Examines the impact of community college programs on business and industry through the preparation of a trained labor force. Notes existing partnerships between industry and postsecondary education, but concludes that new linkages are necessary if community colleges are to provide leadership for change through labor and industrial development…

Describes the goals and focus of the National Workforce Assistance Collaborative, a national resource for technical assistance in workforce and workplace development supported by a Department of Labor grant. Indicates that the collaborative has developed two strategies for its dissemination effort: a national resource network and an electronic…

This study describes economic outcomes of California's ED>Net (California Community College Economic Network) program, an alliance between community colleges and California businesses. ED>Net's purpose is to advance the state's economic growth by providing job-related education and services to businesses and organizations. This report…

Reviews approaches taken by Oregon, Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, and California to incorporate community college systems into statewide economic development strategies. Approaches focus on small business assistance; anticipation of community needs; incentives for innovation; technology transfer; comprehensive…

Provides an annotated bibliography of ERIC materials on the role of community colleges in economic development, including general articles, services to businesses, state economic development activities, and local economic development. (DMM)

At Wisconsin's Madison Area Technical College (MATC), both external and internal partnerships are a fundamental part of instructional programming. As the need for technological and mathematical competence in the workforce has increased, partnerships between the college and business and industry have become more important and represent an…

To meet the price and quality challenges of foreign manufacturers, U.S. industry has had to invest heavily in technology, incorporating it extensively into both the manufacturing process and product. This trend, termed the "New Industrial Revolution" has created a new challenge--educating technicians to service these highly technical,…

Designed to help community colleges create and operate a business center to serve local employers, this booklet provides information, illustrations, models, and insights to encourage the establishment of new outreach programs into the business community. Section I offers guidance on planning a business center for economic development and job…

This presentation describes the mission, programs, and organization of Oregon's Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD). Together with the State Board of Education, the CCWD distributes state aid to community colleges, approves new programs and courses, and adopts rules for the general governance of community colleges.…

Describes the partnership between Deere & Company and Black Hawk College that provided a training program for John Deere suppliers, resulting in a cost-effective approach to upgrading supplier skills and improving Deere product quality. Lists benefits of supplier development and training. (YKH)

Describes Bay de Noc Community College's program to educate work skills enhancement trainers and provide a centralized repository of human resource development programs, materials, and assistance. Local businesses were invited to join the Regional Training and Development Network and designate an employee as an instructor candidate to receive job…

Examines trends in work force training needs and innovative approaches to meeting those needs (e.g., business incubators, small business development centers, 2+2 programs, and cooperative education programs). Suggests ways in which community colleges can become more involved in work force development. (DMM)

While the average age of journeymen in Alberta, Canada is close to retirement, students wanting to learn skilled trades have difficulties finding companies that will hire them, meaning that there may not be enough apprentices and journeymen to replace retiring workers. To address this situation, Keyano College (KC) joined with 10 local businesses…

Current conditions suggest that there will be an increased emphasis on customizing curricula to focus on the technological skills needed by workers to remain competitive. If community colleges are to continue as leaders in customizing training programs, they must consider ways to convince business and industry clients that up-to-date training…

The relationship between business/industry and education in Florida is discussed in this paper with special emphasis on the role of community colleges in fostering and promoting economic development in the state. First, the paper highlights major factors arguing for strong links between education and industry, including the decline of…