Integral to the current economic recession is an irresolute unemployment rate that disproportionately impacts unskilled and ill-prepared workers in need of the training that is being offered in technical and community colleges. These institutions have experienced record enrollment growth as students seek training and education necessary to pursue skilled careers in high demand occupations. A major challenge for these colleges is that the vast majority of students who are admitted to two-year degree programs do not graduate in a three-year period. School attrition research suggests that full time students who fail to complete associate's degrees in three years are not likely to graduate at any time. Organization and systems theories are suggested that will help administrators to identify critical obstacles at the individual and institutional levels and initiate sustained approaches to resolving them. (Contains 6 tables.)