GRCC In the News, 9-5-14

Enrollment falling at community colleges

Sept. 4, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Several four-year Michigan universities have seen slow and steady enrollment increases, while community colleges have seen a steady decline in recent years.

… “We anticipated a decline,” said Tina Hoxie, Grand Rapids Community College assistant provost and dean for student affairs. “We’ve had record years for almost ten years where we’ve had record enrollment at the community college. Our enrollment can be very tied to the economy.”

Labor Day: Skills for a Lifetime

Sept. 4, 2014; USA Today

As the Secretary of Labor, I have a unique opportunity to meet with employers around the country of all sizes and from an array of industries. So many of them tell me the same thing: they’re ready to grow their businesses and to hire more people.

… In November 2013, Michigan received about $26.4 million in Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant program funding to support skills training in advanced manufacturing skills at community colleges and other public institutions across the state. Among the colleges receiving this funding are Macomb Community College, Bay College, Grand Rapids Community College, Kellogg Community College, Lake Michigan College, Lansing Community College, Mott Community College, Schoolcraft College and Baker College.

(Guest column by U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez.)