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| 2010 Springfield Technical Community College graduates celebrate at June 2 commencement exercises. This week another report has been issued that confirms what most Americans know – that a college degree is becoming essential for a middle class job. The latest study from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce cites an increasing share of American jobs requiring at least some college education: “Between 1973 and 2008, the share of jobs in the U.S. economy that required post-secondary education increased from 28% to 59%. According to our projections, the future promises more of the same. The share of post-secondary jobs will increase from 59% to 63% nationally over the next decade. The share of post-secondary jobs will increase from 59% to 63% nationally over the next decade.”(http://www.nebhe.org/2010/09/10/more-than-2-million-job-vacancies-forecast-for-ne-by-2018-but-do-our-workers-have-what-it-takes-to-fill-them/) The authors of the study - Anthony P. Carnevale and Nicole Smith – argue that in the next ten years, high school graduates and high school dropouts “will find themselves largely left behind in the coming decade” for decent paying jobs. They conclude that post-secondary education will become essential for entry into the middle class. Meanwhile, the cost of college is escalating – a vicious circle for those of modest means who must obtain a college education to enter the middle class but often do so with substantial college debt. During the “Great Recession” as it has become known students are flocking into colleges, especially public colleges, using this time of high un-employment to earn a degree or retrain with additional post-secondary skills. Our society should support them with higher levels of financial aid and additional funds for public colleges. To do otherwise will increase the pain of the “Great Recession” for our youth who will either be locked out of college or leave with college loans that will take decades to pay off. |
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
COLLEGE DEGREE NEEDED FOR ENTRY INTO MIDDLE CLASS
Friday, September 10, 2010
COMMUNITY COLLEGES HELP MANUFACTURING SHINE
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Professor John LaFrancis demonstrates the operation of a computer controlled milling machine at the Smith and Wesson Center at STCC. Students are left to right David Santos, Daniel J. Miller, Shurwell C. Roach and Ryan T. Maheu. |
US manufacturing is growing – one of the few stars of the US
Community colleges around the country have responded to the demand for skilled factory employees by establishing new programs and revising existing ones. At Springfield Technical Community College
Friday, August 20, 2010
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS BUOYED BY HIGHER EDUCATION
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Map of Massachusetts showing the four Western Counties of Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire. Source: Wikipedia
In a region of farms and small cities, these institutions collectively are a powerful economic force with over 12,000 full time and an additional 4,000 part time employees. Over 72,000 students are enrolled in colleges and universities in (All figures in this posting are from “Economic Impact of Higher Education Institutions in |
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| A view of the main artery in Springfield - State Street - with Springfield Technical Community College campus in upper left of picture. |
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
HIGHER EDUCATION HELPS DRIVE THE ECONOMY
lists the economic impact of higher education institutions in New England as $118 Billion. Although Massachusetts , a world-wide leader in higher education, contributes the majority of that amount - $81 Billion, the other New England states all have impact in the Billions of dollars.
There are many eye-popping statistics in the report that demonstrate the importance of higher education to the region’s economy. To site one example, according to the report,
“There were more individuals employed at Massachusetts’ accredited higher education institutions in FY07 than there were lawyers, dentists, computer programmers, architects, social workers, photographers, psychiatrists, surgeons, pharmacists, police officers, real estate agents, and construction laborers in the state, combined.”
In this time of economic turmoil, higher education as an industry should be recognized and supported.
Monday, August 16, 2010
WHAT CAN BE DONE AS STUDENT DEBT EXPLODES?
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While unsustainable consumer debt has helped bring the American economy to its knees, little attention has been given to the growing amount owed by college students. A June statistics released by the Federal Reserve Bank has underlined the amount of student debt. The total amount of student loans nationally- $830 Billion – now exceeds that of credit cards - $827 Billion. (See the Wall Street Journal Blog http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/08/09/student-loan-debt-surpasses-credit-cards )
This generation of college students enters the workforce with a debt burden that will take years to repay. And unlike credit card debt, student loans typically are not eliminated through bankruptcy.
The long term consequences for college graduates (and those that do not finish college) are significant: less disposable income after starting work, more stress and pressure due to large debts and more difficulty in making large purchases such as homes. Reducing student debt would have a beneficial effect on the housing market as young educated couples would be better credit risks for new homes.
What, however, can be done? Keeping public colleges open and affordable is a key step. States need to pay attention to their public college systems which provide excellent education at a reasonable cost to students. In this light, the recent reductions to public colleges and universities by State Legislatures and Governors is troubling, compounding financial pressure on students. To reserve these trends, students need to become politically active in defending their interests: a chance for a college education at an affordable price.
