Community Colleges Can Power Local Tech Growth, Report Finds

Community colleges sit on an economic superpower they're not fully using yet, and new research shows exactly how to change that.

A report released by New America and the Association of Community College Trustees reveals that while over 40% of trustees cite boosting regional economies as their main reason for serving, nearly half have never actually supported efforts to recruit or keep local employers. The gap between intention and action is costing communities real opportunities.

The disconnect runs deeper in college boardrooms. About 20% of trustees believe their boards are extremely engaged in economic development, but only 14% of college presidents agree with that assessment.

Three major roadblocks are stalling progress: severe funding shortages, limited staff capacity, and terrible communication from federal agencies. Most presidents report that agencies like the NSF and EDA communicate poorly about major investments in Regional Innovation Engines and Tech Hubs, leaving colleges in the dark about resources designed specifically for them.

The timing couldn't be worse. With rapid advances in AI and other technologies reshaping the economy, 38% of presidents admit their institutions are less than moderately prepared to handle tech-based economic development.

Why This Inspires

The solution is simpler than the problem. Leaders like Shalin Jyotishi from New America's Future of Work initiative emphasize that community colleges shouldn't just react to employer needs but actively partner to grow local economies around advanced technologies like AI, quantum computing, and biotech.

DeAnna Burt-Nanna, President of Monroe Community College, points out this matters most for regions facing economic stagnation. "Support from federal agencies, philanthropies, and policymakers empowers trustees and presidents to build partnerships, strengthen workforce pathways, and create meaningful avenues to unbridle emerging, stranded, and dormant talent for economic mobility," she said.

The report, backed by JPMorgan Chase, shows the path forward requires funding bodies to trust local leaders. Austin Community College Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart frames it perfectly: "It takes strong partnerships across government, industry, philanthropy, and education, along with the trust and resources to let local leaders act on what their communities need most."

Community colleges already serve millions of students in every corner of America, and they're positioned perfectly to connect local talent with emerging industries. Fixing communication gaps and providing adequate funding could transform struggling regions into innovation hubs, creating pathways to good jobs for people who need them most.

The infrastructure is already there, waiting to be activated.