Accessing Resources through Consortium Arrangements / Gustavo A. Mellander and Fred Prochaska.

In an effort to pool resources and funds, West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD) has found the consortia approach to developing new programs and services to be extremely efficient and effective. Employer-based training programs, drug abuse education, articulation agreements, apprenticeship programs, and economic development programs are a few of the types of activities which have been successfully accomplished through consortia efforts at WVMCCD. These partnership programs encourage the pooling of facilities, employees, and other resources, and can significantly reduce duplication of effort. In addition, in almost all cases, a consortium proposal has a superior chance to receive funding in a competitive situation. Drawing from the past experiences of WVMCCD, this paper offers guidelines for other colleges interested in becoming consortium partners. The sections of the paper cover: (1) the advantages of consortia arrangements in the development and implementation of programs; (2) strategies for organizing consortium arrangements; (3) sources of funding for consortium projects; (4) examples of successful consortium projects; (5) suggestions for consortium organizers; and (6) concluding tips to help consortium partners keep their pooled efforts on track. Appendixes (the bulk of the document) include the memorandum of agreement for GAIN (Greater Avenues to Independence) Consortium, the Intel Corporation/Mission College Cooperative employer-based training project application, an example of a contract education program, and an articulation arrangement. (VVC)

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.