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Securing Sufficient Funding and Robust Community Partnerships in the United States: Prerequisites for Innovative Programming

David A. Housel, EdD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8638-5970 [email protected], Hannah Weinstock, MPP, […], Chandana Mahadeswaraswamy, MEd, MA, and Paula DaSilva-Michelin, EdD+1View all authors and affiliations
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https://doi.org/10.1177/10451595261438069

Abstract

Creative and innovative programming is critical in addressing both the vocational aspirations of adult learners as well as any existing disconnects among employable talent, local labor market needs, and emerging industry-sector trends. Beyond quality programming with impactful instruction and targeted preparation for the workforce, securing and sustaining sufficient funding and establishing and maintaining community partnerships from referral sources to employers for program graduates are essential. This more in-depth inquiry was an outgrowth and included the same participants as one completed previously by the authors (Housel et al., 2024). The initial inquiry focused exclusively on the development of cutting-edge programming but not its connections to available funding sources, governmental and private, nor to the range of community partners required for innovative programming to be successful. The purpose of this exploration was to provide practical guidance and suggestions around identifying, applying for, and sustaining funding as well as nurturing and maintaining community partnerships. The lessons revealed through this inquiry could guide the creation of programming by using a variety of funding sources and community partners. Similarly, the strategies embedded in these lessons could also be modified to accommodate the requirements of local communities, funding sources, and industry sectors elsewhere within the United States as well as internationally.

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Biographies

David A. Housel is the Director of the CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP) at LaGuardia Community College. He has worked in the field of adult literacy, primarily with adult, immigrant emergent bi/multilingual learners (EBLs), for over 24 years and has been a licensed social worker in the State of New York for 36 years. Dr. Housel has an Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership from Hunter College (CUNY).
Hannah Weinstock is the Senior Director of Workforce Development at LaGuardia Community College and is dedicated to preparing New Yorkers from every background for the jobs of the future by working collaboratively to strengthen the career pathway ecosystem across the New York metro area. Ms. Weinstock has a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and speaks English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.
Chandana Mahadeswaraswamy is the Senior Director of Career and Professional Programs at LaGuardia Community College. Her innovative programming focuses on designing and implementing industry-informed workforce development initiatives in high demand sectors. Ms. Mahadeswaraswamy earned master’s degrees in education from the University of Massachusetts and in English literature from the University of Hyderabad, India.
Paula DaSilva-Michelin, Program Director of the Center for Immigrant Education and Training at LaGuardia Community College, was awarded the New York Times ESOL Teacher of the Year and received a City of New York Proclamation for outstanding work in the educational field from the City Council of New York. Dr. DaSilva-Michelin has an Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation from New York University.
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