This report presents a summary of findings from the Emerging Pathways project, which seeks to identify the diverse needs and characteristics of adult learners, understand patterns of enrollment in credit and non-credit-bearing courses and offer advice to postsecondary institutions and policymakers committed to adult learners' success. Among its…

To provide cost effective, quality training to businesses and industrial organizations in central Ohio, Columbus State Community College (CSCC) established the Business and Industry Training Division (BITD) in 1986. The Division has increased the sales of training programs and the number of credit and non-credit class sections, and in 1994,…

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…

Community colleges have been at the forefront in providing contract training programs for clients such as businesses, health care organizations, and government agencies. Many state governments are beginning to provide resources for these programs as an incentive to attract or retain business and industry. One of the consequences of the demand for…

One of the most significant developments in higher education over the past decade has been the increased linkages between colleges and other organizations and institutions. A prominent and fast-growing form of linkage is contract training. Contract training refers to an arrangement in which a business, a government agency, or a community…

This study proposes to understand the major practical and philosophical issues faced by community colleges as they continue to expand the economic development roles of their contract education programs. The author argues that these practical and philosophical issues are influenced by the convergence of three key factors: (1) many community…

This chapter focuses on successful practices in fundraising through contractual, partnership, and entrepreneurial activities by community colleges. Examples of each type of fundraising activity are discussed, and Central Piedmont Community College's (Charlotte, NC) enterprising college model, which incorporates elements of each type, is described.

The need for training in basic skills in the workplace in Britain has been produced by demographic changes, new technology, changes introduced in firms, the European Single Market due in 1992, and the required competitive bidding for some contracts. Workbase, a nonprofit organization, offers training and support for training organizations, Local…

A case study of a contract college involving Union College and Union County Technical Institute in New Jersey is presented. The arrangement between these two colleges provides the county with the services and facilities of two community colleges, one specializing in technical and career programs and the other in academic courses. Historical…

Reports on the activities of Des Moines Area Community College's Economic Development Group (EDG), a division created to develop and coordinate a systematic approach to providing contract training for business and industry. Highlights the Project File System as the core of the EDG's delivery system. (AYC)

This digest explores various ways in which businesses have partnered with educational institutions to improve vocational education efforts. It begins the article with an acknowledgment that vocational education has undergone consistent reform in the last decade to satisfy the demands of public, corporate, and government sectors that hold community…

Minnesota technical institutes developed a curriculum that can be used in regular adult classes or customized for workplace seminars. The curriculum covers management of work-family stress, time management, communication skills, decision making, concerns of dual career families, unemployment concerns, and other aspects of balancing work and family…

Discusses the role of community colleges in providing international trade education and training, highlighting the importance of building partnerships. Describes methods for building partnerships, eight current community college training-for-trade (TFT) programs, and training services and resources. Suggests that TFT programs must become a…

Describes five possible future developments for customized training: creating consortia between colleges and business training centers; establishing instructional design centers with faculty functioning as knowledge choreographers to provide up-to-date services; creating intergenerational service learning programs; implementing total quality…

Reviews labor market needs projected for the year 2000. Discusses specific efforts of community colleges nationwide to promote economic development through customized contract training programs. Examines the role of small businesses in contract training and the likely impact of changing telecommunications technology on customized training and…