Mahoning Valley
Community College Partnership
Needs Assessment
Primary and Secondary Data
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Phone survey of 700 Mahoning Valley citizens
In-depth interviews of 57 community leaders
Mail out survey of 200+ business leaders
Mail out survey of 400 YSU faculty and staff
US Census and OBOR higher ed. market data
Inventory of area’s existing educational programs
Conducted by Burges & Burges, TRIAD, YSU-PSI
Community College Is Needed
Citizens, businesses and civic leaders agree:
–
–
–
–
A community college would help area economy
More knowledge and skills will add to income
Lower cost of tuition would be a big plus
More convenient locations/centers are needed
• Focus programs on area economic needs
• YSU, CTC’s and other IHE’s should work
together to create and run the organization
Criteria New Community College
Big Picture Criteria for New Community College
• Specific target market for community college, how
its needs are now met, and required programs and
services to meet needs and expectations.
• Other higher education providers’ plans and
capacities to serve target and their impact on
planned operations of proposed college.
• Community leaders’ capacity to sustain added
higher educational services.
Synthesized Criterion 1:
The Specific Target Market and
Its Needs, Concerns and Expectations
The Reality: The Mahoning Valley Must
Overcome Education Deficits Rapidly
• NEO’s Fund for Our Economic Future rated “having
a skilled workforce” atop all indicators of regional
economic success.
• Voices and Choices rated “preparing workers for
current and future jobs” as NEO’s # 1 challenge.
• Associate degree level jobs are growing at double
Ohio’s overall job growth rate, and most of the job
growth be internal to existing businesses.
• Growing economies with good jobs require several
technicians to support each scientist, engineer, MD
or other highly educated professional’s enterprise.
Mahoning Valley Lags Ohio and US
% 25 or Older
Bachelors +
% 25 or Older
Associate
% 25 or Older
Mahoning
18.8%
5.6%
75.6%
Trumbull
14.9%
6.5%
78.6%
Columbiana 11.9%
8.4%
79.7%
Ohio
23.3%
7.0%
69.7%
US
27.1%
7.4%
65.4%
Source: 2005 U.S. Census
Some college but
no degree or less
2 and 4-Year Public Higher Ed Enrollment
for Comparative Regions,1995 & 2004
Y o u n g s to w n
Tw o Year
1995
3362
2004
4309
YSU
13089
13166
T o ta l
16451
17475
T o le d o
21248
19675
T o ta l
32641
38481
T o le d o
Tw o Year
1995
11393
2004
18806
D a yto n
W rig h t
Tw o Year
1995
25284
2004
30093
S ta te
14745
16207
T o ta l
40029
46300
2004 Regional Student Attendance
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
Trumbull
Mahoning
Columbiana
CSU
UA
KSU
YSU
45
55
4
284
283
116
985
717
493
3,183
6,460
875
The Valley’s Participation in Higher
Education Has Much Room to Grow
Mahoning County – 240,774
88,887 (36.85%) ages 15-44
54,492 (22.63%) ages 45-59
Trumbull County – 215,254
80,161 (37.24%) ages 15-44
50,157 (23.30) ages 45-59
300,000
250,000
240,774
215,254
200,000
150,000
107,164
100,000
b.
ni
n
um
 Despite a large pool, in 2004
only 17,475 were enrolled.
Co
l
0
g
41,318 (38.56%) ages 15-44
23,888 (22.29%) ages 45-59
Tr
um
bu
ll
50,000
M
ah
o
Columbiana County – 107,164
Total Pop.
15-44
45-59
Source: 2005 U.S. Census
 To rebuild, the Mahoning
Valley needs more young
people and adults to enroll
and succeed in college!
The Mahoning Valley – Only Region
Without Major Community College*
•
Filling Ohio’s Gap: 230,000 more
students, 10% more grads requires
thousands of new, non-traditional
students – many will be working.
•
77% of 18-49 year olds see a need
for community college classes.
