This paper describes the results of a participative planning class held in economically dis-advantaged communities in east Tennessee. The class follows a structured method, which includes community workshops and project development, in dealing with the communities. Among many observations gained in eight years of running the class are that…

This concept paper on plans for a new campus of Miami-Dade Community College in the city of Homestead's downtown redevelopment area discusses the history of the Homestead community, its planned economic growth, the community's educational needs, planning assumptions, and curriculum plans. Introductory material explains that the new campus has…

The General Educational Development (GED) program at Shawnee State Community College originated from a request by the local Private Industry Council to design and implement a course of study for economically disadvantaged adults who desire to prepare to take the GED exam and who meet eligibility requirements. The program, which evolved within the…

Discusses the importance of academic advising to increase college student retention, graduation, and transfer in student-support-services programs designed for first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities. An integrative, intrusive model of academic advising is defined, its benefits are outlined, and several successful…

Summer Bridge, a 2-week, non-credit program of intensive career exploration and personal development offered to eligible freshmen at Alvin Community College, was instituted to enhance retention rates and achievement levels among high-risk students, particularly during their first semester at the college. The rationale for the program lay in the…

Using primarily a question/answer format and numerous graphs and tables, this 18-part report summarizes the goals, operations and budget of a cooperative program administered by Cerritos Community College to train 90 minority, handicapped, and economically disadvantaged individuals for guaranteed placement in drafting and design positions at…

The Annie E. Casey Foundation launched the eight-year, six-city demonstration project, Jobs Initiative (JI), in 1995 to provide support and assistance to community groups, employers, foundations, and community colleges helping disadvantaged, low-skilled workers secure family-supporting jobs. JI sites found that even during a time when employers…

As entitlements for students, "Average Daily Attendance" funding (ADA), Title I and Pell Grants can provide a stable funding base to support college bridge programs targeted to at-risk students and dropouts. In most states, school districts can re-enroll out-of-school students and draw additional ADA money from the state. College bridge…

This report is a summary of discussions at a roundtable meeting conducted in April 2000 by the National Governors' Association Center for Best Practices and Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation to discuss expanding postsecondary opportunities for low-income, working parents and welfare recipients. Section I offers background. Sections II-IX…

Surging demand for workers, growing income inequality, and passage of welfare reforms have made work force development one of the United States' key national concerns. Public/Private Ventures has been working with various states to design work force development strategies that seek to address the concerns of many work force development specialists…