Latest news with #communitycolleges
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
ROIs Compared For California Community & Certificate-Granting Colleges
A new statewide study of the economic return on investment provided by California's community and certificate-granting colleges shows that although some institutions offer a robust and rapid ROI for their students, many others provide little or no ROI, particularly in several underserved regions of the state. Golden Returns: A Regional Look at the Return on Investment (ROI) of California's Community and Career Colleges analyzed how long it takes students to recoup their educational costs at 327 community colleges and certificate-granting institutions located across 12 of California's economic regions. The analysis, which was conducted by the College Futures Foundation and The HEA Group, includes more than 1.2 million students attending 121 public, 186 for-profit, and 20 private non-profit schools statewide. Using federal data from the U.S. Department of Education, including the College Scorecard, the researchers calculated what they call a Price-to-Earnings Premium (PEP). It's a measure of how quickly students can recover their net educational costs through their earnings after attending a given school. To arrive at a PEP, the researchers first calculate a student's annual net costs of attendance at a specific college, which is the amount they have to pay after any financial aid grants they've been awarded are deducted. That net cost is then multiplied by the time it takes students to earn an associate's degree (two years) or certificate (one year). Next, they compare the median earnings of former students 10 years after enrollment at a given school to the typical salary of a California high school graduate with no college experience ($32,476). The difference is considered the "earnings premium" for the institution. Here is an example: At American River College, California's largest community college, students typically pay $9,256 out-of-pocket to earn an associate's degree in two years. They earn $40,162 per year—$7,686 more than the typical California high school graduate—after attending. With those additional earnings of $7,686 annually, graduates can recoup their $9,256 in net costs in just 1.2 years. Of the top 25 institutions to offer the quickest ROI in the state, 23 were public California Community Colleges, all of which enabled students to recoup their net educational costs within just six months. (A complete list of institutions can be found here). Skyline College, a public community college in San Bruno, was the top-ranked school, with its students earning a median of $55,702 ten years after enrollment. The top five schools were all located in the Bay Area or San Diego. Public colleges were significantly more likely to offer strong ROIs compared to private nonprofit or for-profit institutions. For example, 48 out of California's 121 public community or career colleges (40%) showed their students recouping their costs within 12 months. However, a mere 11 out of 206 (5%) private non-profit or for-profit institutions yielded the same result, and 92 (45%) showed no economic ROI whatsoever. There were large regional disparities in institutional ROIs. While 38% of institutions located in the Bay Area provided a positive ROI in under a year, only 6% in the Inland Empire region (an area in Southern California around Riverside and San Bernardino counties) did so, and more than a third of the institutions in that area provide no measurable ROI. College Futures Foundation President and CEO Eloy Ortiz Oakley, who previously was Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, said the aim of Golden Returns was to give students accurate information about which colleges deliver real upward mobility and to help institutions understand whether they were or weren't delivering economic value. 'How institutions absorb this data and apply it to improve value for learners will give them a foundation to build from, especially as accountability takes center stage,' said Oakley, in a news release. 'While we support the overall intent of accountability, our priority is ensuring that the new framework is implemented in a way that doesn't create new barriers for California learners.' Although the report shows that many of California's community colleges institutions and certificate-granting schools are serving students well in terms of economic mobility, it also points up major shortcomings. In too many parts of the state, students are still underserved — they do not have enough affordable, high-quality options for economically beneficial AA degrees and short-term certificates. In addition, private colleges in both the profit and nonprofit sectors lagged public institutions in terms of their ROI outcomes. 'The stark disparities we found should be a wake-up call for state policymakers and institutions. Students expect to be left better off, and colleges have a responsibility to ensure their programs provide genuine pathways to economic mobility,' said Michael Itzkowitz, President and Founder of The HEA Group.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Community college president running 1,500 miles for Oregon students
