the community college as partner in the education and training of immigrants world education...
TRANSCRIPT
The Community College as Partner in the Education and Training of
Immigrants
World Education ServicesNew York’s Global Talent Pool
November 12, 2009New York, NY
“Community colleges are increasingly pivotal in America’s role in globalization, and the integration of immigrants into the American society and economy. “
Dr. Gail Mellow, PresidentLaGuardia Community CollegeMinding the Dream: The Process & Practice of the
American Community College
Nationally ~ Leveraging our strength as a sector
Locally ~ Responding to the needs of our community/employers Fulfilling the intent of our students
Through partnerships with employers, community organizations & higher education
Two Initiatives ~The Community College Consortium for Immigrant
EducationThe Gateway Center at Westchester Community College
Created in July 2008 Funded by the JM Kaplan Fund Representatives from leading community
colleges, associations & organizations committed to immigrant education .
Mission : to raise awareness of the important role community colleges play in delivering educational opportunities to immigrants, and to promote and expand the range and quality of programs for immigrant students among community colleges around the country.
For skilled immigrants English language
acquisition
Limited career pathways Length of time required
for advancement/training
Credential/License & recognition of foreign ed
Balance of training with life priorities
Finances
For community colleges
Quality/Innovative instruction - VESL
Development of programs that lead to employment, advancement, degrees - across non-credit and credit
Recognition of talents & skills of immigrants
Recognition of workplace as an asset
Funding sources
Engage community colleges as a “critical mass”
“Broker” resources through the community college sector
Dissemination of promising practices with a focus on systems
Partnerships with like minded organizations
Technical Assistance /Peer Support
“For generations, Westchester County has welcomednew residents from every corner of the world. Once again we have become a community of immigrants.…studies tell us that (we) will have a shortage of workers…immigrants will play an essential role in filling that gap. We must focus our resources on educating them to meet the challenge.We worked with hundreds of you – leaders of this community – to shape our response. We are proud of the result …the plan to build The Gateway Center.
Dr. Joseph N. Hankin, PresidentWestchester Community CollegeGateway Groundbreaking, October 2007
Input from key stakeholders
Responsive to the needs of employers, the community & our students
Commitment from state, local and private sectors
Collaboration between divisions, departments & external partners beyond the Center
Joining Credit and Non Credit The Language Wing The Business Wing
Reaching Out The Welcome Center
Civics & Citizenship Center International & Immigrant Student Services
The Volunteer Center
Bridging Education & the Workplace Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies
Spotlighting Students Davis Global Scholars
Service Learning
A National Focus CCCIE
Create a shared voice within the state, region and at the national level
Establish partnerships that build on existing strengths & shared interests
Rethink curriculum to blend non-credit and credit programs to fit needs of skilled immigrants
Participate in collection and dissemination of statistics regarding highly skilled immigrant population
Publicize successful outcomes as they support local and state economy
Teresita Wisell Associate Dean, The Gateway Center
Director, Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education
Westchester Community [email protected]
www.cccie.org