1. FastTRAC Programs Pathways, Partnerships & Perkins November 3, 2009

2. Welcome Jaime Simonsen ◦Dean of Adult Education & Training Gretchen Rixie ◦Director of Student & Workforce Support

3. Overview 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

4. Minnesota’s Working-Age 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

5. Earnings Potential Source: Adult Learning in Focus, Minnesota Profile of Adult Learners 2008

6. National 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%

7. North 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

8. North Hennepin Community College Adult Education & Training Adult Degree Options Continuing Education Customized Training Student Success College PrepPerkinsADEV/ESOL High School Outreach TRIO SSS/Upward Bound

9. MN FastTRAC (Training, Resources And Credentialing) 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

10. Stackable Credentials include: ◦C◦C areer pathway models ◦A◦A ccelerated programming ◦M◦M ulti-level, industry-recognized credentials ◦C◦C ontextualized and competency-based curriculum ◦F◦F lexible entry points ◦C◦C onnections to regional high-demand job needs ◦S◦S upport services specific to adult students ◦C◦C omprehensive data collection and evaluation MN FastTRAC (Training, Resources And Credentialing)

11. History of Initiative Funding support: Joyce Foundation’s Shifting Gears Initiative MN FastTRAC (Training, Resources And Credentialing) 2007-2008Planning Grant July 20087 incubator programs funded Summer 2009FastTRAC Supplement for WIBs August 2009FastTRAC proposal to Joyce Foundation November 2009FastTRAC RFP to WIBs

12. College 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

13. College Prep Career Step Career Step Career Exlporation Class: - Reflection and career research -Explore career challenges and values - Assesments - Create a career/education plan Continuing Education Classes: - FREE classes ($700) - Compliment career exploration class and enhance skills - Earn certificates...great for your resume! Support from College Prep & Adult Education & Training Staff

14. College 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 Step a) 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

15. Looking 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?

16. More 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.orgwww.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 21 st Century Council on Adult & Experiential Learning – www.cael.org www.cael.org

17. Questions Jaime Simonsen jaime.simonsen@nhcc.edu jaime.simonsen@nhcc.edu Gretchen Switalski gretchen.switalski@nhcc.edu gretchen.switalski@nhcc.edu