There is a persistent concern over mismatches between the degrees awarded by universities and the needs of the job market. Although there are shortages of graduates in some fields, many university graduates have difficulty finding jobs that make good use of their education. This has been discussed in newspaper articles, in education and business…

California's degree gap is a growing concern. According to recent reports and news articles comparing the number of degrees awarded with the jobs expected in the coming decade, California will not have enough university graduates to meet the needs of the labor market. Previous work by the California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC) showed…

Postsecondary education is a major enterprise in California. The state provides $12 billion annually in funding to the University of California, the California State University, and the California Community Colleges. A major concern is how well the output of degrees, certificates, and other qualifications from these three public segments meets the…

This report continues the California Postsecondary Education Commission's ongoing examination of the nexus between postsecondary education and workforce development, focusing on the projected needs for skills and knowledge in a 21st century global economy. This is the second in a series of policy briefs developed for that project. The first brief…

One of the major benefits of higher education is that it prepares students for careers. Education that qualifies students for better jobs reduces inequality by offering all Californians the opportunity to qualify for rewarding careers and helps businesses in the state by providing them with a skilled, productive workforce. An assessment of whether…

This report on the nexus between postsecondary education and workforce development discusses the question of how California's colleges and universities address the state's need for a highly educated and skilled workforce. It includes a detailed review of the systems and their roles, and considers issues regarding how those roles are being carried…

This report responds to the California Postsecondary Education Commission's interest in pursuing further study of the gender gap for males in California postsecondary education. It provides some additional data on the gap in K-12 graduation rates and university eligibility and discusses the implications for future workforce needs. Recommended…

The California Postsecondary Education Commission is currently producing a series of policy briefs examining the nexus between workforce development and postsecondary education. The research question "How does California's postsecondary education system contribute to the needs of the state's economy and its future?" will serve as the…