Workforce development interventions have historically been heavily driven by federal funding, much of which was designated towards short-term training programs (less than six months) and rarely involved interaction or collaboration among colleges. The resulting efforts by the colleges to improve, update, or expand their workforce development programs typically focused on short-term localized improvement, resulting in competition over limited resources and notable variation in the quality of these programs. This article explores the recent changes in how community colleges and funding... [+] Show more
Workforce development interventions have historically been heavily driven by federal funding, much of which was designated towards short-term training programs (less than six months) and rarely involved interaction or collaboration among colleges. The resulting efforts by the colleges to improve, update, or expand their workforce development programs typically focused on short-term localized improvement, resulting in competition over limited resources and notable variation in the quality of these programs. This article explores the recent changes in how community colleges and funding bodies are approaching workforce development. This is done by exploring the following six recent workforce development initiatives: Bridges to Opportunity (2002-2008), Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST, 2004-present), Breaking Through (2006-present), Shifting Gears (2007-2011), Accelerating Opportunity (2011-present), and Completion by Design (2011-present). Each of these initiatives has made, and continues to make, significant contributions to collective understanding of how to create and sustain workforce development programs at community colleges that meet the needs of both students and industry.
Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.
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