Until recently, a high school diploma was the minimum required for most good jobs; now some form of postsecondary education and training is the minimum. This development is causing an ever-increasing number of students to turn to community colleges for their education and training needs. For community colleges, the demand is not just from students, but also from current workers and local employers.

To align program offerings to the needs of their local service area, community colleges are constantly reassessing the programs and services provided to ensure that students have the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. At the same time, colleges partner with the business community to stimulate industry and job growth.

Simply put, workforce development addresses the education needs of current and future workers. Community colleges have for decades been the largest providers of occupational skills training. For example, community colleges offer to students programs in varying lengths that culminate in associate degrees, certificates, or certificates of completion for short-term training.

Economic development programs, on the other hand, address the economic health and vitality of communities. Community colleges serve as trainers, technical resources, and advisors for community-building initiatives that include business development and job creation. Partnerships can be with individual employers for customized training or with local or state economic development planning entities.

More than 490,000 associate degrees

Nearly 235,000 two-year certificates

In 2003, 62% of applicants taking the national registered nurse examination to become licensed professional registered nurses were graduates of associate degree programs.

More than 95% of community colleges are Internet connected. In recent years, the average starting salary for graduates of information technology programs has increased more than 24%, from $20,753 to $25,771.

95% of businesses and organizations that use them recommend community college workforce education and training programs.

48% of community colleges offer welfare-to-work programs. Of those that do not, 54% plan to offer programs specifically designed for welfare recipients.

65% of new healthcare workers get their training at community colleges.

Reference for Community College Article

U S Department of Education