Kingslow Associates
Higher Education Institutions and Economic Development
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 drive community revitalization and give regions a competitive edge. 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 of disinvested communities.
Our work includes best practices studies, 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.
Representative Projects
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.