Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Working Together: How Community Colleges and Their Partners Help Immigrants Succeed

Community colleges serve as a critical gateway to English-language instruction, higher education, workforce training, and civic engagement for many immigrants and refugees looking to gain an economic foothold in the labor market and integrate into the social fabric of their communities. 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. 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: It showcases the exemplary initiatives of community colleges and their partners working together at local and state levels 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. This book focuses on two key components of successful immigrant and refugee integration: multisector partnerships that have been essential for increasing immigrant and refugee students' college and career readiness and assuring their transition to further education, training, or jobs; and strategies related to replicating and scaling best-practice models and the policy implications involved. Review Working Together is the second volume in this companion series, chronicling the importance of strategic partnerships to foster career success and community stewardship among immigrant populations at community colleges. Each chapter recounts the opportunities and challenges community colleges face as they "address emerging economic and workforce challenges" (p. 3) while supporting the diverse needs of immigrants who are navigating the communities where they live and work. This study details how community colleges are the fabric of their communities and can be used as a resource for immigrants as they adjust to new lives in the US. Contributors further emphasize that community colleges are well positioned to maintain innovative and multi-sector partnerships that include programmatic funding and training to help immigrants develop workforce skills. Importantly, the stories recounted here highlight the spectrum of immigrant students, from those learning foundational workforce skills to those who are highly educated and looking to transition into the American workforce. Case studies and practical advice encourage practitioners to sustain initiatives that will support academic and career success for immigrant populations, as the collection describes how to successfully replicate and scale immigrant initiatives. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels.--CHOICE In the 21st century global knowledge economy, the only ticket to a middle class and a prosperous life is a post-secondary degree. At community and state colleges across the country, innovative and trend-setting initiatives and partnerships are full force ahead to ensure all individuals succeed, especially those who are new to our country. This book highlights the unique role these partnerships play in the growth and development of our communities, so that everyone has access to an equitable and prosperous future.--Eduardo J. Padrón Ph.D., President, Miami Dade College As America's workforce continues to diversify, community colleges are a critical provider of skills and opportunities for immigrants and refugees seeking to realize their fullest potential. The expertise and vision found in the pages of Working Together: How Community Colleges and Their Partners Help Immigrants Succeed will improve training opportunities and, in the end, help our newest citizens reach their American dream.--Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum, Washington, DC The Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education has provided a si