The study reported in this book investigated the capacities, capabilities, and potential of predominantly minority two-year colleges to provide a skilled workforce and assist minority-owned businesses with industrial modernization. The underlying research hypotheses are as follows: (1) certain segments of the populations are underrepresented in…

This document focuses on four community colleges--in Ireland, Denmark, California, and Mississippi--that play central economic development roles in their communities. Each has chosen to specialize in the skills and knowledge needed by local industry and the regional economy. Such technical colleges have emerged as key regional institutions, not…

Some regional two-year and four-year colleges are moving beyond their traditional mission of education to take proactive roles in promoting the economic development of their regions and communities. A study of regional colleges that help rural businesses and labor forces adapt to the challenges of rural economies found five outstanding goals of…

The rural community college has evolved into a multipurpose institution that meets lifelong learning needs and the economy's demand for information and skills. The best institutions merge an applied higher education with extension-like services for local industry. New challenges facing rural community colleges include competition from other…