Friday, June 25, 2010
THE PATH TO ECONOMIC RENEWAL
STCC Technology Park - home of the STCC Business Incubator
STCC has for over twelve years has run a business incubator with the goal of nurturing start-ups that, when mature, will boost the local economy. In an attempt to attract high-tech companies, the college is partnering with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Both STCC and UMass/Amherst are convinced that this partnership will help grow Springfield
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
HELPING STUDENTS ACCESS FINANCIAL AID
Totaling $40 Billion a year, federal student aid led by Pell grants is by far the largest source of financial assistance to US college students. State support which varies by state and usually is tied to federal definition of need is also a major contributor to a student’s ability to pay for college. However, the federal process that requires the completion of the FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – is often intimidating. In fact, surveys have shown that significant numbers of eligible college students, particularly at the nation’s community colleges, do not receive financial assistance because of the complicated forms and need for documentation.
Rick Mortensen, STCC student, and Diana Rosado, financial aid staff
In an effort to provide additional information, a number of colleges have adopted a series of short videos produced by Financial Aid TV. To view these videos at the STCC website go to: http://stcc.financialaidtv.com/ .
Other efforts to reach students include holding workshops on financial aid availability and processes, improving communication via electronic media and helping students learn about aid and scholarships through their academic advisors. These initiatives are yield results at Springfield Technical Community College
Sunday, April 18, 2010
OBAMA and COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Because Obama running for President frequently mentioned community colleges in his campaign speeches, there were high expectations among those in this public higher education sector from the new national administration. Now 15 months into his presidency, the results are decidedly mixed.
On July 14, 2009 Obama announced a plan to fund and improve community colleges nationwide. Called the American Graduation Initiative (AGI), Obama proposed spending to $12 Billion over ten years on community colleges with the goal, he said, “to help an additional 5 million Americans earn degrees and certificates in the next decade.”
Promising $1.2 Billion per year, the American Graduation Initiative support for community colleges was quite modest. With enrollment at community colleges at over 6 million and growing rapidly, the federal support would amount to less than $200 per student per year, money that would have been helpful to hard pressed colleges but not enough to significantly alter the educational landscape. Federal support did signify the recognition of the importance to the nation of community colleges and the prospect – long term – of increased attention.
While AGI rushed moved quickly through the House of Representatives, it stalled in the Senate, victim of the controversy over national health care legislation. Originally part of the student loan reform bill, it was dropped when that legislation passed as part of health care in March, 2010.
So give President Obama an A for raising the issue of national support for community colleges and Congress an F for not following his lead.
On July 14, 2009 Obama announced a plan to fund and improve community colleges nationwide. Called the American Graduation Initiative (AGI), Obama proposed spending to $12 Billion over ten years on community colleges with the goal, he said, “to help an additional 5 million Americans earn degrees and certificates in the next decade.”
Promising $1.2 Billion per year, the American Graduation Initiative support for community colleges was quite modest. With enrollment at community colleges at over 6 million and growing rapidly, the federal support would amount to less than $200 per student per year, money that would have been helpful to hard pressed colleges but not enough to significantly alter the educational landscape. Federal support did signify the recognition of the importance to the nation of community colleges and the prospect – long term – of increased attention.
While AGI rushed moved quickly through the House of Representatives, it stalled in the Senate, victim of the controversy over national health care legislation. Originally part of the student loan reform bill, it was dropped when that legislation passed as part of health care in March, 2010.
So give President Obama an A for raising the issue of national support for community colleges and Congress an F for not following his lead.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
FEDS CHANGE STUDENT AID TO SUPPORT SUMMER STUDIES
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The Logo of the Federal Student Aid from the U.S. Department of Education
Federal student aid is changing to reflect the realities of the lives of low and moderate income college students. New regulations allow students to use Pell grant funds to support summer course work. Because they have to work, many public college students, the majority at community colleges around the nation, take less than a full course load during the fall and spring semesters. Supporting summer studies would help these students graduate faster.
