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…

Across the United States, there is a need for professionals who have expertise caring for aging men and women. Doctors and nurses are among the most sought after. But it is not just clinicians who are needed; a variety of professionals, from housing specialists to social workers and service administrators, also are in high demand. Many of the…

While public demand for education and job training--two consequences of a down economy--are at an all-time high, community colleges, many of which face record enrollments, are forced to do more with less. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 39 states report shortfalls for FY 2010; 36 reported cuts to higher education across…

This article reports that across the United States, rural communities rely on local community colleges to provide a steady pipeline of emergency responders, well-educated qualified nurses, and allied health professionals capable of staffing local medical centers and hospitals and complementing physicians in the delivery of care, from emergency…

Describes the downsizing and restructuring occurring in many community colleges due to funding decreases and enrollment increases. Discusses the feasibility of keeping an open-door policy, and explores other options to downsizing. Lists steps to help colleges review their missions, arguing that they must move to find their market niches. (AJL)

Workforce demands are pressing community colleges to adapt the certificate and degree programs they offer. Currently, colleges in Hawaii, Arkansas, Utah, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and West Virginia as well as Canada offer the community college baccalaureate degree which, according to the authors, has moral, social, economic, and…

Describes the role of the community college in providing practical foreign language programs geared toward the needs of the business and emergency services communities rather than those of academia. Indicates that students need opportunities to develop sophisticated communicative abilities systematically in a short period of time. (MAB)

The rapid rise of the information technology industry, with its need for highly skilled technicians, programmers and support personnel, has accelerated the demand for education and technology training throughout the world--and has accelerated the rise of credentialing and certification programs. Two affiliate councils of the American Association…

Suggests a positive future for community colleges as the educational needs of high school students, business organizations, graduate students, and diverse others stimulate enrollment. Predicts high demand for community colleges for reasons including convenience, quality of instruction, and flexibility in scheduling. (VWC)

Discusses J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College's (JSRCC) improvement of teacher education by developing courses that reflect national mathematics and science standards, providing "preteaching" experiences and in-service courses for current teachers, actively recruiting students for the teaching profession, forming preteaching student…