Curricular Linkages Between Business and Community Colleges.

Abstract

Collaborative linkages between business and industry and institutions of public education as they relate to occupational curricula are not new in American history. Such relationships from the Colonial Period through 1982 are traced here with particular reference to public two-year post-secondary institutions. Additionally, a survey of 231 public post-secondary institutions in 48 states provides descriptions of fifty contract service programs. These programs are classified according to method of funding and are analyzed from the perspectives of relationship to market sector served, area rate of unemployment, and geographical location. Two case studies are also presented and analyzed, the U.A.W.-Ford Employe Development and Training Program and the General Motors Corporation A.S.E.P. program. Implications are drawn from these findings which suggest policies and procedures for improving collaborative efforts within the State of Michigan. An organizational chart is also presented as a model for utilization in the establishment of Economic Development Offices at each of Michigan's community colleges. This study concludes that the concept of mutual reciprocity must prevail in such relationships and that contract service programs are a short-term response to broader ethical, socio-economic issues.