In this article, we explore the functions of the traditional community college and its expanding mission in regard to its responsiveness to changing economic conditions and workforce development needs. To date, few researchers have specifically addressed market responsiveness in community college settings across the United States. In addition, we…

Three focus groups consisting of board of trustee members, community college presidents, senior administrators, administrators, and faculty members developed critical issues facing community colleges with respect to instructional planning and services; planning, governance, and finance; and workforce development. Thereafter, the delegation of more…

Describes the University of Kentucky Community College System, highlighting its centralized funding structure heavily dependent on state appropriations and tuition, a governance system that combines characteristics of open access and land grant institutions, and its role in workforce development shared with a separate system of vocational schools.…

Describes the establishment of North Carolina's community colleges, indicating that providing education, training, and retraining for the workforce has been the foremost component of their mission since their inception. Considers current trends affecting the colleges, including an emerging emphasis on readiness for global competition and funding…

Discusses community college involvement in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS) as an example of how federal and state workforce policy impacts publicly controlled institutions of higher education. Discusses the challenges faced by JOBS in an era of devolved responsibility for funding from federal government to states.…