Community colleges across the United States are playing an increasingly vital role in supporting small businesses and advancing regional economic development. Institutions like College of DuPage are leveraging programs such as Innovation DuPage to provide resources, mentorship, and infrastructure for emerging companies, helping them scale and contribute to local economies.
These educational hubs are not only training skilled workers but also acting as catalysts for entrepreneurship and innovation. By partnering with startups and small enterprises, they foster job creation and help meet the rising demand for technical expertise in fields ranging from information technology to public safety and culinary arts.
In Iowa, a legislative proposal that would allow community colleges to offer select four-year degrees recently advanced out of committee, albeit in a narrower form than originally introduced. The measure, which faces opposition from private colleges in the state, aims to expand access to higher education and address workforce gaps in key industries.
Meanwhile, Central Oregon Community College is participating in National Career and Technical Education Month throughout February to highlight the diverse pathways available through vocational training. From training firefighters and foresters to preparing web developers and chefs, these programs are responding to strong labor market needs.
Lumina Foundation President Jamie Merisotis emphasized the importance of aligning education with tangible career outcomes. He urged higher education institutions to shift focus toward helping students understand the practical value of their credentials, ensuring that learning translates into meaningful employment opportunities.
Published by the American Association of Community Colleges, Community College Daily continues to spotlight initiatives that strengthen workforce readiness and community resilience.
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Headlines n nABC News n nEric Mitchell, president of the Alliance to End Hunger, explains the major changes to SNAP benefits that went into effect Sunday. n nWGN Radio n nHow community colleges help support small companies, the economic development goals of College of DuPage, the mission to promote economic growth in the community, and what we should know about some companies that have benefitted from working with Innovation DuPage. n nWGN Radio n nHow community colleges help support small companies, the economic development goals of College of DuPage, the mission to promote economic growth in the community, and what we should know about some companies that have benefitted from working with Innovation DuPage. n nIowa Capital Dispatch n nLegislation allowing Iowa community colleges to offer four-year degrees in some subjects — an idea strongly opposed by Iowa private colleges — was narrowed last week before passing out of an Iowa House committee. n nKTVZ n nTo help shine a spotlight on the diverse career paths provided by technical education programs — from firefighters and foresters to chefs and web developers — as well as to express the high demand for skilled workers, Central Oregon Community College is taking part in National Career and Technical Education Month throughout February. n nThe Future of Work(ers) n nHigher education needs to “better shift its focus toward helping people understand what they can do with the credential they are earning,” says Lumina Foundation President and CEO Jamie Merisotis. n nAbout the Author n nDaily Staff n nCCDaily is published by the American Association of Community Colleges. n nThe owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.