Rural communities often lag behind urban and suburban areas in economic development. Community colleges often contribute to economic development projects in rural areas, but they often seek collaboration with other community partners. This research study was conducted to better understand rural community college presidents' perceptions of the…

Reports results from a survey of 421 two-year postsecondary educational institutions concerning their involvement in state or regional economic development. Questions focused on organizing, promotion, mission statements, policies, personnel, activities, linkages, and acceptance. Tables report specific results for many questions. (CH)

Administrators at two-year college and secondary area vocational centers accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools were surveyed regarding their institutions' actual and ideal involvement in 29 economic development activities. Usable data were collected from 345 administrators, and data from 75 respondents were further…

Describes a study comparing the perceptions of community college and community leaders regarding economic development strategies utilized by North Carolina community colleges. Indicates that the level of satisfaction with strategies was related to respondents' perceived level of use of strategies, position held, and institution size. (17…

In 1987, a study was conducted to estimate the economic impact of the State University of New York's (SUNY's) community colleges on their individual service areas, and, as a system, on the state as a whole. In light of changing economic conditions and fiscal trends, the study was replicated in 1991. The methodological model used in both studies…

A study was conducted by the National Council of Occupational Education to measure the extent to which community, junior, and technical colleges were engaged in economic development activities. A questionnaire was mailed to 1,144 colleges in March and April of 1986, requesting information on the types of economic development activities performed…

In fall 1988, an evaluative study was undertaken at the community colleges of the State University of New York (SUNY) to document the outcomes of contract courses delivered to local employers and to gain information that could lead to program improvement. Data were gathered through questionnaires mailed to the contact person of participating firms…

In 1981, a statewide survey of South Carolina's 16 technical college (TEC) service areas was conducted to pinpoint technical training programs with high and low visibility in order to improve recruitment, retention, and public awareness; to determine how the colleges can best communicate the career options offered; to assess citizen awareness of…

A study was conducted to identify the role community colleges have played in developing Maryland's economic resources. The study sought to determine: (1) what types of programs and courses had the community colleges created to serve local economic development needs; (2) how many students were involved in programs and courses related to job…

In 1989, a national survey sponsored by the National Center for Research in Vocational Education was conducted of a random sample of 246 public community, technical, and junior colleges to ascertain the extent of the colleges' economic development activities outside of the regular curriculum, such as customized training, short-term vocational…

Many California community colleges are accepting the challenge of their vital role in economic development through contract education (i.e., the process of entering into partnerships with business, government, and industry at the work site to assist employer training). Employer-based education and training is generally contracted in one of six…

This study examines mission accretion, or the process by which the mission of the community college has broadened over time, in California's community colleges. The historical community college emphasis on transfer, occupational and remedial education, and community service has expanded to include the nontraditional educational initiatives of…

In 1989-90, a national survey was conducted to assess the scope and nature of contract training and other economic development activities at community colleges and technical institutes. The survey was sent to a random sample of 246 community colleges, requesting information on the colleges' workforce and economic development activities in 1988-89.…

A survey of 72 selected two-year colleges was conducted to gather information on the extent and range of college efforts to improve the quality of the workforce and the efficiency of public and private enterprises. Specifically, the survey requested data on credit and noncredit enrollments; occupational programs (e.g., degree programs and programs…

This two-part report describes a study conducted to investigate the relationship between the community college and its economic environment. Section I provides an introduction to the debate on community college mission, outlines the theoretical framework of the study, reviews the characteristics of the community colleges' economic environment, and…