Date of Award

1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Education

First Advisor

Michael Castro

Second Advisor

Thomas Dehner

Third Advisor

Gareth Gardiner

Abstract

As St. Charles County continues to grow, more businesses and industries are locating here. Companies often require specialized training for their employees. When companies train their employees, firms will often utilize outside services or consulting firms. With many companies downsizing, many individuals face a mid-life career change. They need to learn new skills, but do not have the time or capital to return to school full time.

Both companies and individuals desire to gain knowledge of new technologies, but not necessarily in the traditional classroom setting with the pressure of homework assignments and tests. While St. Charles County Community College is a two-year accredited community college, it can also offer adults continued learning in a non-accredited format. What companies and individuals do not realize is that the community college can offer in-depth training of technical skills at more affordable prices than other training establishments.

St. Charles County Community College has been a part of the community for nearly a decade and it does have a Continuing Education Division with a Business & Industry Institute in place. These components want to gain greater public acceptance as a competitive training provider. This project examines methods to market and campaign both the Continuing Education Division and the Business & Industry Institute at St. Charles County Community College so they may enjoy greater success.

The project introduces the concept of adult education describing the challenges and goals of the Continuing Education Division at the local community college. The history of the community college system is examined. Survey responses from local businesses and academic/professional trainers are analyzed. Continuing education courses offered by St. Charles County Community College are compared to other training providers.

Price structure, brochure design, public relations strategies and course format are among the suggested changes recommended to St. Charles County Community College Continuing Education Division. Other suggestions include the purchase of a portable computer lab and advertising to increase public awareness.

Response to the recommended changes and reflections about the project closes the discussion.

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