According to the financial aid office at Springfield Technical Community college
- Student must have a completed 2009-2010 FAFSA on file in the Financial Aid Office
- Enroll in a minimum of 6 credits during summer
- Student must be currently enrolled in a degree granting or certificate program
- Not graduating at the end of Spring 2010
- Student must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress and be in Good Academic Standing at the end of Spring 2010
- If a student received Pell Grant funds during the Summer 2009 from another institution, her/his eligibility for Summer 2010 may be affected
Additional reforms already announced will further aid incoming low and moderate income students. Effective in the summer of 2011 newly enrolled students will be able to access federal aid for summer course work. This will not only allow incoming students to get a head start on college requirements, but also provide a funding mechanism to support bridge programs for students to make up deficiencies in English and mathematics prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The old model of college – a fall and spring semester in which students live on campus and go to class full-time – is relevant, primarily, to a minority of Americans whose affluent parents can support their studies. It is encouraging that the Obama administration is changing federal financial aid regulations to catch up with the reality of most American college students.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
How Community Colleges help North Carolina to lure new companies and keep old ones
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| Bill Ingram, President of Durham Technical Community College |
A strong partnership with the state’s 58 community colleges is a cornerstone of North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina
Like most states, North Carolina North Carolina
The customized job program in North Carolina, run by the North Carolina Community College System, is designed to help “industries improve their productivity and profitability to assure their continued presence in North Carolina .” Even in a recession year, North Carolina North Carolina
N.C. Community College System President Ralls spoke of the long-term value of using community colleges to support employee training for local companies. “Over time, our community colleges develop relations with companies that are very helpful in times of economic stress.” For example, when a company is thinking about consolidating, the local community college president can call company officials to work to ensure that local jobs are retained.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS FORMED TO SUPPORT PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION
| Representative Sean Garballey announcing the formation of the public higher education caucus at the Massachusetts State House on March 8 |
“In the fiscal year that ended on June 30, Massachusetts
The new public higher education caucus hopes to move Massachusetts
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
STUDENTS RALLY AT MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE
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| STCC Students at March 8 Rally for Public Higher Education at the State House in Boston: Back Row: Angelina Cavallini, Daniel Murphy, Sheila Colon, Joseph Kakley, Jonathan Santos Middle Row: Richard Calderon, Micki Betton, Rose Hill, Denise Moore Front Row: Luis Gonzalez, Beverly Wiggins, Andrea Craddy |
Speakers at the rally argued that public colleges which are witnessing dramatic increases in student enrollment require more rather than less money from the state government. Even in a state like Massachusetts noted for its many private colleges, the Great Recession has altered the landscape of higher education. Students who could once afford a private college are opting for public colleges. Students who once would have gone to a four year college are choosing community colleges because of their low cost.
The demonstration was organized to coincide with budget season at the State Legislature with the House now considering next year's budget. Governor Patrick has submitted a level-funded budget for public colleges for fiscal year 2011. It remains to see how the Legislature will treat the public colleges.
The March 8 rally on the Boston Commons opposite the State House.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Cultural Landscape Report of the Springfield Armory Site
Springfield Technical Community College occupies with the Springfield Armory Museum a 55 acre national historic and cultural site. Founded by President George Washington in 1794 as the first national armory, the site is the only one in the nation that houses a college.
To management this asset the National Park Service has conducted a cultural landscape report that traces the history of this geographic area. The landscape report focuses on everything but the buildings – plants, animals, water resources, roads, fences – found on the site.
The report will be the basis for a joint management plan that will allow the college and federal government to protect and enhance the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Both parties want to ensure that this plan will protect for future generations the beauty of the area as well as a record of its rich military and industrial history.
To management this asset the National Park Service has conducted a cultural landscape report that traces the history of this geographic area. The landscape report focuses on everything but the buildings – plants, animals, water resources, roads, fences – found on the site.
The report will be the basis for a joint management plan that will allow the college and federal government to protect and enhance the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Both parties want to ensure that this plan will protect for future generations the beauty of the area as well as a record of its rich military and industrial history.
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Saturday, February 13, 2010
Students in Professor Raschilla's English composition I class on Thursday, February 11, 2010
Professor Raschilla invited me to speak to his English composition one class. While he asked me to give students ideas for persuasive essays, I also had an opportunity to listen to their comments and to explain to then broadly about the system of public higher education in Massachusetts
This class was typical of those at STCC: it was a diverse mixture of ethnicities, and ages; almost all the students worked; most were in school to secure a good paying career; all seemed bright and serious about their education.
Students had a number of comments about the college: they wanted better parking (“Why doesn’t the college build a parking garage?”); they were concerned with rising college charges (Will STCC be affordable next year?); they suggested changes in the class schedule (Why can’t we take two evening courses on the same day?)
To provide a context to respond to their comments, I explained how the college is governed and how it is funded. I discussed the dilemma of public higher education – how the withdrawal of state support for its colleges has forced students to pay an ever increasing share of the costs of their education and required colleges to cut budgets.
