When Anthony J. Iacono took over as president of County College of Morris (CCM) five years ago, he inherited a strong academic transfer school for students moving from high school to four-year colleges — and a community asking for something more. “We really listened to a lot of employers and community members,” Iacono said. “And […]
Skills Gap Articles
Viewpoint: Embracing workforce development
We may not agree on much, but everyone agrees on the critical importance of equipping hardworking Americans with the education, technical training, and much-needed skills to succeed in the workplace and help our economy do the same. Don’t believe me? The United States Senate passed a resolution recognizing September as National Workforce Development Month for […]
New MentorLinks cohort announced
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) announced last week a new cohort for the MentorLinks: Advancing Technological Education program with funding from the National Science Foundation. The MentorLinks initiative pairs experienced community college mentors with extensive experience in planning and implementing advanced technology programs with colleges seeking support to build, strengthen, and sustain new […]
A partner in local economic stability
Community colleges are renowned for their leadership in workforce development. This work is even more crucial as communities continue to rebuild their economic bases while still dealing with Covid-19 and an uncertain future. As colleges and universities across the country return to a modified presence on campus this fall, academic leaders are engaged in ongoing […]
Investing in wildfire resiliency in Sonoma County
Several wildfires are raging in California right now. The Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) community is too familiar with the destruction and devastation wildfires cause. They have been in the path of several and have always stepped up to help in the wake of destruction. Now, a new program will train people to help mitigate […]
Valuable skills attained in first jobs
First jobs are typically on the lower end of the pay scale, but they often do provide an opportunity to develop crucial skills that are valuable in future jobs and job satisfaction, according to results from a survey conducted for McDonald’s and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The survey suggests that employers should […]
Tools you can use: Virtual Apprenticeship Network
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) has developed a Virtual Apprenticeship Network (VAN) Toolkit with the goal of expanding registered apprenticeships through community colleges with their partners. VAN includes best practices from more than 60 community colleges that have been involved in the U.S. Department of Labor-funded Expanding Community College Apprenticeship (ECCA) Initiative. Through the […]
Building hope
It’s a perfect partnership. Coconino Community College (CCC) needs to offer real-world experience to the students in the construction technology management (CTM) program. Habitat for Humanity (HFH) of Northern Arizona needs workers to help build affordable homes for Flagstaff. In late May, leaders for the two organizations got together and made the arrangement formal. CCC […]
Colleges’ changing roles in rural communities
The Education Design Lab in late June released the first brief in a series on developing models that improve outcomes for rural learners and their communities. One goal is to make a case for more investment in rural community colleges. Five colleges are participating in the BRIDGES Rural Design Challenge — Eastern Maine Community College, […]
Narrowing the equity gap in Chicago’s tech sector
Kennedy-King College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, is launching a new program to provide local technology companies with a more diverse workforce. Tech Launchpad will offer courses and short-term certification classes in cybersecurity, software development and game design and development. At an event in late June with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, World Business […]