Community Colleges as Economic Engines describes the journey and incredible impact of the most influential and thorough economic impact model ever devised. The results yielded by economic impact studies are a stunning testament to the power and impact of our colleges, which must now be viewed as true economic engines and creators of wealth for both students and communities alike.

Noah J. Brown, president and Chief Executive Officer, Association of Community College Trustees

Kjell Christophersen and Hank Robinson together developed the gold standard for evaluating the public value—both socially and economically—of community colleges and other institutions of higher education. In layman’s terms, this highly accessible book describes what’s needed in any economic study of today’s colleges.

Cindy Kay Hough, retired Legislative Liaison and Trustees' Administrator, WA State Board for Community and Technical Colleges

Community Colleges as Economic Engines celebrates 20 years of progress in measuring the economic and social impacts of community colleges in this nation. The EIS helps measure the net cumulative impact of the college and shows the return on investment to the student and taxpayer. Results of the study can serve as a baseline for marginal analysis aimed at enhancing productivity on the campus and in the regional economy. This information is appreciated by public funders. The Washington State Senate passed a Resolution commending Walla Walla Community College’s (WWCC) work with EMSI for showing the economic and social benefits of their public investment in the college. Ongoing engagement with EMSI helped the college align its programs and services with emerging labor market needs contributing to regional economic success and recognition of WWCC as an Aspen Prize winner. Workforce development is a challenge of our time. Community colleges are the key linchpin to a more prosperous nation. This timely book provides information and insights that can help make a difference in closing the skills gap. The experience and lessons learned from completing over 2000 impact studies provide context for the author to address the “issues of the day” and reaffirm that community colleges are a smart public investment. If only I could have had a copy to read 20 years ago!

Steve VanAusdle, President Emeritus, Walla Walla Community College

In this book, Kjell Christophersen clearly articulates the value of community colleges to the economic and social fabric of our communities. It is a grand testimony to the complexity of our respective enterprises and those we serve. As one who has used Economic Impact Studies, I can attest to the fact that they have added immeasurably to our ability to clearly articulate impacts and value for the students, taxpayers and legislators we serve. As the complexity of the world in which we live and operate intensifies, this book provides leaders of community colleges and systems tools for accessing opportunities of the future.

Larry Keen, President of Fayetteville Technical Community College

Community Colleges as Economic Engines showcases how economic impact studies bring life to the stories that we share about our students and our colleges’ contributions to the nation’s economy. Having data that reinforces and showcases the impact of a community college on the unique community it serves is priceless. At the local and federal levels, I have used economic impact studies to illustrate the power of the community college. This book provides insights that help to deepen the understanding of the data that every community college president can use to advocate for their college.

Walter G. Bumphus, PhD, president and CEO, American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)

Understanding the value and use of economic impact studies (EIS) is essential for all community college leaders as our completion work moves into a new generation that focuses on the return on investment of high value credentials for students and the importance of measuring social metrics as well as capturing the cumulative workforce talent pipelines our colleges produce that strengthen the economic and civic fabric of their communities. Community Colleges as Economic Engines chronicles the important evolution of EIS models and the complexities of their design, the risks and benefits of their use, and the characteristics of their tools that can enrich important dialogue with key community college stakeholders.

Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO, Achieving the Dream, Inc., and President Emerita, Montgomery County Community College