Promoting Innovations Government Policies. Jill Wakefield, Chancellor Seattle Community Colleges March 3, 2010

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1 Promoting Innovations Government Policies Jill Wakefield, Chancellor Seattle Community Colleges March 3, 2010

2 Today s Workforce = Tomorrow s Workforce 1. Today s workforce is tomorrow s workforce 2. Labor force has become more diverse 3. Education and skills are critical 4. Educational disparities contribute to income inequality We need to better serve low-income, working adults 2

3 Education Now the major determinant of prosperity $ Graduate Degree $24.27 Bachelor's Degree $21.97 Associate or Vocational Degree $19.00 Some College, No Degree $12.00 H.S. Diploma $9.50 No Requirement $7.45 $0.00 $10.00 $20.00 $30.00 Source: Employment Security Department, Washington State Job Vacancy Survey: April May

4 Jobs associated with college-level skills and education accounted for two-thirds of the job growth between 1984 and Occupational group 1984 millions 2000 millions Absolute change in millions of adults Percentage change All High literacy Moderate literacy

5 America s labor force will grow more slowly over the next 20 years, with almost none of the growth expected to come from native-born workers. Growth Growth Natives, 25-54, All races Natives 55+, All races Immigrants TOTAL Numbers represent millions of adults 5

6 The Political Environment in Washington State 1990s Workforce training becomes political priority. Legislature and governor highlight workforce programs key to addressing inequality. Economic Changes led to a major decline in forest products and manufacturing industries. State launched programs designed to serve laid off workers in 1989, 1992 and1998. As part of welfare reform, the executive branch funds system design and training programs for TANF and low income adults. A long term House Speaker, a life-time anti-poverty advocate began to focus on education and training strategies to reduce poverty. Research by the Workforce Board found that ABE and ESL programs were of little value unless combined with technical training. 6

7 In Washington, one year of college level credits plus a credential* is the tipping point for students needing to find career pathways 1 year + credential gives future earnings bump: = $7,000 more per year for ESL students = $8,500 more per year for an ABE student = $2,700 and $1,700 more per year (respectively) for workforce students entering with a GED or HSD only Jobs that need 1 year college level credit + credential are among those in greatest demand Source: SBCTC Ford Foundation Report *An industry certification 7

8 Innovative Responses Worker Retraining and Training Benefits Opportunity Grants The Opportunity Center I-Best Airport University College for Working Adults 8

9 Worker Retraining and Training Benefits Training Benefits Program extended unemployment benefits for timber workers to retrain for up to 2 years New Worker Retraining Program covers educational costs for unemployed workers seeking retraining Training Benefits program expanded to include all unemployed workers Program extended to low income workers. 9

10 Welfare Reform Leads to Opportunity Grants Washington State piloted WorkFirst Program, allocating $30 million to train low income residents State Community College board data found that short term training had little or no effect House Speaker and Higher Education Chair developed Opportunity Grant Program to serve low income population. 10

11 Opportunity Grant Program Opportunity Grant Program piloted Becomes law - funded at $23 million. Students enrolled in high demand career pathways. Provided grants to cover tuition and fees plus $1,000 for books, tools and supplies. Colleges receive an additional $1,500 per FTE student for counseling and support services. 11

12 Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) Success Elements 2003 piloted in Certified Nursing Program at South Seattle Community College. Became a system wide program in I-BEST is an instructional model that combines basic skills and technical instruction. I-BEST programs must include some college-level vocational credits. Faculty must develop integrated program outcomes, jointly plan curriculum, and assess student learning and skill development. Wrap-around student service supports are provided. 12

13 Community College Research Center Findings Note: Chart adapted from CCRC s Educational Outcomes of I-BEST Washington State Community and Technical College System s Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training Program: Findings from a Multivariate Analysis 13

14 The Opportunity Center at North Seattle Community College A new service delivery model that integrates all of the state s social service, employment, unemployment and workforce programs in one building on a community college system. Mandate is to cross train all workers and create a new identity for all employees based on serving the customer not working for the program. Building will be completed on February 1,

15 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Barriers to Enrollment in Education Identified by College and WorkSource Staff Financial Aid - living expenses Financial Aidtuition Counseling Affordable Transporation Child Care Not eligible for aid WorkSource Colleges Source: WETCB November

16 Airport University Partnership among South Seattle Community College, Highline Community College and Seattle Port Jobs. 10,000 jobs at Sea-Tac airport. Majority of workers are lowincome working adults and recent immigrants. Credit courses tailored to the airport environment; locations and schedules that fit student needs; certifications that broaden advancement options; and on-site career and educational advising. Programs include: Supervision and Leadership, Computer Basics, On-line courses, Job Seeking basics, Security badge test prep. 16

17 Port Jobs Operates employment center, employer connections, coordination, research, fund development South Seattle CC Curriculum development, instruction, college credit Highline CC Curriculum development, instruction, college credit Neighborhood House Case management Funding Support Local governments, FSET, Congressional Discretionary Grant, Foundations (e.g., Lumina, Annie E. Casey, Seattle Foundation) Employers Assist with course design, market classes, change shifts or time off for students; serve as college instructors Pacific Associates Family coach 17

18 The College for Working Adults A partnership between King County Community Colleges with Skill-Up (a collaborative of funders) to create a new model for providing innovative skill-development and training for working adults. Elements of the model are: 1. Class schedules that are flexible to meet the demands of hard-working people 2. An easy enrollment process 3. Strong wrap around services Pilot programs include medical assisting, business technology and early child education 18

19 What Reengineering Means Reviewing the performance of these programs. Examining barriers to bringing these innovations to scale. Working with partners like Skill-Up Washington to fund solutions to the barriers. Reengineer program offerings, the funding model the schedule and the organization to fit the new model. 19

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22 Our District - Demographics 17.7% of Seattle s population is foreign born. 10.6% speak English less than well. 32% people of color in Seattle, 47% at Seattle Community Colleges. 22

23 King County Percentage of Age Group by Race/Ethnicity 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Pre-School School Age Work/college Age Retirement Age White People of Color 23

24 As a Nation We Are Becoming More and More Unequal Percentage Change in Earnings Since 1961 Tabulations of annual March Current Population Survey Data, by David Ellwood, Harvard University. 24

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26 Data on Worker Retraining Program 26

27 Data on Opportunity Grants 27

28 80% of new immigrants without a high school diploma report that they do not speak English well or at all. Educational Attainment 1-12 years, no diploma High school diploma or GED Only Speaks English (%) Speaks English Very Well (%) Speaks English Well (%) Does Not Speak English Well (%) Does Not Speak English (%) years Bachelor s degree Master s or higher degree Total

29 A worksite- based education and wrap-around service model that is replicable in multi-employer settings 29

30 Why Focus on Airports? Jobs. Airports are major employment centers particularly for entry-level jobs. Scale. Many employers and thousands of workers are based at a single location. Access. Often located near low-income communities that need access to jobs, education & services. Skill-building. Many kinds of entry-level jobs that act as skill-building stepping stones. 30

ADULT WORK GROUP: STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

ADULT WORK GROUP: STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK Adult Goal: Provide WA adults (including those with barriers to education and employment) with access to lifelong Objective: Increase the number of adults who have