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The head of Clackamas Community College is using his athletic abilities off-campus to help support a cause he's truly passionate about. Dr. Tim Cook, an avid marathoner, is lacing up his running shoes to set out on a 1,500-mile journey across Oregon. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The goal is to connect all 17 of the state's community colleges through his route. Dr. Cook joined us on AM Extra to share why he's making the long trek to raise awareness for Oregon's community college 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Worried About Job Insecurity? Suze Orman Recommends Making This Smart Career Move Right Now
If you're starting to worry about your job security, you're in good company. Suze Orman says even people who have been successful in their careers may start to question how secure their future really is — especially as they get older. In a recent blog post, Orman wrote, "There can be a gnawing worry that your skills may not be as up to date as younger workers in your field, or in your own office." Add in headlines about a potential recession, shifts in global trade policy, and the rise of artificial intelligence, and it's easy to see why so many workers are rethinking how to stay relevant in the workforce. Don't Miss: 7,000+ investors have joined Timeplast's mission to eliminate microplastics—now it's your turn to $100k+ in investable assets? – no cost, no obligation. Orman's Suggestion: Invest in a Certificate Program Rather than panic, Orman recommends a proactive — and practical — move: earn a certificate. These programs focus on teaching specific, job-ready skills in fields like bookkeeping, digital marketing, medical coding, or data analysis. Many take just a few months to complete and are often available online or through community colleges. "Having a certificate might help you get a pay boost where you currently work, or it can make you eligible for new jobs that pay more, or just interest you more," Orman explains. Another perk? Many certificate programs are designed for working adults, so you can keep your current job while you build your skills. Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — What Employers Really Think About Certificates You don't have to take Orman's word for it. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, employers are increasingly valuing certificates over traditional degrees. The study found that 90% of HR professionals, 87% of executives, and 81% of supervisors believe certified individuals bring more value to the workplace. In some cases, hiring managers view a candidate with a certificate — and no college degree — as just as qualified, or even more qualified, than someone with a degree but no certification. AI Is Accelerating the Need for New Skills If you're wondering why this matters now, a big reason is artificial intelligence. An ADP Research survey found that 31% of workers are afraid AI could replace their jobs. While no one can predict exactly how AI will affect every industry, staying current with in-demand skills is one of the best ways to protect your career. Certifications show that you're willing to learn and adapt — two qualities that employers increasingly look for as technology to Get Started If you're not sure where to begin, Orman shares that a local community college is a great starting point. She also recommends exploring online platforms like Coursera and EdX, which offer a wide range of certificate programs in partnership with well-known universities. If you're an AARP member, you can check out their career-focused education resources tailored to older workers. At the end of the day, investing in yourself may be the best way to face job uncertainty with confidence. Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they're on pace — Image: Imagn Images UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Worried About Job Insecurity? Suze Orman Recommends Making This Smart Career Move Right Now originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
20-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Trump Seeks Cuts To STEM Education, Emerging Technology Job Training
In its latest move to undercut university funding, the Trump administration is seeking to slash the ... More U.S. National Science Foundation budget in half, with a 75% cut to its STEM education funding. The agency has funded competitively won grants for scientific research and STEM education since 1950. Community college workforce programs will be implicated along the way. Congress is weighing options as it finalizes appropriations packages this summer. Just a few days after delivering his 100-day address at Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan, President Donald Trump released a budget proposal that would slash funding for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) by more than half. Its STEM education funding would be cut by 75%. For 75 years, the agency has played an indispensable role in funding STEM