View in EDS

More Than Maps: The Role of GIS in Institutional Research at Community and Technical Colleges.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: More Than Maps: The Role of GIS in Institutional Research at Community and Technical Colleges.
Authors: Jones, Roderick W.1 (AUTHOR) roderick.jones@kctcs.edu, Peterson, Carter1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Community College Journal of Research & Practice. Apr/May 2026, Vol. 50 Issue 5, p450-457. 8p.
Abstract: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer a powerful framework for visualizing and analyzing spatial data. In community college systems – where student populations are closely tied to local demographic and economic conditions, GIS is particularly valuable for strategic planning and resource allocation. The brief highlights the development and implementation of the Kentucky Education to Workforce GIS Application (KEWGIS), a statewide open-access tool designed by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) to inform decision-making across education and workforce sectors. Developed through a multi-agency collaboration, the platform combines demographic, socioeconomic, and labor market data at various geographic scales, including county, institution, and Census tract levels. It supports functions such as program alignment, outreach targeting, dual credit tracking, and enrollment and labor market forecasting. Through this case study, the brief demonstrates how GIS can bridge the gap between data and decision-making, supporting more responsive, equitable, and future-oriented institutional planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Community College Journal of Research & Practice is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
Description
Abstract:Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer a powerful framework for visualizing and analyzing spatial data. In community college systems – where student populations are closely tied to local demographic and economic conditions, GIS is particularly valuable for strategic planning and resource allocation. The brief highlights the development and implementation of the Kentucky Education to Workforce GIS Application (KEWGIS), a statewide open-access tool designed by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) to inform decision-making across education and workforce sectors. Developed through a multi-agency collaboration, the platform combines demographic, socioeconomic, and labor market data at various geographic scales, including county, institution, and Census tract levels. It supports functions such as program alignment, outreach targeting, dual credit tracking, and enrollment and labor market forecasting. Through this case study, the brief demonstrates how GIS can bridge the gap between data and decision-making, supporting more responsive, equitable, and future-oriented institutional planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:10668926
DOI:10.1080/10668926.2025.2527900