The competitive world that awaits us

You don't need to be an economist or sociologist to understand that the world, and our piece of it, has changed. The evidence is all around us.

We have gone from an old economy built around manufacturing to a new one built around technology, from an old economy where advanced skills were not essential ingredients of the good life to a new one where millions could be left behind and left out.

Our world, and our piece of it, has changed. In fact, it is changing at such a rapid pace that it is difficult to keep up with it all. Any of us trying to master the functions on a phone or the buttons on a television remote control understand the challenge.

And that change is going to continue. In fact, the unsettling pace will only accelerate.

We heard one report the other day that new technology is replacing old technology so fast that by the time a baccalaureate student completes four years of college, half of what he or she learned will be outdated.

Imagine that. Think about the implications.

Is it any wonder that the world, and our piece of it, is on edge?

It is easy to be intimidated by that change. It is tempting to throw up your hands and give up.

One man who doesn't is Kenneth L. Ender, the new president of Harper College in Palatine. Spend an hour, as we did recently, listening to Ender talk about the challenge of this blistering change and you'll come away impressed by the magnitude of the challenge but also inspired that solutions are possible if we roll up our sleeves.

Harper College plays an important role in this as a prominent educational institution in the suburbs. But as the catalyst that he hopes to be, Ender understands in a refreshing way that Harper does not play the only role. The community college cannot do it alone.

"The college," he says, "has to be a partner."

Earlier this month, the college began planting the seeds of community collaboration. It held a series of discussions on preparing the global work force and building a partnership for student success.

In doing so, Ender reached out to educational institutions and community leaders from around the suburbs. Clearly, Ender understands that to meet the challenges of the 21st century, collaboration is needed between K-12 schools, community colleges, four-year institutions, adult education programs and work force systems.

Ender's aim is daunting yet simple: Build community through student success.

Count us in.

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