•
75% of business leaders say they
have positions available where a
two-year degree is appropriate.
•
47% of 18-49 year olds are likely to
attend community college classes.
– 93% say more people would
attend if ½ price of a university.
* Jefferson Community College currently
offers classes at Columbiana CTC.
Mahoning Valley Knows the Need
•
Survey Result: 47% of citizens 18-49
were very to somewhat likely to take
community college classes.
•
77% of citizens report need for
community college classes.
•
90% agreed or strongly agreed that
low cost job training and re-training
would help the local economy.
•
77% of businesses support YSU’s 53
effort to develop a community college
•
If the 47% of 18-49 year olds who say
they are likely to enroll in a CC did so:
 = 98,872 students.
 If half did so = 49,436.
47
Very or
Somewhat
likely
Not Likely
All See Economic Need Cleary
Also, 74% of YSU faculty/staff
say associate degree or 1-yr.
certificate would help Valley
workers earn higher wages.
R
es
id
en
U
•
YS
96% of business leaders and
88% of 18-49 year olds agree
a community college would
result in higher wages
es
s
•
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
B
us
in
90% of 18-49 year olds, 92%
of businesses, and 67% of
YSU faculty and staff report
that a MV community college
would help the local economy
ts
•
CC Good for Business and Workers
• 75% of business leaders report available jobs for two-year
grads.
• Business leaders say expand:
– Information Technology (22%)
– Health Care (17.5%)
– Business (16.5%)
• 30% of community leaders say unfilled jobs result from
undereducated workforce.
• 65% of business leaders say they are willing to offer some
tuition reimbursement.
• Only 31% of residents say their employer currently has a
tuition reimbursement policy.
Educational Programs Needed
Business Leaders
1.
2.
3.
Information Technologies
Health Care
Business
Faculty and Staff
1.
2.
3.
Health/Medical Careers
Skilled Trades
Information Technology
Community Survey
1.
2.
3.
Nursing and Healthcare
Manufacturing and Transportation
Hospitality and Foodservice
Mahoning Valley Leaders
1.
Information Technology
2.
RN Health
3.
High Technology/Technology
18-49 Year Olds’ Preferences
Most wanted programs:
•
74% - Nursing, Health Care
80
74
70
•
28% - Business and Marketing 60
•
23% - Public Service
•
17% - Manufacturing/Transport 30
20
•
17% - Information Technology
50
40
28
23
17
17
10
0
•
31% who would attend want to
start 1st two years, upgrade job
skills, or a technical degree; 29%
to work toward bachelors, 22%
toward masters, 18% other.
Nur/HC
Bus
Public
Man
Info
Align with Perceived Job Market
18-49 year olds say most
promising job sources are:
80
70
70
•70% - Nursing, Other Health Care
•21% - Manufacturing/Transportation
60
50
40
•21% - Business, Marketing, Finance
30
21
•21% - Hospitality, Food Service
20
21
21
18
10
M
an
./T
ra
Bu
n.
s.
/M
ar
k.
/F
in
.
Ho
sp
./F
.S
.
In
fo
.T
Po
ec
lic
h.
e,
Fi
re
,P
.S
.
rs
/H
C
•17% - Police, Fire, Public Service
0
Nu
•18% - Information Technology
17
Key CC Assets and Benefits
• 18-49 year olds concerns were
clear when asked what makes
enrollment likely:
– Credits Transfer (81%)
– Variety of Classes (85%)
– Professors with Real World
Working Experience (75%)
– Technical Training (79%)
– Earnings Comparable to the 4year Grads (73%)
– New Chance at College (84%)
• Programs aligned with careers.
• Tuition ½ or less than university.
– Likely attendance skyrockets!!
• Location within 30 minutes vital.
86
85
84
84
82
79
80
78
75
76
73
74
72
70
68
66
Variety
Exp.
Training Earnings
2nd
Chance
Groups with Exceptional Needs
• Minority populations (79%), individuals ages 19-24
(62%), and unemployed individuals (59%) are most
likely to take classes at a community college.
