comprehensive service-learning program that partners Skagit Valley College (Washington) students with local community and business entities to provide direct experiential learning and foster practical connections with future employers. Discusses the program, its range of learning opportunities, the roles of the partners, and the…

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)

Describes the establishment of North Carolina's community colleges, indicating that providing education, training, and retraining for the workforce has been the foremost component of their mission since their inception. Considers current trends affecting the colleges, including an emerging emphasis on readiness for global competition and funding…

Argues that education and workforce development departments in the community college can learn from one another and provide more effective and comprehensive services. (AUTH/NB)

Argues for the integration of academic and vocational education. Asserts that integration can occur anywhere along the paradigm, from a within-course effort to an interdisciplinary approach. (Contains 34 references.) (NB) (AUTH/NB)

Presents an annotated bibliography of recent ERIC documents that provide information relating to vocational education programs, policies, and practices in community colleges. (Contains 12 sources.) (AUTH/NB)

Examines trends in work force training needs and innovative approaches to meeting those needs (e.g., business incubators, small business development centers, 2+2 programs, and cooperative education programs). Suggests ways in which community colleges can become more involved in work force development. (DMM)

Describes South Carolina's program of Special Schools which offer crash training through the state's two-year technical colleges to help new and expanding industries begin their operations through preemployment training programs. Highlights diversity in training, quick response to industry needs, and individually styled training. (DMM)

Describes a League for Innovation in the Community College's survey of community college training programs for employees of business, industry, labor, and government. Based on responses from 73.2% of the college presidents surveyed, highlights the extent of training programs, types of training and companies served, organization and funding,…

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)

Proposes creating an entrepreneurial college within the community college that will offer non-credit courses to the community and workforce. States that the courses would focus on the training needs of community industry, with the employer as the customer, rather than the student. Adds that the proposed college would also focus on community…

Presents the results of a national study examining effectiveness of employment- and education-focused welfare-to-work programs. Considers the implications for community colleges, particularly training for quick employment versus stable jobs that pay a living wage. Concludes that, compared with other institutions, community colleges have the most…

Reports that since the passage of the Welfare Reform Act in 1996, community colleges have invested time and money to create programs that ensure the successful transition of welfare recipients to self-sufficient workers. Cites recent resources on the efforts of educators to improve the status of welfare recipients, particularly in the two-year…

To better determine the educational and training needs of local employees, Lane Community College (LCC), in Oregon, undertook a project to analyze responses from a statewide survey of employers' perceptions of training needs and conduct focus groups with Lane County employees regarding their perceptions. The statewide study surveyed 6,010…