In the wake of President Obama's challenge to again make the United States the world's No. 1 producer of college graduates and degree and certificate holders, the nation's community college leaders are shifting their focus from access to success. Fueled by the president's goals, and six months of conversation and deliberation within the college…

Argues that, despite doubts created by the "dot-com" crash, the field of information technology (IT) is still crucial. Credentialing and certification are in demand by adults in the transitional workforce who require tangible results in a short time frame. Suggests that even non-IT companies are dependent on those in IT to run the nerve-centers of…

Presents an excerpt from the book, Help Wanted...Credentials Required: Community Colleges in the Knowledge Economy. States that credentials are now highly sought after by many employees, and community colleges must balance between providing a good education/training and the economic strain of doing so. Discusses changes in the trends of higher…

Asserts the need for a universal system of credentialing across the nation's community and technical colleges. Suggests that professionally recognized skill certifications are being demanded by employers, and that community colleges will do well to respond. Proposes the development of a national/state credentialing system based upon industry…

In recent years, the emergence of non-traditional educational experiences such as online learning and certification, combined with the growth of the life-long learning market, has presented a new set of challenges for the higher education community. Increasingly, the U.S. economy is technology driven, and the need for trained personnel to support…