Program
The Reach Higher Initiative was created to generate policy recommendations to improve the connections between working adults and community colleges, and to ensure that vocational preparation at community colleges results in knowledge and skills valued by employers and jobs that pay family-supporting wages.
Need
Well-paid entry-level jobs that launch successful careers have all but disappeared. Postsecondary credentials are practically a requirement for good jobs in today's labor market. Community colleges are not resourced to provide adequate financial aid or education, academic, and career counseling. Curriculum has to align more with workplace requirements.
Solution
Policy recommendations were developed to provide more student financial aid for part-time learners, counseling services, evening and weekend classes, hands-on learning with workplace applicability, and certificates and degrees in high demand occupations that offer career advancement opportunities.
Impact
Reach Higher's policy recommendations contributed to the shaping of a legislative package to increase the state's investment in public higher education during the next seven years, starting in 2007. Reach Higher's practice recommendations are being discussed and examined by a broad group of stakeholders from across the state.
