The United States is currently experiencing a decline of skilled talent in the workforce, with healthcare occupations suffering the most due to a loss in workforce talent and the onset of an aging population. This talent shortage is attributed to a "skills gap." The current case study used qualitative methodology to examine the expansion…

This paper asks the question: Is now the right time to consider a statewide policy initiative to support increased access for Massachusetts community college students to paid internships that can help them improve their employment and earnings trajectory? Is this something that employers, colleges, and state leaders would see as a welcome…

The most important components of an academic institution are the educational programs it offers. California Education Code and accreditation standards emphasize the essential nature of a college's educational programs to that college's existence, and often a college's programs reflect the individual personality of the college and the uniqueness of…

In this study, the authors focus on the initiation and development of the Alamo Academies, aiming to illustrate an exemplary industry-driven model that addresses workforce development in local community. After a brief introduction of the context, the authors summarized major factors that contribute to the success of the collaboration model,…

The increasing demands on community colleges to broaden access and provide for the community's economic welfare, while maintaining its traditional educational role, have served as a powerful impetus for institutional change. Concurrently, institutions have been forced to explore non-traditional avenues to counteract resource scarcity.…

Focuses on three aspects of vocational education vis-a-vis business and industry: the need for strong, innovative, business-responsive programs meeting individual, industrial, and national needs; community college programs related to new teaching/learning experiences and/or new approaches to the traditional flow between education and work; and…

The Illinois Community College Board provided more than $3.3 million to community colleges during fiscal year 2009 to support local workforce and economic development services through their Business and Industry Centers. The workforce development activities conducted under this grant include customized job training on campus or on-site at a…

Identifies issues to be considered in deciding whether a community college should become involved in industrial training (e.g., local needs and attitudes, faculty attitudes, and personnel implications). Suggests an organizational model for delivering customized job training. Identifies program benefits and potential problems. (DMM)

Discusses the benefits of college/industry partnerships. Warns colleges to ensure that the partnerships make good business sense; i.e., that they supplement the college's current programs and expertise or put the institution in a new market position. Identifies criteria for choosing the right business partners. (DMM)

The benefits of a secretarial internship program to the student, the employer, and the college are explored. The author suggests a strategy for developing such a program and discusses curriculum design. (CT)

The Piedmont Export Expansion Program (PEEP) was developed to increase the number of businesses in central Virginia entering or expanding export trade; to increase the utilization of the services of Central Virginia Community College's (CVCC's) Cross-Cultural and Foreign Language Resource Center by area export businesses; to increase the number of…

Describes the development of a program designed for preparing skilled and informed workers for construction jobs in the mountainous areas of northwestern North Carolina. (Author/RK)

States that strategic management requires continuing education leadership to engage in explicit community services goal reaffirmation. Calls for a reassessment of college funding options; risk taking as part of modification for change; linkages with business, industry, and government; maintenance of staff morale and confidence; and strategic…

Identifies socioeconomic trends affecting education and training, arguing that community colleges should be more involved in developing human resources. Discusses five phases in establishing customized training programs for industry: needs assessment, coalition building, model building/development, implementation, and evaluation. (DMM)