Provides an overview of traditional and nontraditional approaches to community college involvement in economic development, highlighting national, state, and institutional initiatives. Contrasts traditional (e.g., long-term, on-campus degree programs) and nontraditional (e.g., short-term, work-site, customized training) approaches. (DMM)

Presents a marketing plan for noncredit education and training at community colleges. Includes a situation analysis focusing on available markets for skills-specific or job-specific noncredit training, products (i.e., training and trainees) and consumers (i.e., individuals and organizations), and on maintaining a competitive edge over training…

Criticizes the slow rate of responsiveness of the community college bureaucracy to the needs of the local business constituency. Highlights trends toward off-campus, on-site specialized job training programs; and the establishment of economic development centers and other special mechanisms for vocational training. (DMM)

Examines four areas in which two-year colleges can serve as a major resource: education for effective citizenship and civic responsibility; education and training for employment; international/intercultural education; and educational access for "at-risk" populations. (DMM)

At Raymond Walters College (RWC), a two-year branch of the University of Cincinnati, the concept of developing linkages with business and industry began in 1983 with the creation of a new administrative office of Educational Services and a new community advisory board, the RWC Work and Learning Council. Though RWC provides noncredit training in a…

Predicts changes in workforce supply and demand. Looks at ways new technological delivery systems can be used to enhance lifelong learning and improve adult retraining/education. Reviews the Commission on Higher Education and the Adult Learner's recommendations, and projects ways technology will be used in innovative programs for adults. (DMM)