workforce training at America's community colleges — just like Macomb. Even though President Trump campaigned on supporting Americans economically and says he wants to boost our tech leadership, the administration is proposing to weaken one of the few avenues left to pursue the American dream through jobs of the future. Community colleges provide credentials that Americans can actually afford, often with a high return on investment — including meaningful salary improvements. NSF funding supports job training at community colleges in one of the global economy's key sectors: STEM, specifically the skilled technical workforce, which requires more education than a high school diploma but not necessarily a four-year degree. More than half of America's 37 million STEM workers are skilled technical workers who power our manufacturing, healthcare and aerospace industries and also are a bedrock of America's middle class. These workers earn more than their counterparts in non-STEM fields even when accounting for education levels. In addition, community colleges are poised to lead on one of the pressing technological issues of our time: artificial intelligence. NSF funding has enabled community colleges to create valuable AI education programs. Enrollment in Miami Dade College's AI program, for example, is already booming. Research we have done at New America including interviews with Miami Dade students has shown that these AI offerings are not just valuable to our youth but also to millions of working adults, including those with bachelor's degrees, who come back to community college to gain practical, industry-aligned skills. Under another NSF grant, Miami Dade has teamed with Houston Community College in Texas and the Maricopa Community College District in Arizona to launch a national consortium to scale AI education at community colleges nationwide, working alongside major employers like Microsoft and Google. Why put these essential training opportunities — and the students and employers who depend on them — at risk? Biotechnology is another emerging technology priority for President Trump and Congress that would be kneecapped by the proposed NSF cuts. Just last month, the Congressional National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, chaired by Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), published a landmark report urging that the U.S. take action over the next three years to reaffirm its global leadership, and that we strengthen investments in biotech workforce education for the health of our citizens, our economy, and our military. The NSF has been leading innovation in biotechnology through community colleges for decades. Since its inception in 1992, its Advanced Technological Education program has invested more than $1.5 billion across more than half of the nation's over 1,200 community colleges, supporting training in automotive tech, cybersecurity innovation, textiles innovation, regenerative medicine, semiconductors, and beyond. When I joined Janet Spriggs, president of Forsyth Tech Community College, on Capitol Hill this year to discuss NSF funds for community college pathways to emerging industries, she made it clear that her institution's biotechnology impact would 'not be possible without NSF funding.' There is no substitute for these resources – not from philanthropy, industry or states. In fact, NSF funding is often seen as a seal of approval needed to convince other funders to make an investment. In the past year, the NSF has made pioneering co-investments in STEM workforce education with major companies including Intel, Micron and GlobalFoundries. Last fall, my own organization partnered with the NSF to launch a $3 million program supported by philanthropy to bolster community college training in emerging technologies relating to the NSF's Regional Innovation Engines grants. Authored under the CHIPS and Science Act, NSF Engines are the broadest investment in place-based, tech-driven economic growth since the Morrill Act created land-grant universities at the height of the Civil War. Skeptics may argue that community colleges can seek funding from other federal agencies. But New America tracks and studies many of those potential sources, and their structure, budget, and funding rules do not allow for the same support of cutting-edge technology education at community colleges. After all, the NSF is the agency charged by law with 'advancing all fields of science and engineering,' including undergraduate and graduate education, and it has an unmatched track record in this pursuit. Since Trump took office, Silicon Valley Venture capitalists, leading economists, politicians, tech executives such as Microsoft President Brad Smith, and leaders of local chambers of Commerce have warned that NSF cuts would hurt America's AI leadership, national security, startups, and economic growth. Adding to that list is our skilled technical workforce and the community colleges that prepare them for good jobs of today and tomorrow. Preserving the NSF and its budget should be a no-brainer, nonpartisan priority. The country's future looks bleaker without it.
