Community college trustees can bolster regional innovation, but a critical gap persists between boardroom intent and on-the-ground execution, a report released today by New America and the Association of Community College Trustees finds.
The report, backed by JPMorgan Chase under the Accelerator for Community Colleges in the Innovation Economy, reveals near-universal agreement that economic development is central to the two-year college mission.
New survey data highlights stark systemic bottlenecks. While over 40% of trustees cite regional economic improvement as their primary motivation for serving, nearly half admit they have never supported local efforts to recruit or retain regional employers. A glaring perception gap exists in the boardroom: 20% of trustees view their boards as extremely engaged in economic development, but only 14% of college presidents agree.
According to the brief, the roadblocks stalling progress include a severe lack of funding, constrained staff capacity, and an information vacuum from public sector partners. Most presidents report that federal agencies communicate poorly about investments, creating a massive disconnect regarding landmark initiatives like NSF Regional Innovation Engines or EDA Tech Hubs.
This communication breakdown is colliding with massive anxiety surrounding AI and rapid technological shifts, leaving 38% of presidents admitting their institutions are less than moderately prepared to handle tech-based economic development.
To bridge these gaps, leaders are urging an immediate shift away from basic, reactive training models.
“From AI to quantum ecosystems to the bioeconomy, community colleges have a critical role to play in efforts to not only respond to discrete needs of employer partners but to actively partner on efforts that grow their local economy, especially around advanced technologies,” said Shalin Jyotishi, Founder and Director of New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative.
National groups argue that fixing this governance breakdown is particularly urgent for rust-belt and rural areas facing systemic economic stagnation.
“In regions where poverty and inequity can limit access to opportunity, 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,” Monroe Community College President DeAnna Burt-Nanna said.
Ultimately, turning these high-tech investments into localized community wealth requires funding bodies to step back and trust regional decision-makers.
“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,” Austin Community College Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart said.
