The Community College as Partner in
the Education and Training of
Immigrants
World Education Services
New York’s Global Talent Pool
November 12, 2009
New York, NY
“Community colleges are increasingly pivotal in
America’s role in globalization, and the
integration of immigrants into the American
society and economy. “
Dr. Gail Mellow, President
LaGuardia Community College
Minding the Dream: The Process & Practice of the
American Community College
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Nationally ~
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Locally ~
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Leveraging our strength as a sector
Responding to the needs of our community/employers
Fulfilling the intent of our students
Through partnerships with
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employers, community organizations & higher education
Two Initiatives ~
The Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education
The Gateway Center at Westchester Community College
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Created in July 2008
Funded by the JM Kaplan Fund
Representatives from leading community colleges,
associations & organizations committed to
immigrant education .
Mission : to raise awareness of the important role
community colleges play in delivering educational
opportunities to immigrants, and
to promote and expand the range and quality of
programs for immigrant students among community
colleges around the country.
For skilled immigrants
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English language acquisition
Limited career pathways
Length of time required for
advancement/training
Credential/License &
recognition of foreign ed
Balance of training with life
priorities
Finances
For community colleges
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Quality/Innovative
instruction - VESL
Development of programs
that lead to employment,
advancement, degrees across non-credit and credit
Recognition of talents &
skills of immigrants
Recognition of workplace as
an asset
Funding sources
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Engage community colleges as a “critical mass”
“Broker” resources through the community
college sector
Dissemination of promising practices with a
focus on systems
Partnerships with like minded organizations
Technical Assistance /Peer Support
“For generations, Westchester County has welcomed
new residents from every corner of the world. Once again
we have become a community of immigrants.
…studies tell us that (we) will have a shortage of
workers…immigrants will play an essential role in filling
that gap. We must focus our resources on educating them
to meet the challenge.
We worked with hundreds of you – leaders of this
community – to shape our response. We are proud of the
result …the plan to build The Gateway Center.
Dr. Joseph N. Hankin, President
Westchester Community College
Gateway Groundbreaking, October 2007
Input from key stakeholders
Responsive to the needs of
employers, the community &
our students
Commitment from state, local and private
sectors
Collaboration between divisions,
departments & external partners
beyond the Center
Joining Credit and Non Credit
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The Language Wing
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The Business Wing
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Reaching Out
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The Welcome Center
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Civics & Citizenship Center
International & Immigrant Student Services
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The Volunteer Center
Bridging Education & the Workplace
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Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies
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A National Focus
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CCCIE
Spotlighting Students
Davis Global Scholars
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Service Learning
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Create a shared voice within the state, region and
at the national level
Establish partnerships that build on existing
strengths & shared interests
Rethink curriculum to blend non-credit and credit
programs to fit needs of skilled immigrants
Participate in collection and dissemination of
statistics regarding highly skilled immigrant
population
Publicize successful outcomes as they support
local and state economy
Teresita Wisell
Associate Dean, The Gateway Center
Director, Community College Consortium for Immigrant
Education
Westchester Community College
tere.wisell@sunywcc.edu
www.cccie.org