Finally, we talked about old and new ways of publishing written material. Among the traditional media are newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, books; the new media include blogs (including this one), twitter, email, Facebook. Each of these media generally has associated particular forms of writing. The persuasive essay that they were required to write was one of those forms; social networks were another. We agreed that understanding what the rules and constraints for each medium would help them in their writing.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
EQUITY AND EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION
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Equity and Excellence were the themes of the February 2 Achieving the Dream Strategy Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina. (For information about the national initiative go to achievingthedream.org/
Achieving the Dream colleges from 22 states, a team of eight STCC faculty, counselors and administrators heard speeches and presentations aimed at one goal - increasing students' success in college. Workshops topics included: reforming college mathematics, accelerating developmental education, closing the achievement gap of ethnic minority male students, deepening the use of evidence to inform decision making, partnering with high schools. (More information about our efforts can be found at http://www.stcc.edu/achievedream/
The conference gave us an opportunity to study best practices at our sister schools, to dialogue with colleagues, and to learn about national developments. At the conclusion of the conference the STCC team met to review our findings and determine recommendations to bring back to campus. Some of the key ideas we decided to pursue were:
1) To provide faculty and staff with information that will guide college improvements, strengthen data collection and analysis;
2) To help students orient to college, publish glossary of college terms;
3) To speed students through developmental courses, consider re-organizing writing, reading and basic mathematics;
4) To help students receive the mathematics education relevant to their careers, participate in the Carnegie Foundation led program to revise the college freshman mathematics curricula.
5) To bring Achieving the Dream initiatives to more students, redirect college resources;<
6) To reduce barriers to student success, challenge conventional wisdom about college policies and practices.
Achieving the Dream colleges from 22 states, a team of eight STCC faculty, counselors and administrators heard speeches and presentations aimed at one goal - increasing students' success in college. Workshops topics included: reforming college mathematics, accelerating developmental education, closing the achievement gap of ethnic minority male students, deepening the use of evidence to inform decision making, partnering with high schools. (More information about our efforts can be found at http://www.stcc.edu/achievedream/
The conference gave us an opportunity to study best practices at our sister schools, to dialogue with colleagues, and to learn about national developments. At the conclusion of the conference the STCC team met to review our findings and determine recommendations to bring back to campus. Some of the key ideas we decided to pursue were:
1) To provide faculty and staff with information that will guide college improvements, strengthen data collection and analysis;
2) To help students orient to college, publish glossary of college terms;
3) To speed students through developmental courses, consider re-organizing writing, reading and basic mathematics;
4) To help students receive the mathematics education relevant to their careers, participate in the Carnegie Foundation led program to revise the college freshman mathematics curricula.
5) To bring Achieving the Dream initiatives to more students, redirect college resources;<
6) To reduce barriers to student success, challenge conventional wisdom about college policies and practices.
Monday, February 1, 2010
CAMPAIGN TO FUND PUBLIC HIGHER ED
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This past Sunday, January 31st, I attended the kickoff at the Student Center at University of Massachusetts / Amherst for the PHENOM campaign to reverse the decline in funding for public colleges in Massachusetts Massachusetts
How serious is the funding problem in
http://chronicle.com/article/Massachusetts-Almanac-2009/48120/ )
Meanwhile PHENOM argues that
PHENOM which stands for Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts is the first grassroots organization to address the needs of public higher education in the state. The organization hopes to unite public college students, faculty, staff, administrators, alums and parents – all of which have a stake in quality public higher education. With 29 institutions throughout the state and over 200 thousand students, united public colleges could be a potent force in the Commonwealth.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
OLD INDUSTRIAL CITIES IN THE NORTHEAST – THE CASE OF HOLYOKE
Map of Downtown Holyoke showing the Connecticut River and numerous canals.
The electricity is generated by Holyoke Gas and Electric, a city owned utility that uses water power from the Connecticut River to generate the majority of its electricity. Holyoke was originally developed in the 19th century as an industrial powerhouse with numerous factories run by water power from the Connecticut
Furthermore, to my surprise, the computing center is slated to be built in the center of Holyoke Holyoke Connecticut River and has numerous canals downtown that provide additional water frontage. And Holyoke was fortunate to have avoided the fate of many Connecticut River cities – Northampton , Springfield , Hartford , and New Haven – that had their frontage on the Connecticut
In many ways downtown Holyoke Massachusetts
A view of one of Holyoke's canals with industrial buildings taken in 1941 from Library of Congress Archives.
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