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The Role of Community Colleges in Expanding the Supply of Information Technology Workers.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Role of Community Colleges in Expanding the Supply of Information Technology Workers.
Language: English
Authors: Lerman, Robert I., Riegg, Stephanie K., Salzman, Harold, Urban Inst., Washington, DC.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 53
Publication Date: 2000
Sponsoring Agency: Department of Labor, Washington, DC. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy.
Contract Number: J-9-M-5-0048
Document Type: Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: College Role, Community Colleges, Information Technology, Institutional Evaluation, Job Skills, Labor Force Development, Two Year Colleges, Vocational Education
Geographic Terms: U.S.; District of Columbia
Abstract: Examines the role of community colleges in expanding the supply of information technology (IT) workers. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative methods, the authors find contrasting evidence on the importance of these institutions. Analysis of the 1994 and 1999 Current Population Survey and interviews with large IT employers indicate that community colleges are not adding significantly to the supply of IT workers. However, enrollment data and case studies of four community colleges suggest that students undertake a substantial amount of IT training at community colleges. While graduation rates are low, enrollment in community college IT programs is high. Moreover, there is evidence that community colleges contribute to retraining workers who are already in IT jobs, those switching to IT careers in mid-life, and those with previous bachelor's degrees. This paper is divided into six sections: introduction, an analysis of national patterns, the community college perspective, the employer perspective, concluding remarks, and references. Concludes with a look at the strengths of current community college IT programs, including numbers, program content, flexibility, and facilities, and weaknesses of current community college IT programs. Areas which require improvement are faculty recruitment, career resources, author links, and standards. Includes tables and figures on data reported in this paper. (VWC)
Journal Code: RIEMAR2001
Entry Date: 2001
Accession Number: ED445703
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Examines the role of community colleges in expanding the supply of information technology (IT) workers. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative methods, the authors find contrasting evidence on the importance of these institutions. Analysis of the 1994 and 1999 Current Population Survey and interviews with large IT employers indicate that community colleges are not adding significantly to the supply of IT workers. However, enrollment data and case studies of four community colleges suggest that students undertake a substantial amount of IT training at community colleges. While graduation rates are low, enrollment in community college IT programs is high. Moreover, there is evidence that community colleges contribute to retraining workers who are already in IT jobs, those switching to IT careers in mid-life, and those with previous bachelor's degrees. This paper is divided into six sections: introduction, an analysis of national patterns, the community college perspective, the employer perspective, concluding remarks, and references. Concludes with a look at the strengths of current community college IT programs, including numbers, program content, flexibility, and facilities, and weaknesses of current community college IT programs. Areas which require improvement are faculty recruitment, career resources, author links, and standards. Includes tables and figures on data reported in this paper. (VWC)