Resources+-+Case+Studies+-+Maine+Network+Partners—Franklin+Community+College+Network

//Overview//
“The Franklin County Community College Network (FCCCN) believes that an educated workforce equipped with the skills required to compete in the 21st century global market is the cornerstone to economic development. The network was created in 2005 by several community leaders who, recognizing that education can be a path out of poverty, decided to establish a community college-like presence in Franklin County. Through community forums and gatherings, a strategic alliance developed among leaders in business, economic development, education, social services, and health care to address the training and educational needs of Franklin County’s residents.

Historically, access to training and education for Franklin County residents required travel to such an extent that it prohibited many residents from pursuing it. Franklin County is large and rural, and the majority of students who enroll in courses offered through the Network work full time. These circumstances contributed to the need for in-County educational alternatives. The FCCCN considers its keys to success to include:
 * Lowering the cost of education;
 * Establishing educational sites in local communities so distance in rural Franklin County won’t be a barrier to anyone getting an education;
 * Developing a culture where post-secondary education is valued.

The core partners of the network include Franklin County Adult Education, Central Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Farmington, the Franklin Community Health Network, Greater Franklin County Development Corporation, the Department of Labor’s WorkReady™ program, and the Franklin County public schools" ("FCCCN Evaluation Outcomes,” Carol Martin, Dec 2010).


 * //“//** The network partners are all familiar with the expertise that each brings to the network. Members of the network espouse these values: maintaining a high level of trust; tapping each partner’s passion and expertise; remaining mission- focused; and [|building a ‘flat’ network with minimal hierarchy].

People can come and go in this network and be connected both formally and informally. The core partners meet quarterly to identify needs and establish projects and workgroups come together to focus on student services/support, marketing, and resource development. At other times, someone may step forward to take on a role that is needed for a specific project.

The network sees itself as building pathways for Franklin County’s residents, with core partners in the role of surveyor. Betty Gensel, the Network Liaison, spends her time weaving together relationships, information, and logistical planning. There is no ‘bricks and mortar’ component with the network’s name on it. Education/training happens at businesses, public schools, hospitals, churches, CareerCenters – wherever makes the most sense for people to gather" (Maine Network Partners Web site, //Network Stories,// October 2010)

//Results://

 * Since fall 2005, 680 students have been trained through this network; the same time period, matriculation rates have increased from 21% to 75% (//Network Stories//, 2010)
 * //“//Network participants’ in-kind work in network work groups and quarterly network meetings helps to keep the cost of classes low. The calculations suggest that for each course registration, a minimum of $152.00 of costs are contained/avoided through in-kind donations by network participants" (FCCCN Evaluation Outcomes.”)
 * FCCCN has inspired local leaders to adopt a network approach to other work. For example, Franklin County leaders are bringing this approach to the local tourism network.

//Lessons Learned://

 * //Map the network//. When the FCCN was two years old, they engaged Marilyn Darling to develop an emergent learning map for the network – a visual representation of what the network already knows. The map revealed how much the group had accomplished with relatively limited resources, bolstering its commitment to working with a networked mindset.
 * //Readiness for a network approach is important to success//. FCCN founding members had taken part in collaboration workshops and were familiar with a network approach. They also shared a sense of frustration with the limited progress in the adult education space, and were willing to try something new.
 * //Focus on doing (rather than theory)//. FCCN founding members steered clear of talking too extensively about network strategy, instead focusing their efforts on a bootstrap approach to getting things done
 * At the same time, there is untapped potential “for leveraging and advancing relationships made through network affiliation.” One recommendation that came out of the final evaluation was for FCCCN to host “an explicit group discussion regarding the power of network connection repurposing"(FCCCN Evaluation Outcomes”).

Questions Addressed:

 * //How to assess “network readiness”?//
 * //What are the characteristics of healthy networks?//
 * //How / when to align / engage with other funders/ networks in the field?//

Sources:

 * FCCCN Website
 * Maine Network Partners Website
 * Conversation with Warren Cook, March 2011
 * FCCCN Final Evaluation Document, Dec 2010