ERIC Number: ED237733
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Dec
Pages: 9
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Awareness to Action.
Blanzy, J.
Macomb Community College in Michigan emphasized a commitment to economic development in an effort to combat a failing economy and falling resources for college funding. The college started by forming an internal task force to determine what alternatives were available to meet existing needs, then hosted two meetings focusing on economic development for local government and business leaders. As a follow-up to these activities, workshops on economic development for local officials were conducted. In addition, the college redirected the emphasis of its continuing education department to professional development courses rather than recreational and home management courses. The college president and faculty members were involved in community networks and could take action to meet needs. For example, the college became involved in Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) activities and custom-designed training programs for industries such as Volkswagen and Hydea-matic. These contacts led to other networks of people who needed programs, could create jobs, or could provide input on job training. The last key element in the effort was Macomb's Center for Community Studies that provided survey research capabilities to the community as well as consultative services to local government and businesses. From an awareness of the problems of the community and a commitment to meeting needs on the part of the whole staff, the college has been able to take action to solve problems, to serve people, and to keep itself a viable and respected institution. (KC)
Descriptors: College Curriculum, College Planning, College Presidents, College Programs, College Role, Community Colleges, Continuing Education, Economic Development, Educational Needs, Educational Planning, Educational Trends, Institutional Characteristics, Job Development, Job Training, Policy Formation, Retraining, School Community Relationship, Two Year Colleges
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A