MPR Associates, Inc. -- Spotlight on Community Colleges


Community colleges enroll more than 40 percent of all undergraduates and offer educational opportunities to our country’s most disadvantaged young people and adults. They play a crucial role in workforce training and economic development. Recognizing the role these institutions play in creating a more equitable society and thriving economy, MPR has expanded its work on community colleges. Our work includes research, data analysis, technical assistance, and project management. We have expertise in: Analyzing state data and providing technical assistance to improve accountability and information management. Helping states and colleges answer questions about enrollment and programs. Helping colleges and their partners to implement career pathways. Examples of MPR’s Work on Community Colleges National Projects Coordinating Strategic Partnerships for A Competitive Workforce, to help 32 communities build partnerships to sustain career pathways (U.S. Departments of Labor and Education). Examining how community colleges used the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to expand and improve their programs. (Lumina Foundation for Education) Conducting four national meetings on “Issues That Matter” for community college leaders (U.S. Department of Education). State Projects Providing technical assistance to community college systems in 6 states to improve their accountability indicators and data management systems. (U.S. Department of Education) Reviewing partnerships between community colleges and prisons in 11 states to determine inmate education and employment needs. (U.S. Department of Education). Examining student transfer and completion patterns and analyzing the impact of fedral financial aid on the success of CA community college students. (William and Flora Hewlett Foundation) Conducting a needs assessment on the accessibility of community college distance education. (CA Community College System) Helping the Workforce Strategy Center develop a statewide plan for career pathways programs in the VA community college system. (VA Community College System) Local Projects Helping Clackamas Community College (OR) develop a system for data analysis and reporting.