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.