mahoning valley community college partnership needs assessment
TRANSCRIPT
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 OlderSome college but no degree or less
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
YoungstownTwo Year YSU Total
1995 3362 13089 164512004 4309 13166 17475
ToledoTwo Year Toledo Total
1995 11393 21248 326412004 18806 19675 38481
Dayton
Two YearWright
State Total1995 25284 14745 400292004 30093 16207 46300
2 and 4-Year Public Higher Ed Enrollment for Comparative Regions,1995 & 2004
2004 Regional Student Attendance
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Trumbull 45 284 985 3,183
Mahoning 55 283 717 6,460
Columbiana 4 116 493 875
CSU UA KSU YSU
The Valley’s Participation in Higher Education Has Much Room to GrowMahoning 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
Columbiana County – 107,16441,318 (38.56%) ages 15-44 23,888 (22.29%) ages 45-59
Despite a large pool, in 2004 only 17,475 were enrolled.
To rebuild, the Mahoning Valley needs more young people and adults to enroll and succeed in college!
240,774215,254
107,164
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100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
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Total Pop.
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45-59
Source: 2005 U.S. Census
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 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
53
Very orSomewhatlikely
Not Likely
All See Economic Need Cleary
• 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
• 96% of business leaders and 88% of 18-49 year olds agree a community college would result in higher wages
• Also, 74% of YSU faculty/staff say associate degree or 1-yr. certificate would help Valley workers earn higher wages.
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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 Leaders1. Information Technologies2. Health Care3. Business
Faculty and Staff1. Health/Medical Careers2. Skilled Trades3. Information Technology
Community Survey1. Nursing and Healthcare2. Manufacturing and Transportation3. Hospitality and Foodservice
Mahoning Valley Leaders1. Information Technology2. RN Health3. High Technology/Technology
18-49 Year Olds’ Preferences
Most wanted programs:
• 74% - Nursing, Health Care
• 28% - Business and Marketing
• 23% - Public Service
• 17% - Manufacturing/Transport
• 17% - Information Technology
• 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.
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Nur/HC Bus Public Man Info
Align with Perceived Job Market
18-49 year olds say most promising job sources are:
•70% - Nursing, Other Health Care
•21% - Manufacturing/Transportation
•21% - Business, Marketing, Finance
•21% - Hospitality, Food Service •18% - Information Technology
•17% - Police, Fire, Public Service
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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 4-
year 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.
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Variety Exp. Training Earnings 2ndChance
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 Kent State Trumbull
Jefferson CC at Colum. CTC
Sinclair CC Owens
Health Allied Health Allied Health Allied Health
Dental Health
Mental Health
Legal Nurse Nursing Nursing
Pharmacy
Business Accounting Accounting Accounting
Admin./ Sec. Admin./Sec.
Bus. Info/Data Processing
Marketing
Business Finance Business
Management Management Management Management
Human Res.
Other Business Other Business Other Business
Natural Science/Math
Computer Science Computer Science Computer Science
Engineering Engineering Tech 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 Kent State Trumbull Jefferson CC at Colum. CTC
Sinclair CC Owens
Health Allied Health Allied Health Allied Health
Dental Health Dental Health Dental Health
Mental Health
Nursing Nursing
Veterinary Med Optometry
Business Accounting Accounting Accounting Accounting
Admin./Sec. Admin./Sec.
Finance Finance Finance
Human Res. Human Res.
Management Management Management Management
Marketing Marketing Marketing
Other Bus. Other Bus. Other Bus.
Natural Sciences /Math
Computer Science Computer Science Computer Science Computer Science
Engineering Engineering Tech Engineering Tech Engineering Tech
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 a fraction of what other community colleges have despite their smaller service areas
– YSU - 172– Kent State Trumbull – 101– Jefferson (Main) – 152– Owens – 1,077– Sinclair – 1,286
• 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
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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
• 48% of businesses do not know of 2-yr. programs
• Associate programs housed in academic departments, not in a separate college
• With more awareness, YSU tuition will still be too high
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Comprehensive Community Colleges Are Positioned to Attract More Students
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/1000 pop 48 29 27 17
CC SCC Tech Branch
Price Matters: Historic Enrollment Gains are Associated with Affordable Tuition
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Cost $ 2375 3432 3840 4750 6800
CC SCC Tech BC YSU
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
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A Growing Civic Leaders’ Priority
• For BUILD Mahoning Valley and the Youngstown-Warren 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
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Cost $ 2375 3432 3840 4750 6800
CC SCC Tech BC YSU
Goal: YSU or MVCC Partners freshman and sophomore tuition reduced to community college-type prices to add to attainment.
Phase 1: $3000
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
$13,000,000Non Loan Financial Aid and Scholarships
Total Revenue
$13,000,000 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/OBOREngage 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 DistrictOhio 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 two-thirds 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.