I've spent the last 5 years arguing with one of the colleges that I consult with about just that. They are trying to grow their adult education/community education (think GED, ESL, and 'interest classes' like woodworking, cooking, etc).
I have said for at least 5 years they need to rent (cheap) the space in the nearly defunct mall. It's right in the middle of town, with multiple bus routes. It's within walking distance of the community housing where elderly/low income folks live. It's perfect.
But they won't go for it because "the optic of us living in a retail space is not good". That's a quote from one of the administrators.
I don't get it. Community/junior colleges could absolutely saturate that kind of space with community based and educational events.
I have said for at least 5 years they need to rent (cheap) the space in the nearly defunct mall. It's right in the middle of town, with multiple bus routes. It's within walking distance of the community housing where elderly/low income folks live. It's perfect.
But they won't go for it because "the optic of us living in a retail space is not good". That's a quote from one of the administrators.
I don't get it. Community/junior colleges could absolutely saturate that kind of space with community based and educational events.