• 62% of Mahoning Valley businesses are at least
somewhat likely to offer tuition reimbursement
programs for employers at $150 a credit hour for
community college.
• Community colleges provide a way for minority
populations, individuals ages 19-24 and the
unemployed to get and education at a low cost with
the possibility of reimbursement.
Market Need is Real
• Valley only major Ohio region without a CC.
• Key local sectors see the need clearly.
• Ohio jobs needing associate degrees will grow by 20% in the
next 10 years, most of all in technology fields such as health
care, science, IT, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
• For example, Ohio will need more than 20,000 new RN’s by
2010, more than three for every new doctor or physician.
• Associate degrees build your family income by hundreds of
thousands more than a high school diploma.
• Given high tuition, untenable student loan burden, and Ohio’s
poor economy – Ohio families and top students turn to CC’s.
Synthesized Criterion 2:
Capacity and Service Delivery Issues
Overview of Ohio’s CC Capacity
• 23 community and technical colleges in Ohio:
– Local and State support [60 counties part of a district]
• MV is only metropolitan region without a community college
• Community colleges serve more than half of Ohio’s
undergraduates, creating access via:
– Convenient locations
– Affordable tuition and fees
– Dedication to both full and part time students
– Responsiveness to highly diverse student body
• Community colleges are performing relatively effectively:
– Over 80% of graduates stay close to home, anti brain drain
– Provide up-to-date technical training in critical job fields
– Enable students to transfer to 4-year universities efficiently
– Reduce burden of college debt substantially
Current Educational Options
• 19 schools offer career and technical programs in
Mahoning, Warren and Columbiana Counties and
two adjacent Pa. counties. (Youngstown/Warren Regional
Chamber)
• Many associates degree programs exist at YSU
and KSU branches, but tuition is far higher than
affordable community college standards.
• Butler CC [Pa.] and Jefferson CC are entering the
Mahoning Valley market.
• Career & Technical Centers have both high school
and adult programs, as well as local tax funding.
• Programs diffused, and there is no comprehensive
community college presence or brand awareness.
Certificate Programs from
Established Community Colleges
YSU
Health
Kent State
Trumbull
Allied Health
Jefferson CC at
Colum. CTC
Sinclair CC
Owens
Allied Health
Allied Health
Dental Health
Mental Health
Legal Nurse
Nursing
Nursing
Pharmacy
Business
Accounting
Business
Management
Management
Accounting
Accounting
Admin./ Sec.
Admin./Sec.
Bus. Info/Data
Processing
Marketing
Finance
Business
Management
Management
Human Res.
Other Business
Natural
Science/Math
Engineering
Engineering Tech
Other Business
Other Business
Computer
Science
Computer Science
Computer Science
Engineering Tech
Engineering Tech
Engineering Tech
* Certificates include less than 1 year programs and at least 1 but
less than 2 year programs.
Associate Degree Programs from
Established Community Colleges
YSU
Health
Kent State Trumbull
Jefferson CC at
Colum. CTC
Sinclair CC
Owens
Allied Health
Allied Health
Allied Health
Dental Health
Dental Health
Dental Health
Mental Health
Business
Nursing
Nursing
Veterinary Med
Optometry
Accounting
Accounting
Admin./Sec.
Admin./Sec.
Finance
Finance
Finance
Human Res.
Human Res.
Accounting
Management
Accounting
Management
Management
Marketing
Marketing
Marketing
Other Bus.
Other Bus.
Other Bus.
Computer Science
Computer Science
Engineering Tech
Engineering Tech
Natural
Sciences /Math
Computer Science
Engineering
Engineering Tech
Management
Computer Science
Indust./Manuf.
Engineering
Other Engin.
Other Engin.
