How to Survive and Thrive as a Community College Consortium

Some state and regional study abroad and international education-based consortia of community colleges have been struggling to remain operational. Key outside factors that have created trials include the United States' (US) economic downturn that ensued from 2007-2009, ongoing regulations set by government officials, and internal logistical challenges such as changes in leadership at member institutions, alterations in financial aid requirements, and emphasis placed on degree completion. There has been much analysis on “why” these consortia exist in the field; in contrast, this chapter focuses on “how” they persist. The Maryland Community College International Education Consortium (MCCIEC) is one of the nation's state consortia that continue to be active and flourish, navigating through economic trials, governmental policies that offset international student entry in to American higher education, and common logistical issues; this chapter uses MCCIEC as an illustrative model to show how community college consortia may function to prosper. MCCIEC uses four main approaches—1) gaining higher administrative buy-in, 2) encouraging full institutional support at membership colleges, 3) incorporating strong incentives for member activity, and 4) stimulating growth—to not only survive, but to thrive.