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Calhoun Community College Ranks #1 in the Nation

November 20, 2019

According to Economic Modeling Specialist International, also known as Emsi, Calhoun Community College ranks #1 in the United States in awarding degrees in Advanced Manufacturing. This includes all community colleges, technical colleges and universities across the country. The latest statistics show Calhoun awarded 220-Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Advanced Manufacturing over a one-year period.

According to John Holley, Calhoun’s Dean for Technologies, the college had a vision over ten years ago to develop the best Advanced Manufacturing program in the region. Today Calhoun surpassed that goal and now leads the nation in Advanced Manufacturing. It all started with a 3.5 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Labor from 2005-2008. School leaders totally revamped the curriculum and designed it to meet business and industry needs. “We are proud of what we have accomplished here at Calhoun Community College,” said Holley. “Our program is respected by area business and industry and our students have jobs waiting for them as soon as they take off their caps and gowns after graduation. They can make a good living to support a family and that’s what it’s all about.”

In recent years we’ve seen an increase in manufacturing, high-tech and defense jobs in our area. Calhoun Community College prepares students by mirroring what they can expect in the workplace. For example, students are required to put away their cellphones, use a time clock and wear uniforms, just as they would on the job. “We are proud not only to lead the region and the state, but the nation as well and that’s a big deal,” said Calhoun Interim President Dr. Joe Burke. “We plan to implement additional worked based learning programs and believe we are positioning ourselves to remain a leader in advanced manufacturing and workforce development. We look forward to meeting the challenges and remaining on the forefront of training the workforce for the region,” added Burke.

About Emsi

According to the company website, Economic Modeling Specialists International (Emsi) provides labor market data to professionals in higher education, economic development, workforce development, talent acquisition, and site selection. Emsi’s data covers more than 99% of the workforce and is compiled from a wide variety of government sources, job postings, and online profiles and résumés. Clients use Emsi data to solve a variety of problems: align programs with regional needs, equip students with career visions, understand regional economic and workforce activity, and find and hire the right talent. Headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, Emsi serves clients across the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. https://www.economicmodeling.com/

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