Supporting local entrepreneurial ecosystems through community college continuing education: a guide for leaders

Entrepreneurship education is a relatively new field of study, having only begun to be
taught after World War II at the request of the United States government. Entrepreneurship is a
driving force for any country because entrepreneurs influence a nation’s economy by providing
jobs and new innovations. The field of study has grown and transformed over the past seven
decades. Having been a popular topic of study in universities, community colleges followed suit
and began offering courses as well. Community colleges are influential over their local districts
because of proximity and ability to meet community needs, providing relevant degrees and
certificates to the local workforce. Community colleges also have Continuing Education and
workforce programs that are offered, as well, to bring new types of training and needed
professional development to the college district. Because the field of entrepreneurship education
is broad, including numerous methodologies and teaching practices, it may be difficult for
Continuing Education leaders to know how to begin engaging the community and providing a
style of training that benefits the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This dissertation seeks to help
Continuing Education leaders have a better understanding of entrepreneurship in their local
districts by providing a Guide for leaders. This Guide was based on the available literature
regarding entrepreneurship education in universities, which was abundant, as well as the less
plentiful research conducted about community colleges or within Continuing Education units