Book Description
A study was conducted for the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges (AACJC) and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) to determine the nature and extent of partnerships that exist between community colleges and business/industry and high schools in the United States. The survey of 1,219 colleges sought information on the colleges' characteristics; establishment of business, industry, labor councils; participation in private industry councils; coordination with business/industry; large private sector employee training; public sector employee training; small business support; high school/college partnerships; and economic development offices. Based on responses from 770 (63.2%) of the colleges, study findings revealed: (1) 41% of the colleges had established business, industry, labor councils on their campuses; (2) two-thirds of the colleges participated in the area Private Industry Council; (3) two-thirds of the responding colleges had appointed business/industry coordinators on their campuses; (4) nearly three-fourths of all respondents offered training for large private sector employees, and three-fourths offered training for public sector employees; (5) 83% of the colleges reported providing small business support beyond traditional credit course work; (6) nearly 90% of respondents had collaborative arrangements with the high schools in their areas; and (7) 80% of the colleges reported involvement with local and state economic development offices. Appendices include the survey instrument, descriptions of exemplary cooperative programs, and a statement of the interests and activities of the AACJC/ACCT Keeping America Working Project. (HB)
