The #1 Problem for 2-Year Electonic Programs

I don't have to tell you what it is.  We all know it and  yet little is being done to solve it.  I am referring to lack  of new enrollments.  My recent ETD Listserv survey confirmed that, in general, enrollments were down or flat at best in most U.S. programs.  Only 38% of those responding indicated an increasing enrollment.  All schools need a steady stream of new students to justify the faculty, facilities and equipment.  And what about the employer needs?  Where will the graduates come from if there are no students?  Here's the way I see it.

• The jobs seem  to be there.  I regularly see ads for techs of all sorts.  Most schools also seem to indicate the availability of jobs.  Positions are going unfilled. 
• If jobs are available but enrollments are still down, maybe the school is not responding to local company needs with appropriate courses or programs.  Is that you?
• Do you have a plan to promote your program?  If not, time to make one.  Common issue:  No time or money to do this.  Excuses...
• One major issue is high school advisors are not promoting tech jobs or education.  They push four-year degree programs in engineering not two-year degrees for techs.  Yet this is a good maybe even a best option for many students.  Go talk to the advisors and tell them the benefits.
• STEM does not seem to address the technician.  Most STEM initiatives promote engineering and four-year degrees.  What we need is a technician STEM effort.
• Another factor that I hear over and over again is that prospects for college do not know what electronic technology is or has only a vague idea of it.  They also don't know what a tech is or what he or she actually does.  Many tech  jobs go by more specific names like computer tech, cable TV tech, manufacturing tech, robotics tech, cellular wireless tech and so on.  Not electronic tech.   Not sure what the solution is here.  It has to do with educating the potential clients and high school advisors as well.

So there it is.  The needs are still there.  The solution being  your program is there.  Now how do we get the two together?  Someone needs to seek a grant for this problem.  The solution helps students, employers, the job growth, and the colleges.  A have your cake and eat it too event. 

What are your thoughts?

Lou