"The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) defines service learning as the combination of classroom instruction with community service, focusing on critical, reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility. Service learning programs involve students in activities that address local, community-identified needs while developing their academic skills and commitment to their community (Gottlieb and Robinson 2006)."

Take an online tour of Minnesota's growing skills gap.

"In March, Congress authorized the Community College and Career Training Grant Program in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, with appropriations of $500 million each year for fiscal years 2011 through 2014. Institutions can apply for grants for the purpose of “developing, offering, and improving educational or career training” for workers eligible for training under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act. Based on JFF’s experience in the field, Ray Uhalde and Richard Kazis recommend how this grant program can encourage community colleges to help more dislocated and unemployed workers move quickly through effective programs that result in successful employment and educational outcomes."

"The University of Texas at El Paso has received a five-year grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for nearly $2.9 million."

"The “Science for a Sustainable Future: Developing the Next Generation of Diverse Scientists” award will provide fellowships to minority graduate students in NSF-supported disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The doctoral students will build their science and teaching portfolios and bring their leading research findings into K-12 learning settings in an effort to inspire the next generation of scientists."

"Earlier this year, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced innovative application criteria for the first $500 million in grants under the four-year, $2 billion Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program. Grants will support the development and improvement of a new generation of postsecondary educational programs that will prepare students for successful careers in emerging and expanding industries."

Read the TAA Community College and Career Training Grant Program Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) Summary by the National Skills Coalition for a quick overview of the key points within the SGA.

This summary include information useful to grant applicants including the goals and priorities of the grant, eligible institutions, and award amounts.

"Last week, the US Department of Labor issued a Notice of Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) for the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grants program. This tongue-twisting grant will provide up to $500 million annually ($2 billion over fiscal years 2011-2014) for community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher education to expand their ability to deliver education and career training programs designed for workers who are eligible for training under the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers program. Congress created the TAA program to provide benefits to workers who become unemployed due to the impact of international trade."

"Unemployment hit Tennessee hard during the Great Recession. A $2 billion federal grant project could help displaced workers retrain for better jobs when the economy improves. Efforts at Jackson State Community College and Dyersburg State Community College could go a long way toward helping the 1,900 people who will lose their jobs at Goodyear's Union City tire manufacturing plant by the end of 2011."

Federal grant money is available to help community and two-year colleges create programs for workers who have lost their jobs and want to go back to school.

 

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Labor in coordination with the Department of Education.

Part of a four-year $2 billion Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act signed by President Barack Obama March 30, 2010, the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program (TAACCCT) through the Department of Labor is designed to ensure that every state through its eligible institutions of higher education receive at least $2.5 million in grant awards.