Market Gaps and Duplications
• There are definite gaps between what those
surveyed want and what the Valley institutions are
offering, mainly in the health areas
• The side by side comparison with Owens and
Sinclair shows that there are holes in what YSU,
KSU Trumbull and Jefferson at CCTC
• Other community colleges in the state have
recognized the need for the programs that the
community survey indicated as essential. YSU is
not currently offering all of these programs at the
certificate and associate degree level.
What Makes the Difference
• Reduced tuition is essential
• Right now there is no unified institution
providing certificate or associate degree
programs.
• There needs to be a unified effort to
increase awareness of the programs and in
providing certificate and two-year degree
programs.
Associate degrees awarded
• Associate degree graduates
from the Valley’s institutions are 1400
a fraction of what other
1200
community colleges have
despite their smaller service
1000
areas
800
• There is a need for these
programs in this area but
residents are not aware of what
is available and are not taking
advantage of what is offered
600
400
200
0
Y
T r SU
um
Je bu
ffe ll
rs
on
O
w
en
Si s
nc
la
ir
YSU - 172
Kent State Trumbull – 101
Jefferson (Main) – 152
Owens – 1,077
Sinclair – 1,286
K
SU
–
–
–
–
–
Source: 2006 OBOR Performance Report
Public Supports a “CC Partnership”
• Support exists for YSU to create a MVCC
• 18-49 year olds want YSU, branches and CTC’s to
combine assets and form a community college
• 56% of businesses preferred partnership
• 81% of civic leaders supported partnership
• CTC’s, JCC, public schools would be YSU partners
• Partnership would efficiently share strengths/assets
Awareness of YSU 2-year Programs
• 75% of 18-49 year olds
know of 2-yr. degrees
• 25% of 18-49 year olds
know of 1-yr.certificates
80
75
70
• 48% of businesses do not
know of 2-yr. programs
60
40
30
• Associate programs housed
in academic departments,
not in a separate college
48
50
25
20
10
0
certificate
programs
• With more awareness, YSU
tuition will still be too high
community
members
business
leaders
Comprehensive Community Colleges
Are Positioned to Attract More Students
50
40
30
20
10
0
/1000 pop
CC
SCC
Tech
Branch
48
29
27
17
Price Matters: Historic Enrollment Gains
are Associated with Affordable Tuition
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
CC
Cost $ 2375
SCC
Tech
BC
YSU
3432
3840
4750
6800
YSU Took Initiative Because…
• 95% of civic leaders say YSU is key to Valley’s economy
• Community college in system adds to student success
• Community college in system adds program dynamism
• YSU dominates area college enrollments as #1 choice
of 50% and #2 choice of 20% of 18-49 year olds
• YSU has 25 important associate level programs
• YSU’s many public school and post-secondary partners
• YSU transferability is essential in the Valley
• YSU offers seamless pathways to a ladder of degrees
YSU’s Expectations for MVCC
• Increase affordable access to college – with student financial
packages comparable to community colleges.
• Create a convenient, quality experience in which part-time,
adult, under-served and other non-traditional students thrive.
• Develop flexible, dynamic education aligned with local market.
• Combine expertise and resources of top college and adult
education providers as a single system.
• Employ consistent accountability and program evaluation tools
to promote student success.
• Be a catalyst for educational and economic growth.
• Exceed our share [9,000] of the Governor’s goal via above.
Synthesized Criterion #3:
Levels Community and Leadership
Support for New Educational Services
Strong Support From All Groups
Need for a community college:
• 77% of 18-49 year olds
• 64% of business leaders
• 62% of community leaders
Economic case compelling:
• 88-96% say it would add to good
jobs and higher salaries
• 75% of businesses report
associate level openings
Associate Degrees & Certificates:
• 62% of YSU faculty and staff
want YSU to add programs.
Consensus emerged around:
• High growth career programs
• Low cost…high convenience
• YSU as part of the solution
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
77
community
64
62
business
leaders
A Growing Civic Leaders’ Priority
• For BUILD Mahoning Valley and the YoungstownWarren Chamber.
