Higher Education Institutions and
Economic Development
While the relationship between the quality of research, training and extension programs and the rate of regional economic growth is well documented, higher education institutions (HEIs) remain underutilized partners in the development process. They are major employment centers and consumers of local goods and services, and as anchor institutions they can also drive community revitalization and give regions a competitive edge. HEIs provide customized training, technical and management assistance, promote inter-firm cooperation, conduct research and technology transfer activities and provide support services to business and industry. Two-year technical and community colleges are playing increasingly important roles in industry cluster strategies and workforce development initiatives, while minority-serving institutions are uniquely positioned to contribute to the development objectives of underserved communities.
Our work in this area includes documenting best practices, evaluating HEIs engaged in economic development and community revitalization and building the capacity of labor market intermediaries, community development corporations, nonprofit organizations and other institutions to form and manage partnerships with colleges and universities.
|
Selected Projects
Improving Community College Students' Financial Wellbeing
Client: Achieving the Dream
Achieving the Dream's Working Students Success Network was created to build the capacity of community colleges to provide financial services to students and to improve their financial management and asset building skills as a means of improving student retention and success. This assessment analyzed and reported findings from surveys administered to approximately 400 students to understand the extent to which they utilized financial resources and improved their financial situation.
The Role of Two-Year Colleges in Industrial Modernization
Client: Regional Technology Strategies
Designed and implemented case studies and surveys to evaluate the capacity of two-year colleges (including Minority-Serving Institutions) to provide training and technical degrees in industrial occupations in support of industrial modernization. The study also examined programs and practices of two-year colleges that provide workplace training, technical assistance and business services to SME manufacturers in urban and rural areas. The aim was to identify strategies that stimulate development in poor areas by elevating colleges' involvement. Funded by the Ford Foundation.
Community College Partnerships for Economic Opportunity
Client: University of Illinois at Chicago
Conducted a series of case studies to examine partnerships between community colleges and community-based organizations that resulted in expanded employment options for low-skilled, low-wage jobseekers. Documented best practices of bridge programs offered by community colleges that prepare low-skilled people to enter technical programs. Funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, this study resulted in increased involvement of community colleges in the Foundation's Jobs Initiative.
Evaluation of HBCUs and Economic Development
Client: Ford Foundation and Aspen Institute
Evaluation of the role of historically black colleges and universities in stimulating urban and rural economic development, providing technical and business assistance, and developing new technologies and worker retraining programs. Examined federal programs supporting HBCUs' economic development efforts, public-private partnerships, institutional operations and development outcomes. Methodology included in-depth interviews, focus groups, secondary data collection, surveys, case studies and a cross-case analysis.
|
© 2006-2025 Kingslow Associates. All Rights Reserved.
|
|