The challenges faced by community college students compared to their “traditional” peers are well-documented. These learners are often older and derive from low-income or working-class backgrounds. They’re also more likely to be caretakers for children…
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has been a champion of STEM technician education at community college for 75 years, navigating generations of students to sustainable career opportunities. That progress is now jeopardized by extensive…
Work-based learning traces its origins to the millennia-old apprenticeship model, which was significantly shaped by the rise of industrialization in the 20th century. While vocational education has gone through many progressions, modern educators are embracing…
In April, President Donald Trump signed an executive order for a plan to “reach and surpass one million new active apprentices” annually. The initiative calls for a rapid expansion of training programs and introduction of…
For some colleges, the idea of “sustainability” might mean installing a solar array or purchasing some recycling bins. Yet, at community colleges nationwide, environmental stewardship is not just an add-on, but a fundamental thread woven…
Logistics and supply chain management are no longer confined to a company’s back-end operations. These principles of the modern business world are now a crucial facet of organizational strategy — or at least they should…
Nobody likes feeling stuck in their career, says Howard Spearman, president of Rock Valley College (Illinois). In fact, Spearman’s dedication to creating succession pathways at Rock Valley is directly shaped by his own experiences, he…
Amanda Abens took classes at Pima Community College (Arizona) as a 22-year-old single mother. It was a surprise for those in Abens’ life who didn’t expect her to return to higher education after dropping out…
Shannon Plate has been a mental health therapist for 20 years, a journey that began in her late 30s as a returning student at Harper College in Illinois. Plate attended two other schools after Harper—including…
Technical skills are the lifeblood of the workforce, with community colleges at the forefront of short-term programs that equip students with in-demand abilities. While technical know-how remains indispensable, employers are placing increased emphasis on the…