Report: The Economic Impact of Community Colleges Community Colleges Contributed $809 Billion to Economy in 2012 The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) released a report, “Where Value Meets Values: The Economic Impact of Community Colleges,” showing that community colleges are a boon to the American economy at large and to the individual student. In […]
Resources
Research
Unfinished Business By Dennis Pierce Community colleges have made great strides in advancing student success and completion during the last decade. But not all students have benefited from these efforts equally. To identify equity gaps and support all students having an equal chance at success, AACC has launched a new national initiative called “Unfinished Business.” […]
Videos
21st Century Initiative Implementation Sessions Implementation teams discuss recommendations set forth in the implementation guide, Empowering Community Colleges, at AACC’s 94th Annual Convention in Washington, D.C. Implementation Launch: Empowering Community Colleges to Build the Nation’s Future Sunday. April 6, 2014 – 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Increasing Completion Rates Sunday. April 6, 2014 – 10:15 […]
Student Achievement Measures Resources
Advocacy and Funding > Voluntary Framework of Accountability > Student Achievement Measures What is SAM? The Student Achievement Measure (SAM) tracks student movement across postsecondary institutions to provide a more complete picture of undergraduate student progress and completion within the higher education system. SAM is an alternative to the federal graduation rate, which is limited to […]
Voluntary Framework of Accountability Resources
Advocacy and Funding > Voluntary Framework of Accountability What is VFA? The VFA is the principle accountability framework for community colleges with measures defined to encompass the full breadth of the community college mission and the diversity of students’ goals and educational experiences. More than 60 community college leaders guided the 18-month development of the […]
Policy Agenda Resources
Advocacy and Funding > Policy Agenda State Policy States must take the lead in the adoption of metrics that align with the community college role, scope, and mission. In addition, states must continue to implement comprehensive articulation and transfer policies, workforce development policies, and P-20 partnerships. Therefore, the following recommendations are made concerning state policy […]
Advocacy Resources
Advocacy and Funding > Advocacy Since their creation, the genius of community colleges has been their local focus. It only makes sense that advocacy efforts often entailed engaging with local internal and external stakeholders. In recent years, community colleges have become part of the national conversation centered on student success, workforce development, and economic viability. […]
Employee-Employer Matching Resources
Skills Gap > Employee-Employer Matching American Association of Community Colleges. To improve collaboration between community colleges and workforce leaders, AACC and the U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council convened community college leaders and workforce investment boards from across the country. The group discussed strategies for expanding effective collaborative models, joint advocacy, and strategic messaging. […]
Redesign Educational Experience Resources
Skills Gap > Redesign Educational Experience Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). Recognized as a pioneer in online education, KCTCS is providing options for students who cannot attend classes on campus due to scheduling conflicts, child care, work, or other commitments. Related Articles
Competency-Based Education Resources
Skills Gap > Competency-Based Education White Mountains Community College (New Hampshire). The college is one of 11 institutions participating in a virtual incubator network. While many colleges have small-business incubators that help entrepreneurs through the challenges of starting a new business, the network shows that this support does not require a brick-and-mortar facility. Thus, it […]