Make funding for programs contingent upon articulation agreements. Giving first preference in funding new programs that have cooperation agreements with other colleges, universities and school districts. Community colleges definitely have been retooling to meet the demands of this crucial industry. Again, the scale of the skills gap is so large, much more needs to be done. The programs that demonstrated the most demand for their programs could receive funding to expand their capacity.
Capacity is still inadequate.
Expanding curriculum offers another mechanism for expanding capacity at this level as well. E. Create a faculty recruitment and retention fund to increase salaries for community college and university faculty in high tech fields. It is difficult for educational institutions to expand capacity if they are unable to recruit and retain faculty. High skilled faculty are being lured away by high paying jobs in the industry or to other colleges and universities that are beginning to offer salaries competitive with industry. A fund would be created to make these salaries more competitive in both community colleges and universities.