In 2005, Kalamazoo, Michigan launched a bold and innovative economic development strategy, The Kalamazoo Promise (KP), which guarantees tuition to every high school graduate in the district. Since KP inception, high school enrollments are up and college attendance has increased, creating national attention. This paper analyzes the benefits and…

Over the past two decades, state governments have increasingly invested in programs to recruit accomplished scientists from elsewhere to university positions. This event history analysis suggests that an intriguing mix of comparative state disadvantage and leveragable existing research resources is associated with the likelihood of states adopting…

In response to the rising demand for market-responsive education reform across the U.S., since 1998 more than twenty states have created Individual Learning or Graduation Plan (ILP/IGP) state policies. Using extensive policy document analyses and stakeholder interview data from four early-adopting ILP/IGP states, the goal of this four-state case…

"Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain" is more than just a song lyric for Oklahoma's career and technical education community. It's the acknowledgement of an untapped natural resource that has the potential to translate into both energy independence for the country and jobs for the state. Statewide, technology center instructors…

Extension has four roles in the economic development arena: (1) providing perspective, (2) increasing the knowledge base, (3) teaching management skills, and (4) shaping institutional structure. In different states, extension will find different appropriate roles in economic development education. (CH)

To address the education and training needs of the current and emerging work force, states must take leadership in developing partnerships between adult educators, community-based organizations, and the private sector. Other strategies include special training funds, resources for high demand occupations, entrepreneurship training, and tax credits…

Six papers on geographic information systems cover the future of geographic information systems, land information systems modernization in Wisconsin, the Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER) System of the U.S. Bureau of the Census, satellite remote sensing, geographic information systems and sustainable development,…

Reports results from a survey of 421 two-year postsecondary educational institutions concerning their involvement in state or regional economic development. Questions focused on organizing, promotion, mission statements, policies, personnel, activities, linkages, and acceptance. Tables report specific results for many questions. (CH)

Analyzes the degree to which states have promoted a linkage of economic development and employment and training programs. It examines organizational rearrangements ranging from administration of these activities by a single agency to collaboration by separate organizational units through such methods as joint databases, planning, training, and…

Describes legislative, corporate, and educational cooperation that has allowed the 30 community colleges of New York State to emerge as economic development forces in their communities to foster increased productivity and an improved economic climate. Sees state-funded contract courses leading to increased worker productivity and enhanced…

Explains the role of the California Employment Training Panel in ensuring that public monies are well spent by guaranteeing that training leads directly to employment. Emphasizes the importance of job training as a tool for economic development. (AYC)

Describes the development and outcomes of Lane Community College's (LCC) Business Assistance Center, which offers a wide range of management assistance services to local small businesses. Explains how state-funded programs, based on the LCC model, resulted in a network of Small Business Development Centers. (CBC)

Nebraska, like most states in the U.S., is facing a critical shortage of skilled and employable workers. Business and industry want to grow in Nebraska and realize the road to ensuring success is a workforce possessing updated knowledge and skills that support the use of new technologies, as well as a necessary work ethic to be a dependable and…

In 1987, Texas created two competitive grants programs for faculty at Texas higher education institutions, designed to help diversify the state economy. The second funding cycle of the two programs (fiscal year 1990-91) is described, including the administrative infrastructure to support proposal solicitation and grant awarding. Project…

Examines the new economic development programs launched in North Carolina. Looks at state priority programs, cooperative skills training centers, and instruction to support formal internships. Discusses on-going programs for business and industry, including new and expanding industry training, in-plant skill training, technical and vocational…