A new IIE white paper sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in India examines the implementation of the U.S. community college model in India and the opportunities for community colleges to help meet the workforce needs of local communities in the world’s third largest economy.

The U.S. Community College Model: Potential for Applications in India, edited by IIE/India Director Namrata Jha, reflects a focus on education to equip young people with the skills they need to compete globally and in new fields. In the United States, the community college system works with local industry to produce graduates with immediately applicable skills. This paper explores ways in which the model can be adapted to meet the huge demand of Indian students for higher education and realize the full potential of the youth dividend and the profound way a well-designed, country-wide community college system could advance India’s economic growth.

The paper was officially presented at the U.S.-India Higher Education Dialogue, held on June 25. Workforce development and continued India-U.S. higher education collaboration were key issues for discussion at the Higher Education Dialogue. The dialogue was co-chaired by Secretary Kerry and India’s HRD minister M.M. Pallam Raju. 

Read the full white paper.