Around the region, numerous training and education programs connect students and the unemployed with careers in healthcare. But a new report says community colleges and the health care sector in eastern Massachusetts are missing their mark. It states that employers and colleges need to provide more information to students to help them make wiser course choices while in school. It also recommends that high schools, colleges, and employers connect more frequently about specific job requirements and the training needed. The health care sector is among the largest employers in Boston. That's not the case in western Massachusetts, but many community college students in this part of the state are training to become medical assistants, certified nurse aids, and dental assistants. New England Public Radio's Jill Kaufman spoke with Springfield Technical Community College president Ira Rubenzahl about the report. He told her the relationship between schools and employers in this part of the state is not the same as in the east. The report from Boston Healthcare Careers Consortium: "Critical Collaboration: Improving Education and Training Pathways to Careers in Health Care"
Morning Edition Extra for November 18, 2011
This week on Morning Edition Extra, a closer look at Facebook threats at high schools around the region; a self appointed advocate helps southern Vermonters with their FEMA paperwork; commentator T. Susan Chang puts her garlic to bed; and running for pie at Northfield Mount. Hermon, plus this week's round up of Voices in the News.
You can also find some of these stories posted in the feature and commentary sections of NEPR.NET
Running for Pie
It was the 121st running of one of the oldest "foot races" in the country this week , on the campus of Northfield Mount Hermon. To the victor go the spoils — pie, that is.
Facebook Threats hit Northern Berkshire County High Schools
This week and last week, Facebook was used to make threats at high schools in Northampton, MA, North Adams, MA, and five other Berkshire County high schools. NEPR's Jill Kaufman reports.
Self Appointed Advocate Helps Vermonters through FEMA Paperwork
Four weather disasters have hit the region since last winter, and residents are facing extra hardships as they prepare for the cold months ahead. In southern Vermont, more than two months after Tropical Storm Irene caused widespread flooding, many are still repairing their homes. As Nancy Cohen reports from Brattleboro, a self appointed advocate is helping some residents navigate FEMA paperwork, in order to get needed cash and other assistance.
Food Writer T. Susan Chang on Garlic and the Long Winter Ahead
Although the afternoons can still be golden, it's dark by dinner time. For commentator and food writer T. Susan Chang – the changing light is a reminder to plant garlic before the soil freezes. Chang – who lives in Leverett, MA, — has a new book; it's called "A Spoonful of Promises."