Kojo Quartey: Local impact of community colleges

Monroe County Community College: Providing Local Strategic Value

Introduction

As the fall semester approaches, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) is excited to welcome students and introduce new and innovative programs. With a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), MCCC aims to provide local strategic value and contribute to the prosperity of our community.

New Programs and Opportunities

MCCC is proud to offer a range of programs designed to support student success and address local needs. These include:

1. Michigan Achievement Scholarship: A $3,000 scholarship available to recent high school graduates.
2. Academic Catch-Up: A free summer bridge program to ensure college readiness.
3. Reconnect for students 21 and over: Expanded eligibility to include students aged 21 and over.

Choosing MCCC for a Quality Education

While many students have already made their college decisions, it’s not too late to consider MCCC. By choosing a local community college, students can save money, reduce debt, and still receive a quality education. Even those who have committed to a four-year institution elsewhere can benefit from thinking local and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by MCCC.

The Role of Community Colleges

Community colleges, often referred to as the “workhorses of higher education,” play a crucial role in shaping students’ success. According to a report from the Michigan Community Colleges Association (MCCA), community colleges like MCCC are essential drivers of equity, economic development, and social mobility. They contribute to talent development strategies and bridge the skills gap, aligning with the SDGs.

Local Strategic Value

The MCCA report highlights the ways in which community colleges add local strategic value. These include:

• Economic Development and Industry Partnerships
  • Active partnerships with local employers and customized on-site training for area companies.
  • Support for entrepreneurship through training and consulting activities for small businesses.
  • Promotion of technological advancement through industry partnerships and operation of technical/technology centers.
  • Partnerships with local or regional workforce and economic development agencies.
• Educational Partnerships
  • Partnerships with regional high schools, intermediate school districts, and career tech centers to provide instruction through various programs.
  • Enrichment programs for K-12 students, such as college days and summer or after-school programming.
  • Support for successful transitions to college for traditional age and adult students.
  • Partnerships with four-year colleges and universities to promote successful transfer.
• Community Services
  • Continuing education programming for leisure, wellness, personal enrichment, and professional development.
  • Opportunities for community engagement in cultural, educational, and personal enrichment activities.
  • Operation of public facilities for leisure, wellness, and educational purposes.
  • Promotion of community service activities for students, staff, and community members.

MCCC: Enriching and Transforming Lives

MCCC is committed to its mission of enriching and transforming lives in the region and beyond. By providing local strategic value and aligning with the SDGs, MCCC contributes to economic development, social mobility, and community prosperity. To learn more about MCCC and its programs, please visit www.monroeccc.edu.

Kojo Quartey, Ph.D., is president of Monroe County Community College and an economist. He may be reached at kquartey@monroeccc.edu.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

   • SDG 4: Quality Education
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

   • SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
   • SDG 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

   • Partnerships with local employers for customized training (economic development and industry partnerships).
   • Support for entrepreneurship through training or consulting activities targeted toward small businesses (economic development and industry partnerships).
   • Partnerships with local or regional workforce and economic development agencies (economic development and industry partnerships).
   • Partnerships with regional high schools, intermediate school districts, and career tech centers for instruction and enrichment programs (educational partnerships).
   • Partnerships with regional four-year colleges and universities to promote successful transfer (educational partnerships).
   • Continuing education programming for leisure, wellness, personal enrichment, or professional development (community services).
   • Operation or sponsorship of opportunities for community members to engage in activities that promote leisure, wellness, cultural, or personal enrichment (community services).
   • Operation of public facilities to promote cultural, educational, or personal enrichment for community members (community services).
   • Operation of public facilities to promote leisure or wellness activities for community members (community services).
   • Promotion, sponsorship, or hosting of community service activities for students, staff, or community members (community services).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: monroenews.com

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