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
AI Workforce Development At Colleges And Discerning Signal From Noise
How can education and training providers discern signal from noise in the AI economy? A national ... More capacity-building effort is making progress in testing the art of the possible. More and more students and workers need and seek artificial intelligence (AI) literacy – whether they seek jobs in tech or in other industries affected by AI. Fundamental to that skill attainment are community college AI programs, which offer affordable, accessible, and employer-aligned training to upskill incumbent workers and educate the next generation of talent. This is especially true for the skilled technical workforce, which refers to STEM professionals who require more education than a high school diploma but less than a four-year bachelor's degree. Community colleges have long been known as the go-to training destination for skilled technical workforce programs in traditional sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and automotive. However, since ChatGPT ignited the AI revolution in 2022, the sector has substantially expanded non-credit and credit-bearing certificates, bootcamps, two-year degrees, and work-based learning opportunities focused on AI. But AI education is still the Wild West. Colleges must navigate hype traps, upskill faculty and staff, help students understand career pathways around AI, enhance campus facilities, and purchase requisite equipment, and go the extra mile to ensure their curricula are aligned with the needs of nascent and ever-changing clusters of industries, occupations, and skills. As the emerging technology turns a new leaf for the economy, major companies such as Intel, Dell, and Amazon have invested in growing AI workforce programs at community colleges. Governor Gavin Newsom and NVDIA CEO Jensen Haug signed a major partnership in 2024 to expand AI offerings across California community colleges. In Washington, White House events have engaged community college students for AI 'red teaming' exercises to identify and negate risks in large language models, while lawmakers in Congress have introduced legislation to expand AI education at community colleges, such as the NSF AI Education Act of 2024. The sea change around AI education for skilled technical workers has required a highly precise approach to capacity-building coordination across the country. To meet that need, Miami Dade College, Houston Community College, and Maricopa Community College District won a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation to launch the National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC), a national consortium dedicated to helping community colleges build their capacity for AI education. Following NAAIC's launch last year, the consortium has galvanized an impressive set of partners, participants, and initial activities to scale AI quality education across community colleges. The consortium has served over 950 college and faculty administrators from 40 states through training, conferences, webinars, and mentorship organized as a community of practice. Over 400 faculty have obtained formal certifications, bootcamps, and industry-recognized credentials such as Microsoft's Azure AI Fundamentals and MSLE Foundational AI as well as Amazon's AWS AI Practitioner. Faculty have also leveraged course content from Intel's AI for Workforce and Grow with Google AI suite of learning modules to support their professional development. Valencia College, Illinois Central College, and Des Moines Area Community College were selected for the consortium's formal AI mentorship program. The program connects colleges invested in scaling AI education with institutions that have experience with building capacity and program development. At the K-12 level, NAAIC is collaborating with the University of Florida to develop a national AI framework for high schools to have AI standards framed as student learning objectives. The objective is to ensure teachers are equipped with the right skillset to teach AI by embedding AI concepts across the curriculum. Additionally, the framework will help better align career and technical education with core academic disciplines relating to tech career pathways. And to foster peer learning in person, this past April, Houston Community College hosted the consortium's first annual conference, convening over five hundred attendees. Partner organizations such as the Computer Research Association have provided community college faculty with reserved seats to attend convenings such as the CRA Summit on AI Undergraduate Education. Employers such as Intel, Dell, and Amazon have also invested in AI education capacity building at community colleges. Still, it hasn't been easy for colleges to find and participate in these efforts. NAAIC has launched several partnerships with major industry partners, including Intel, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Google, and OpenAI Academy to aggregate and disseminate resources to colleges. Each partner is providing community colleges with its own set of resources. For example, OpenAI Academy provides a suite of free in-classroom tools to apply AI in real-world scenarios. Intel is providing colleges 11 course modules with over 1,000 hours of content, peer learning for college faculty, and technical assistance for instructors from Intel staff. Google is offering its Career Certificates and Career Essentials training to community colleges at no cost. A key goal of the consortium was to collaborate with employers, large and small, to aggregate their skilling needs and formulate a strategic approach for an AI skills taxonomy. Later this year, the consortium's AI-focused Building Industry Leadership and Team (BILT), an NSF-born best practice in co-creating training curricula with employers, will publish a national curriculum framework for an applied AI associate's degree that any community college can use to create its own offerings. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have signaled an interest in expanding AI education support for community colleges. President Trump has signed several executive orders around AI education that have implications for community colleges. Although the Trump administration has mostly only cut funding for community college STEM education and workforce training at the time of writing, the case study of the NAAIC demonstrates the value of the NSF in supporting capacity-building for emerging tech workforce training as research from New America has found. But moreover, it's a pragmatic illustration of the ways colleges can collectively address shared challenges to meet student and employer needs for the AI economy and the future of work.
