FastTRAC ProgramsFastTRAC ProgramsPathways, Partnerships & Perkins

November 3, 2009

WelcomeWelcome

Jaime Simonsen◦Dean of Adult Education & Training

Gretchen Rixie◦Director of Student & Workforce Support

OverviewOverview

Provide information about the MN FastTRAC Initiative

Give examples of FastTRAC work at North Hennepin Community College

Offer an opportunity to reflect on partnerships within your institution

Minnesota’s Minnesota’s Working-AgeWorking-Age Adults Adults

3,281,066 Working-Age Adults (18-64 years old)

60.2% / 1,976,325 No College Degree (associate’s degree or higher)◦ 12.7% No High School diploma or equivalent◦ 45.2% Have completed High School (no college)◦ 42.1% Have completed some college (no degree)

Source: Adult Learning in Focus, Minnesota Profile of Adult Learners 2008

Earnings PotentialEarnings PotentialSource: Adult Learning in Focus, Minnesota Profile of Adult Learners 2008

National Degree ShortfallNational Degree Shortfall

To stay competitive with other countries, at least 55% of the U.S. workforce must earn at least an associate degree...

US currently at 34%

MN at about 40%

North Hennepin Community CollegeNorth Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, MN ◦ Hennepin, Wright, Sherburne counties

16,000+ students annually (credit & non-credit)

College Highlights:◦ Adult friendly schedules/

programs◦ ABE connections◦ 4-year university programs

North Hennepin Community CollegeNorth Hennepin Community College

MN FastTRAC MN FastTRAC ((TTraining, raining, RResources esources AAnd nd CCredentialing)redentialing)

GOAL: Build a statewide “stackable credentials” framework for delivering education, training, and employment services.

Collaborative effort by DEED, MnSCU, ABE

◦ stackable credentials framework refers to highly coordinated programming and policy alignment across Adult Basic Education (ABE), the WorkForce Center System, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) System, and community based organizations (CBOs) that provide training and employment services

Stackable Credentials include:

◦ Career pathway models

◦ Accelerated programming

◦ Multi-level, industry-recognized credentials

◦ Contextualized and competency-based curriculum

◦ Flexible entry points

◦ Connections to regional high-demand job needs

◦ Support services specific to adult students

◦ Comprehensive data collection and evaluation

MN FastTRAC MN FastTRAC ((TTraining, raining, RResources esources AAnd nd CCredentialing)redentialing)

History of Initiative

Funding support: Joyce Foundation’s Shifting Gears Initiative

MN FastTRAC MN FastTRAC ((TTraining, raining, RResources esources AAnd nd CCredentialing)redentialing)

2007-2008 Planning Grant

July 2008 7 incubator programs funded

Summer 2009 FastTRAC Supplement for WIBs

August 2009 FastTRAC proposal to Joyce Foundation

November 2009 FastTRAC RFP to WIBs

College PrepCollege Prep

Collaboration: Osseo Adult & Family Learning, Mindquest Academy & NHCC

Provides FREE, individualized, online College Preparation classes

Student perspective...

“I do appreciate everything ya'll are doing for me, it's changing my life.” Marla

College Prep Career StepCollege Prep Career Step

College Prep OutcomesCollege Prep Outcomes

Increased collaboration (College Prep, Adult Education & Training, Perkins, etc.)

Doubled College Prep Enrollment in about 6 months Advertising Referrals Expanded Outreach (ABE Visits, WorkForce presentations)

College Prep Career Stepa) Continuing education courses prepared students for the

workforce and/or college classes (90+ classes completed) b) 20 students in Career Step program c) Good option for dislocated workers returning to school

Added Staff & New Initiatives

65% of College Prep students transition into college

Looking into the FutureLooking into the Future

Continuation of FastTRAC Team

Communication – Communication Continued expansion of partnerships

◦Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Grants

Sustainable funding & support

What would this look like at your institution?

More informationMore information

Bridges to Opportunity for Underprepared Adults: A State Policy Guide for Community College Leaders

The Future of Middle-Skill Jobs

Joyce Foundation – www.joycefdn.org

The ILL-Prepared U.S. Workforce: Exploring the Challenges of Employer-Provider Workforce Readiness Training

Working Learners: Educating our Entire Workforce for Success in the 21st Century

Council on Adult & Experiential Learning – www.cael.org

QuestionsQuestions

Jaime Simonsenjaime.simonsen@nhcc.edu

Gretchen Switalskigretchen.switalski@nhcc.edu