Evaluation of Richland College's Round 4 TAACCCT Grant

After years of instability, the manufacturing and electronics industry in the Dallas area has been making a comeback, creating a tight labor market with employers unable to locate qualified workers for available jobs.

In contrast to traditional factory jobs, the new manufacturing jobs require higher levels of training and rely on more advanced technology. To prepare students for this job market, Richland College, a community college in Dallas, received a $2.75 federal grant to reform its programs in manufacturing and electronics technology.

The grant used the following strategies to meet this goal:

• Develop and reform curriculum based on industry standards through online        modularized curriculum and use of prior learning assessments
• Improve opportunities for hands-on learning by purchasing new equipment and technology to upgrade facilities and integrate online learning and simulations
• Implement the student navigator model by hiring a navigator to provide advising and conduct outreach
• Recruit students, especially veterans and their families, through a marketing plan, referrals through job centers, and outreach through veterans-focused organizations
• Expand employer engagement through regular employer advisory board meetings, engagement with industry certifications, and development of work-based learning experiences.

The Rutgers Education & Employment Research Center (EERC) evaluated the project by conducting site visits and surveys of students, employers and workforce partners, and by analyzing student completion and employment outcomes.

Evaluation of Richland College's Veterans-Focused Engineering Technology Project Interim Report #1

Evaluation of Richland College's Veterans-Focused Engineering Technology Project Interim Report #2

Evaluation of Richland College's Veterans-Focused Engineering Technology Project Final Report

Evaluation of Richland College's Veterans-Focused Engineering Technology Project Executive Summary