• …Congressman Tim Ryan, the Valley’s state
legislative delegation, and a growing group of
elected and appointed officials.
• …all area Career and Technical Centers and a
growing group of area school districts.
• …our partner in Columbiana County: Jefferson CC.
• …55 Valley civic leaders interviewed confidentially.
As Expected, Support For a County
Community College Tax is Mixed
• Survey was 18-49 year olds to reflect CC market.
• Except in even year generals, young turnout is low.
• Nonetheless, 60% [18-49] favored a “small tax” to
start a community college in the Valley.
• And 78% would support this tax if tuition was free.
• But 97% of the civic leaders we interviewed said a
tax was unlikely or not an option.
• If a tax, strong, well-timed case needed.
• Adding funding options is a necessity.
Partners Can Create a Highly Effective
Mahoning Valley Community College
• Initiate now with public and leadership support
• Utilize strength of partners to upgrade education
–
–
–
–
–
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
YSU, JCC and KSU branches if possible
State of Ohio
CTC’s and area school districts
Businesses and other employers
Others as needed, including labor and Ohio CC’s
Educate conveniently in quality facilities
Price matters in building educational attainment
Costs matter in making start-up feasible
Recognize support for tax limited, must be small
Find other private and public funding sources
Collaborative governance and leadership structure
Use strengths, best practices of all for student success
Concepts for Discussion:
Benefits of a Sensible Partnership Model
1. Create collaborative governance and organizational unit
to offer current and future programs and services
2. Set a more affordable price for quality higher education
3. Clear path from high school to degrees and careers
4. Ease transitions and transfer among partner institutions
5. Invest in programs and students, not new buildings
6. Develop programs strategically for employers, student
groups, organized labor and community organizations
7. Bring in new quality providers and services as needed
8. Develop self paced distance learning that works
9. Create a strong brand and marketing/outreach capacity
10. Evaluate student success as an equal priority with growth
The Question: How Can We Achieve a
Price that Adds Access and Success?
• 93% of 18-45 year olds say community college would
increase attendance at ½ university price.
• With no CC, Valley higher ed prices are far above other
Ohio regions, despite YSU’s low tuition for a university.
• Ohio tuition is far above US levels, multiplying problem.
• To increase access, we must have lower tuition.
• If YSU ALONE guaranteed tuition not above $3,000/yr.
[$100 cr/hr.] for ALL freshman and sophomores:
– YSU would lose $6,500,000 per year in revenue
– 900 additional FTE’s needed to make up the difference
– Would require much stronger marketing of all programs
• Requires extensive program development work, but will
not necessarily re-create the community college formula
A Phased Valley Pricing Target Strategy
Goal: YSU or MVCC Partners freshman and sophomore tuition
reduced to community college-type prices to add to attainment.
7000
6000
Phase 1:
5000
$3000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
CC
Cost $ 2375
SCC
Tech
BC
YSU
3432
3840
4750
6800
Phase 2: Bet.
$3000 and $0.
The Mahoning Valley Promise:
A Real Solution Born in Our Valley
•
What if YSU & Partners agree that all 1st & 2nd yr.
students pay a max of $3000/yr. or $100/cr?
•
And create a system with paths to all degrees?
•
The Mahoning Valley Promise would:
–
–
–
–
–
•
Increase access for all, not only just the two-year aspirants
Greatly contribute to the Valley’s economic revitalization
Add to the reputations of all the educational partners
Bring people to the IHE’s, and back to the region
Require the efficiency, collaboration and innovation
outlined in the community college partnership above
Require public & private support to lower tuition.
Analyzing Low Tuition Paradigm
2005 FY Freshman and Sophomores from
Mahoning and Trumbull Counties
$26,000,000
$13,000,000
$13,000,000
Total Revenue
Non Loan Financial Aid and
Scholarships
Total Out of Pocket and Loans
Average YSU 1st and 2nd year students now
pays $100/cr. or $3,000/yr.
Goal is maximum of $3,000 at MVCC, YSU,
or YSU 2-yr programs!
