Working Together

At a time when our nation is facing bitter political divides over its immigration policies and gridlock at the federal level, this book tells a different story in two parts: First, it showcases the exemplary initiatives of community colleges and their multiple partners working together to integrate immigrants and refugees into the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our communities and our country, and it illustrates the various ways immigrant and refugee students enrich campus life, strengthen communities, and benefit our economy. Second, it describes how community colleges and other key stakeholders are collaborating to replicate and expand initiatives at regional, state, and national levels and the policy implications involved. Coming from various walks of life with different goals and aspirations, immigrants and refugees have turned to community colleges to help them further their education, prepare for citizenship, or launch new careers. And while community colleges are well positioned to be critical change agents in improving educational and workforce access, increasing economic mobility, and ensuring a more equitable future for a diverse immigrant and refugee population, they face significant challenges in sustaining programs and taking them to scale. This book provides practical models for change, with an emphasis on what works, but also considers the critical challenges and lessons learned as community college partnerships have evolved in response to student, employer, and community needs.

The Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education has provided a significant set of resources with the publication of the companion books, Working Toward an Equitable and Prosperous Future For All: How Community Colleges and Immigrants Are Changing America and Working Together: How Community Colleges and Their Partners Help Immigrants Succeed. Community colleges are the natural choice for immigrants to learn the skills needed to adapt to a new environment and to become successful contributors to American society and our economy. These companion books, written by experienced community college leaders, provide valuable information to assist our colleges to develop and strengthen programs for this important group of students., These books offer deep insight into the most promising, innovative models for addressing barriers to economic opportunity for immigrants and English language learners and understanding how partnerships can help strengthen, sustain, and replicate this work. You could spend the next few years traveling across the country to meet these thought leaders and see their programs in action. Or you can acquire the knowledge from the frontlines in this two-volume compendium., This publication highlights effective community college partnerships, policies and programs that support immigrant and refugee students. Community colleges across the country act as the bridge to the middle class and careers with economic mobility. Community college leaders committed to equitable student success can benefit greatly from the promising practices in this CCCIE publication, including the chapter on the Oregon Career Pathways framework., As America’s workforce continues to diversify, community colleges are a critical provider of skills and opportunities for immigrants and refugees seeking to realize their fullest potential. The expertise and vision found in the pages of Working Together: How Community Colleges and Their Partners Help Immigrants Succeed will improve training opportunities and, in the end, help our newest citizens reach their American dream., Working Together: How Community Colleges and Their Partners Help Immigrants Succeed demonstrates how partnerships are crucial to strengthening communities and local and regional economies. The case studies demonstrate practical solutions to challenges--what makes programs and partnerships work, but also what hasn't worked and how to address challenges. We learn how campuses and communities recognize immigrants and refugees as valued assets, enhancing the diversity of college campuses and contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our communities.

Jill Casner-Lotto serves as director of the Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education (CCCIE), where she oversees research, communications, and policy development. She is the author of several CCCIE reports and articles providing best practices and resources to guide colleges in implementing immigrant/refugee education and workforce programs focused on ESL integrated career pathways, holistic student support services, and community-based, cross-sector partnerships.Teresita B. Wisell serves as vice president of workforce development and community education at Westchester Community College, part of the State University of New York. She also serves as executive director of the Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education. In 2014, the White House recognized Ms. Wisell as a Champion of Change for her contributions to workplace citizenship programs.