The Education and Employment Research Center and the National Council for Workforce Education are launching a new initiative to understand the experiences and perspectives of students enrolled in noncredit workforce programs, and Northwest College has been selected as one of 15 schools nationwide to participate. The project, titled “Student Voices in Noncredit Workforce Education Initiative,” is designed to help colleges reflect on and improve current policy and practice in noncredit education.

Interest in noncredit education at community colleges has grown in recent years as increasing numbers of adults are seeking to improve their job prospects with short-term and affordable programs. The study, being led by Rutgers University, will consist of research to capture the perspectives of these students, while building a community of practice for peer learning among the 15 participating colleges.

The project consists of four activities that include college surveys and program analysis, student surveys and interviews, interviews with college staff, and peer learning convenings. The final activity will allow college staff to reflect on the research findings and share effective practices and change opportunities.

Finances were made available to help support NWC’s inclusion in the study and assist with research. Participation will allow Northwest College to increase enrollment in programs such as HVAC, plumbing, and construction, and build pathways into those programs for area high school students.