Limited YSU-Centered Option
1. Create YSU operating organization for 2-year programs that
brings current departments into its management.
2. Focus mission and evaluation on access and success.
3. Streamline program development for 2-year programs.
4. Strengthen image and marketing for 2-year programs.
5. Enhance YSU partnerships with educational colleagues,
businesses, labor, employers and community groups.
6. Maximize seamless paths to degrees wherever possible.
7. Reduce tuition for all YSU 1st and 2nd yr. students OR only
those in YSU associate and certificate programs.
Or a “Start from Scratch” Option
• In an ideal world, it might be the best option, but the
Valley needs education, efficiency and action now.
• Obstacles for “Start from Scratch CC” to overcome:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Student and business view of YSU.
Current strengths and programs.
Much higher costs to initiate and sustain.
Will unnecessarily duplicates many services.
Need to build trust and relationships.
Lukewarm potential for local financial support.
Not the most system-building or replicable approach.
• Potentially hurts YSU, U branches, CTC’s JCC and
others who want to collaborate, not compete.
• Initially, we prefer others, but we are willing to look.
Next Steps:
Continue YSU Trustees Endorsement
Significantly Involve State of Ohio/OBOR
Engage Partners in More Detailed Planning
YSU Priority is Sensible and Timely
Action to Add Access and Success
• The Valley has compelling need. Its institutions can start and
sustain a CC with modest community support. It’s a priority
that is necessary to revitalize our community and economy.
• Complete details of the community college partnership model.
• Recommend to YSU Trustees that we work with partners on :
– Organizational and Governance Plan
– Academics and Program Development
– Strategic Services
– Short and Long Term Finance
– Management and Human Resources
– Community Outreach and Marketing
– Evaluation Measures and Accountability
• Local, partners and state guidance and approvals are “musts.”
 We hope to establish the MVCC district in 2008.
Proposed Next Steps
• Present need to YSU Trustees in June.
• Keep working hard with partners, Chancellor/OBOR, region’s
elected officials and YSU committee to make plans realities.
• Add or expand strategic and financial partnership agreements:
–
–
–
–
Other IHE’s, Career Centers, Business/Labor, Schools
Local Government and General Public
State and/or Federal Governments
Business and/or Philanthropic Sponsors of Reduced Tuition
• Determine viability and source[$] of Mahoning Valley Promise.
• Complete service model. Meet needed conditions/approvals.
• Establish a Mahoning Valley Community College District for a
YSU-led community college partnership by 2008.
Establishing a Community
College District
Ohio Revised Code 3354.02 Creation of a Community College District
–
–

The attorney general shall be the attorney for each community college
district
A proposal to create a community college district may be presented to
the Ohio Board of Regents in any of the following ways:
(A) The board of county commissioners of any county, having a
population of not less than 75,000, may, by resolution approved by
two-thirds of its members, propose the creation of a community
college district consisting of the whole territory of such county.
(B) The boards of county commissioners of any two or more
contiguous counties, which together have a combined population
of not less than 75,000, may, by a resolution approved by twothirds of the members of each such board, together and jointly
propose the creation of a community college district consisting of
the whole territories of such counties together.
(C) Hold a special election
The Governor and Legislature have expanded the role of the
OBOR Chancellor to pursue a system of higher education in
Ohio. Our Valley could benefit greatly from a system, and
our community college plan should be part of it. We at YSU
commit to working closely with the Chancellor to achieve it.
Community Colleges Exist
to Create Stronger Communities
• YSU has invested in developing a Mahoning Valley
Community College to help our area’s citizens.
• YSU now believes it is essential to rebuild our
Valley’s employment, pride and quality of life in a
global, knowledge-based economy.
• YSU needs and welcomes the participation of all
partners in organizing quality, affordable, up-to-date
community college-style system here, and now.
• YSU not be deterred in its goal of increasing access
and success to a newly expanded system of higher
education our citizens need for a better future.