Date of Award

2002

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

Many believe that if America is to remain a world leader inEducation, business and economic development reform is necessary. Throughout America's history entrepreneurship has been the catalyst for its unprecedented economic growth. Economic development has always been a major focus of community colleges. Hence, this study explored the question: Do community collegeEducational stakeholders believe that the introduction and development of programs that improve the interface between community colleges and small business development play a significant role in improving community collegeEducational programs?” This study analyzed survey data collected fromEducational stakeholders, at Ivy Tech State College and Oakton Community College. The Chi-Square analysis method was employed. The results of this analysis provides community colleges decision makers (those who make decisions about programs and their level of funding) valuable data to consider as they explore this question. This study investigated views about integrating entrepreneurshipEducation into community colleges programs from the perspective of community college students and staff. It also investigates differences in student's views based on their age, ethnicity, gender and the community college they attend. The results clearly indicate that stakeholders view entrepreneurshipEducation positively and see it as a subject area that should be included in community college programs. This study found that a considerable number of community college students have an interest in starting a business, but few have taken business or entrepreneurshipEducation courses. Most students and staff indicate that there are gaps in knowledge about entrepreneurship, and most believe a stronger interface between business andEducation improves community collegeEducational programs. Therefore, this study suggests community colleges move forward with inclusion strategies and expand their research in the area of entrepreneurshipEducation. By including entrepreneurship in community college programs, America will no-doubt retain its stature as a world leader in the area of entrepreneurship and business development.

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