Community CollegesCommunity Colleges

Presented by

Professor Vijay Kapur, MBA, PhD, IASCurrently on Inter-University deputation as

Advisor to the Vice Chacellor, Indira Gandhi National Open UniversityMaidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068. India

November 3, 2009

“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.” Rabindranath Tagore.

“Literary education is of no value, if it is not able to build up a sound character.” Mahatma Gandhi.

The Concept of the Community College System

The Community College is an alternative system of education, which is aimed atthe empowerment of the disadvantaged and the underprivileged (Urban poor, Rural poor, Tribal poor and Women) through appropriate skills development leading to gainful employment in collaboration with the local industry and the community and achieve skills for employment and self employability of the above sections of people in the society. The Community College is an innovative educational alternative that is rooted in the community providing holistic education and eligibility for employment to the disadvantaged and the economically vulnerable.

Community Colleges

American Scenario

A National ResourceA National Resource

1,600 community and technical colleges11.5 million students enrolled6.5 million in credit programs5 million in non-credit programs

Source: American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)

Community College Fast Facts

Number and Type of Colleges:

Total: 1,195Public: 987Independent: 177Tribal: 31

Source: AACC

Enrollment:

Total: 11.5 millionCredit: 6.5 millionNoncredit: 5 millionEnrolled full time: 41%Enrolled part time: 59%

Source: AACC

Demographics:Demographics:

Average age: 2921 or younger: 43%22 to 39: 42%40 or older: 16%Women: 60%Men: 40%Minorities: 35%Black: 13%Hispanic: 15%Asian/Pacific Islander: 6%Native American: 1%First generation to attend college: 39%Single parents: 17%Non-U.S. citizens: 8%

Source: AACC

The Changing U.S. Workforce The Changing U.S. Workforce

UnskilledUnskilled

60%60%

SkilledSkilled

20%20%

ProfessionalProfessional

20%20%

SkilledSkilled

70%70%

UnskilledUnskilled

10%10%

ProfessionalProfessional

20%20%

1950 2005

Source: AACC

Community College Students Percentages of Undergraduates

All U.S. undergraduates: 46%First-time freshmen: 41%Native American: 55%Asian/Pacific Islander: 46%Black: 46%Hispanic: 55%

Source: AACC

Employment Status:

Full-time students employed full time: 27%Full-time students employed part time: 50%Part-time students employed full time: 50%Part-time students employed part time: 33%

Source: AACC

Why Community Why Community Colleges?Colleges?

The Value of Community CollegesThe Value of Community Colleges

“…Community colleges are well adapted to meeting the needs of local employers. They’re flexible, they’re able to say to an employer, what do you need, and we’ll educate the people for the kind of workers you need.”

Former President of America: George W. Bush

Assets of Community CollegesAssets of Community Colleges

Local, affordable access to higher education;Key role in preparing students for the workplace; and Specialized training and education to meet local workforce needs.

Labor Market Responsiveness

Accelerating Student Success Through Credit-Based Options

Adult Education to Community College Transitions

Community College InitiativesCommunity College Initiatives

Community College capacity-building

High Skills for High Growth Careers

Community Leadership Initiative

College and Career Transitions Initiative

Community College InitiativesCommunity College Initiatives

Community Colleges In India

Total Number of Colleges in India

Source: (MCRDCE), Chennai

Total Number of Colleges in India

Tamilnadu - 75Pondicherry - 01Andhra Pradesh - 03Delhi - 01Karnataka - 02Chhattisgarh - 03Kerala - 05Maharashtra - 01Gujarat - 02Jharkhand - 01Uttranchal - 01Total - 95

Source: MCRDCE

Qualification

Source: MCRDCE

Total Number of Students in Community Colleges by 2006

Source: MCRDCE

Culture and Education

Is the American model of Community Colleges suitable for Indian people?

Cultural Dimensions of Education

Higher education is required to pursue and accept cultural identity, promote cultural values, protect and encourage cultural diversity and participate actively in developing intercultural understanding. This goal finds resonance in both the American and Indian perspectives though the level of implementation varies.

The American Approach – Altruism and financial rewards are compatible not competing goals. This does not resonate within the Indian setting where social and developmental goals take prominence.

Conclusion Universality of education implies that the goal not only to train but to educate. This aspect is yet to evolve totally within the Indian setting.Cultural beliefs and attitudes impact directly on personal behavior which is also influenced by the level of cultural competence. This must be included within the Indian model which is evolving. Need to establish a mentoring relationship between each functional Indian Community College and an experienced American Community College. This could be based on the sister city model.

“Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in. That everyone may receive at least a moderate education appears to be an objective of vital importance.” Abraham Lincoln.

“Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity.” Aristotle.

THANK YOU

Q & A