COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
The Community Conversations tour brought me to NWTC ’ s regional learning centers across the ninecounty district . It was a great opportunity to meet area residents and industry partners , but it also provided me the chance to learn more about the unique needs of our rural and urban communities .
The conversations were engaging and informative . We collected feedback from each of the meetings that will be integrated into NWTC ’ s next strategic plan . We consistently heard participants report NWTC as a vital community partner in their region . There were several themes that emerged as opportunities in our region .
NWTC and K12 Pipeline . Every community expressed appreciation for the pathways that exist for high school students to earn college credits at NWTC . There continues to be a desire to find innovative ways to increase access to dual enrollment and increase the number of students who enroll at NWTC after high school graduation . We have committed to working with our K12 districts to find innovative ways to bridge high school and college .
We consistently heard participants report NWTC as a vital community partner in their region .
President Raney
Student Needs . Helping students access NWTC at times means navigating complex community issues like access to licensed childcare providers , transportation , mental health support , and housing . There are other hidden barriers like confidence that must be addressed for students to find academic success . Many conversations explored opportunities to work with community-based organizations in new ways to remove barriers for students and ensure students will be successful at NWTC .
Over the coming months , NWTC will be developing its new strategic plan . The Community Conversations have identified new opportunities to ensure NWTC is responding to the needs of students and community partners .
Workforce Demand . Employers and industry partners consistently cited a shortage of skilled workers as an ongoing challenge . This shortage is compounded in rural regions , where attracting and retaining employees is harder than ever . Community members worry about not filling healthcare jobs , K12 teaching positions , and skilled trade jobs at local employers . NWTC is seen as a partner who can help close the gap between education and employment .
2024 NWTC . EDU 7