In order to support student and employee success, it is imperative for community college leaders at all levels to maximize access not only to educational resources, but also to services related to medical, mental health, employment, technology, housing, and child care needs. However, our institutions cannot be everything to everyone. By partnering with community organizations, colleges can ensure that those requiring it receive the assistance and support they need to be successful in class, at work, and in life.

This issue of Innovatus focuses on college efforts to enhance support for students and staff by bringing services to campuses via collaborations with nonprofits and other local agencies and departments. Suzanne Pfister addresses the benefit of partnering with community resources to address social conditions and improve student success. Kenneth Adams and Sunil Gupta write about the value of offering continuing education scholarships for students to gain high-demand skills and improve their employment options. Hudson County Community College’s Gateway to Innovation provides inclusive, high-quality programs and wraparound services to improve students’ opportunities for educational and employment success. Long Beach Community College offers a free after-school program for student caregivers to support their educational endeavors.

Innovatus was conceived by the League as a resource to spark conversations among college leaders, faculty, and staff about current issues affecting our field. Since 2018, the magazine has prompted stakeholders to consider what it means to be innovative and to think differently about how we serve students. This issue is a continuation of that effort; we hope you find its contents enlightening.

David Ross, Ph.D.

Chair, Board of Directors, League for Innovation in the Community College
President and CEO, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology