For more than one hundred and fifty years, until 2008, California was an undisputed national leader in its commitment to adult education. The state's investment in adult learners topped $750 million, a sum greater than the combined total of every other state in the nation. However, for the past several years recession and fiscal crisis have left…

California's financial commitment to higher education has been compromised by fiscal crises and competing state priorities. Despite large increases in the demand for higher education, state general fund spending in this area has declined notably over the past ten years. California now spends more on corrections than on its public universities.…

By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school. That's a pretty strong statement in defense of the value of higher education in this country. But it will mean little unless the nation's colleges and universities--and, specifically, community colleges--can produce more workers…

The purpose of this study was to examine the number of college applicants who remained on wait lists in Fall 2002 through Fall 2004. It shows that demand continues to exceed the supply of courses offered by colleges in the Los Rios Community College District - American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College and Sacramento City…

In response to enrollment demand at the California Community Colleges, the Commission has approved five proposals since 2000 to create new community college campuses and off-campus centers. Among the significant findings of this updated report are the following: (1) Based on current space and utilization standards, the community college system…

Examines the extent of credit and non-credit offerings in entrepreneurship and small-business management in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Indicates that entrepreneurship training and education is not a priority at all Virginia community colleges. Finds that there is strong demand for such offerings from students enrolled in the…

This report observes that, while Maine's economy is changing at a rapid pace, its workforce is not, and to compete, Maine must dramatically increase the educational attainment levels of its citizens. Many of Maine's core industries face significant shortages of skilled workers, a shortage that is slowing the growth of the state's economy and…

The education literature provides numerous estimates of community college diversion and democratization effects measured in terms of educational attainment. Kane and Rouse [J Econ Pers 13 (1999) 64] suggest testing for diversion by comparing the impacts of two-year and four-year colleges on the changes in educational aspirations that underlie…

In November 1985, a survey was conducted at William Rainey Harper College (WRHC), in Illinois, to test the feasibility of establishing programs for medical record technicians, medical coders, and utilization analysts. The survey instrument was mailed to 1,232 hospitals, medical care facilities, nursing homes, physicians' and dentists' offices, and…

Demonstrates how colleges can use distance education to attract and retain a "critical mass" of learners for distance programs. Explores alternative ways to view distance education market opportunities and determine which avenues to pursue. Suggests how to be more effective in all aspects of distance education programs. (13 citations) (YKH)

As more emphasis is placed upon institutional research that provides information relating to long-term strategic planning, as well as to short-term operational considerations, program evaluation techniques that merely analyze past or current budget and enrollment statistics will become increasingly inadequate. Such techniques are based on data…

This report reviews projected enrollment growth of the three segments of higher education in California: the University of California (UC), the California State University (CSU), and the California Community Colleges (CCC). The report concludes that in order to serve the enrollment growth of the next decade, the three segments should move to…

A study was conducted at William Rainey Harper College (WRHC) to determine the feasibility of establishing a new human services program with respect to employment potential and student demand for the program. A total of 113 youth service, residential care, community and family service organizations in the area were surveyed to establish a minimum…

A follow-up study was conducted by Skyline College (SC) to determine the effectiveness of an "economically depressed area" project undertaken by the college in Spring 1979 to promote SC's programs among low income area residents and to provide information to this group on consumer-related issues and community service agencies. During the…

This paper states that the future of California's community colleges is being reshaped by two inevitable trends. First, as California enjoys an economic renaissance, the digital economy and global marketplace are breaking traditional ties between geography, jobs, and wealth. For many, this new economy will require skills that do not exist now, for…