ACCT: Two-year colleges should spotlight economic ties
The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), a longtime partner of EMSI, recently touted the need for two-year colleges to stress how they are economic drivers in their communities and regions. Below is an excerpt from a Community College Times article published this week:
ACCT President and CEO J. Noah Brown encouraged trustees and presidents to educate their local, state and national business and political leaders so they understand how important two-year colleges are to the economy and that they can serve as an engine to economic recovery. He stressed giving lawmakers and business leaders hard data so they understand that impact:
- Eighty percent of first responders are trained and hone their skills at community colleges.
- The colleges deliver economic and workforce development at a low-cost and efficient way that gives taxpayers a $3 return for every dollar invested.
- They help generate 6 percent of annual economic growth—as much as $34.5 billion in 2006 and 2007—for communities and the nation’s economy.
Two-year colleges are also forging the skilled workforce for emerging industries.
“Community colleges are developing innovative programs to create new jobs by addressing future needs, not just current ones,” said Arthur Anthonisen, ACCT board chair and Orange County Community College (New York) trustee.
