Students are juggling multiple, competing priorities such as work pressures, parenting, debt, and degree affordability, as they seek the best educational decisions for their economic mobility and life goals. Driving questions of quality has been the recent effort of states to set and increase postsecondary attainment rates. These rates typically…

In early 2006, The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA) began an initiative called Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) to help regions create competitive conditions, integrate economic and workforce development activities, and demonstrate that talent development can successfully…

The federal and state governments are placing greater emphasis on postsecondary attainment while concerns about rising college costs for students and families surge. Both groups are calling on institutions to do more to help improve student access and achievement rates. Further, recent research and policy have put pressure on institutions to admit…

The primary purpose of this publication is to provide impartial measures of the strengths and weaknesses of community college programs from a labor market perspective. Information from surveys and administrative databases focuses on: graduates' employment, earnings and employer-provided benefits; skill sets; and employer satisfaction with…

Expanding upon a report presented to the International Labor Organization (ILO), this book documents the current world employment situation, including how it has fallen short, how current economic policies interact with world employment, and how improvements can be made. Chapter one, "The Commitment to Full Employment," describes how the…

Higher education is under pressure to create a workforce making the United States more competitive internationally. Demographic and workforce influences are shaping teaching, support services and management. Colleges and universities should increase quality, use of technology and communications, and labor productivity and efficiency, and reduce…

"Linking Workforce Development to Economic Development: A Casebook for Community Colleges" is a compilation of best practice examples, which illustrate what it takes for community colleges to achieve their goal of helping people acquire education and skills, helping employers, supporting communities, and building the nation. The book is…

This working paper discusses the critical role that higher education in the United States and Mexico must play since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The paper gives an overview of recent transformations in areas of economic development and business needs which require that higher education better prepare…

Examines the role of the university in promoting regional economic and social development, particularly in the European context. Examines trends in regional development policy, including growing concern about manpower training, and the conditions necessary for the university to play the role of a center for regional development. Argues for…

This document focuses on the need for public schools in the United States to develop the capacity of individuals to participate successfully in the nation's economy. An introduction discusses the impact of schools on the American economy and the effects of the economy on education. Section 2 lists objectives to which the American education system…

This sourcebook describes and analyzes contracted customized training for business and industry provided by community colleges. First, "Customized Job Training: Should Your Community College Be Involved?" by Robert J. Kopecek identifies issues to be considered in program decision making and suggests an organizational model for program delivery.…

Addresses issues related to the evaluation of community colleges' economic development efforts, describing the context for evaluation in terms of the external environment and college management/governance; practical realities guiding evaluation; steps in designing an evaluation programs; and the application of results to decision making. (DMM)

Community colleges have been at the forefront in providing contract training programs for clients such as businesses, health care organizations, and government agencies. Many state governments are beginning to provide resources for these programs as an incentive to attract or retain business and industry. One of the consequences of the demand for…

These guidelines are intended to incorporate gender issues into university curricula, programs, and projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development (AID), while at the same time institutionalizing women in development and a gender perspective within the university structure. Universities provide a structure for the…

Describes the development and current status of educational systems in 14 small nations or self-governing states in the South Pacific. Indicates that a primary concern is educational access and equity. Contends that the driving force behind all educational endeavors is to balance economic development with preservation of the cultural heritage.…