Career College Central

Answering the call to provide higher education opportunities for every American has long been a cornerstone of our nation's prosperity. For many Americans, an investment in higher education is the best and brightest pathway to attaining the American Dream. Many students, especially those from traditionally underserved populations, see a college degree or certificate as the key to unlocking new opportunities for themselves and their families. Investments in education pay enormous dividends, both to students and to society. A degree or professional certificate, or even just an additional year of college, can result in a significant increase in earnings potential, possibly providing the increased annual income that can enable a family to achieve security, move out of rental housing or send the next generation of young people to college to build an increasingly positive future. Moreover, students and the larger community both benefit from the increased economic opportunity afforded by investments in education. Research has identified a growing skills gap between today's workforce and the demands of the economy in the coming years. There is a growing need for well- prepared workers at a time when every aspect of business and government is changed by continuously evolving technology, and the demand for skilled health care professionals is increasing as the Baby Boom generation ages. More than ever, human capital will be the foundation for economic growth and the changing needs of our economy will require an increasing number of skilled workers. To remain competitive in a global marketplace, our institutions of higher education must be responsive to the demands of the new economy. However, meeting this challenge today and in the years to come will not be easy, especially in an era of increasing fiscal constraint. It will require building our capacities for growth, innovation and flexibility to meet the rapidly changing demands of the economy while simultaneously reaching out to a student population that is increasingly diverse and less "traditional" than ever. " Americas' career colleges are uniquely positioned to answer this call, bridging the gaps between underserved students and educational opportunity, between education and industry, and between the educational models of the past and the innovations of tomorrow. " Our career colleges have the flexibility to grow to meet this wave of demand for skilled employees and to create pathways to bachelor's degrees and beyond. They are uniquely positioned to meet the educational needs of their students, creating programs that are appropriate for the diversity and non- traditional paths their students follow. And, they are in tune with the rapidly evolving needs of the business community. America's career colleges stand ready to fill the widening gap between the capacity of our public institutions of higher education and the demands of a 21st-Century economy. Sincerely, Robert L. Martin President/CEO Imagine America Foundation MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT "ANSWERING THE CALL" 1 www.imagine-america.org

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