Community College Endless Improvement Journey: Building an Airplane in the Sky
By Rick Aman onReflecting on my experiences as an Air Force pilot, a former community college president, and a practitioner of the “plan-do-study-act” continuous improvement model; I’m reminded of the iconic 2000 Electronic Data Systems (EDS) Super Bowl commercial - “Building the Airplane in the Sky.” This concept has always resonated with me as an analogy for how we drive improvement and change in community colleges. It vividly represents what community colleges do every day, in communities across the nation.
This classic commercial and metaphor, that you can see at YouTube video, illustrates the challenge of creating, innovating, and adapting in real-time; something at which community colleges excel. As we enter the fall, with Inservice for faculty and the promise of a new semester ahead, this analogy feels especially relevant.
Community colleges are the backbone of our educational system, providing accessible, skill-based, and affordable education to millions. Their impact is particularly significant now, given their inherent nimbleness. These institutions are constantly evolving, responding to the needs of students, employers, and society at large; all while the "plane" of teaching and learning remains in flight.
Adapting in Real-Time
Community colleges continually adapt their programming and student services to meet the ever-changing demands of the job market, the technical needs of employers, and the students’ need for an affordable skill set that leads to family-wage jobs. Whether it’s launching new courses in fields like cybersecurity, renewable energy, health professions, or collaborating with local businesses to offer practical, hands-on training, our colleges are always in motion, adjusting their missions to navigate the winds of change. A particularly striking example of this is in the field of cybersecurity where the “half-life” of a college degree is less than two years; meaning half of what a graduate learned in school is outdated within that timeframe.
As in the YouTube video where each component of the airplane is added mid-flight, community colleges are constantly innovating and improving without losing momentum. They stay nimble, respond to emerging trends, and prepare students for jobs that may not even exist yet, all while maintaining the core structure that supports student success.
Navigating with Real-Time Adjustments
For community colleges, innovation isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity, and ideally, a defining feature of our institutions. As industries evolve with new technologies and global shifts, so too must the skills provided by community colleges. Two-year colleges lead the way by integrating cutting-edge technology into their classrooms, offering hands-on, competency-based programs, flexible learning options like online courses, and employer-based training where students can learn while they earn.
This approach is analogous to adding the latest equipment and instrumentation to an airplane mid-flight. It’s about continuously upgrading the "airplane" of education to ensure it’s equipped to meet the needs of future graduates who are always on the horizon.
Charting the Course for the Future
Looking ahead, the challenges will only grow more complex. But community colleges are uniquely positioned to meet these trends head-on. By staying adaptable, fostering innovation, and supporting students in achieving their goals, they’re not just building an airplane in the sky, they’re equipping our future workforce.
In essence, community colleges are the foundation of our educational system. As they navigate the skies, community colleges are constantly refining and enhancing their value that will propel our students and our economy forward. As post-secondary leaders, it is imperative that we continue to support and champion these vital institutions, recognizing the pivotal role they play in sustaining our progress in an ever-changing world.