To boost low-wage workers, an influential funder turns to community colleges
Inside Philanthropy
While colleges and universities raised a staggering $43.6 billion in 2017, only 1.5 percent of charitable gift dollars raised by educational institutions went to two-year institutions, despite the fact that community colleges serve 49.2 percent of the country’s college students — and they do a better job at boosting economic mobility for economically diverse and minority students than their Ivy League peers, at the fraction of the cost.
Community college sharpens focus on advanced technology courses
Automotive News
Not long ago, students interested in automotive careers at Washtenaw Community College would have studied welding and gone on to become repair technicians. Some are still seeking those skills, but the college is rapidly pivoting its automotive offerings to prepare students for the mobility-era workforce demands of the industry.
Wisconsin college signs agreement with NASA
South Lake Tablet
Lake Technical College and NASA have signed an agreement so students will be able to machine parts for crew lockers on the International Space Station.
College transfer bill headed to governor’s desk
Dallas Observer
In Texas, Senate Bill 25 seeks to help students avoid losing course credits when they transfer from community colleges to four-year colleges and universities.
Madison Area Technical College closes Downtown campus, marking end to 98-year history
Wisconsin State Journal
The college’s new Goodman South campus, a roughly $24 million project funded entirely through donations, will open to students September 3.
Cost-free college is an investment in communities
Baltimore Sun
The best part of an investment of this sort is that we know that 92 percent of community college graduates will remain to live and work right in their communities, writes Sandra Kurtinitis, president of the Community College of Baltimore County and board chair of the American Association of Community Colleges.
Commentary: State budget should prioritize workforce development
Press Herald
Investing in Maine’s community colleges is a time-tested, financially sound way to increase the number of skilled workers in Maine.
Commentary: Improve horizons for millions of Georgians outside metro Atlanta
Atlanta Journal Constitution
To help rural communities remain competitive, there needs to be a coordinated effort by business, government, civic organizations and nonprofits, says Matt Arthur, commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia.
The education scandal that’s bigger than Varsity Blues
The Atlantic
Rich kids are enrolled in college at three times the rate of poor kids.
A community college consolidation ‘to-do’ list
CT Mirror
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader offers a list of what he says are reasonable demands regarding community college consolidation in Connecticut.
New Jersey governor touts plan to make community college tuition-free for more students
NJ Spotlight
The Murphy administration estimates the expanded funding would support approximately 18,000 students with annual family incomes not exceeding $45,000, which is the program’s income ceiling.
