Robert Schwartz and Rachel Lipson on Community Colleges and Economic Mobility

Hardly Working with Brent Orrell

In recent years, confidence in higher education has plummeted. This decline has prompted a vigorous debate on the role of all types of post-secondary education.

In their recent book America’s Hidden Economic Engines: How Community Colleges Can Drive Shared Prosperity, Robert B. Schwartz and Rachel Lipson make the case for the value of community colleges. Surveying five case studies across the US–in Ohio, Virginia, Arizona, Texas, and Mississippi–they argue that community colleges serve as “engines” of social mobility for individuals and communities. Their research shows that community colleges have proven remarkably effective at mitigating economic inequality and promoting social engagement and economic development.

Today, Brent sits down with Lipson and Schwartz to discuss what their research means for students and policymakers.

Mentioned in this episode

Year Up

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Pathways to Prosperity Network

Lorain County Community College

Pima Community College

Lightcast

The Coleman Report

Raj Chetty

Opportunity Insights