Working with a safety net: Campus 'living labs' provide hands-on experiences, public benefits.

The article focuses on community colleges operating "living labs" that integrate hands-on experiences into public-facing businesses, such as zoos, hotels, and restaurants. Topics discussed include the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo in Florida, the hospitality arts program at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, and the cosmetology department salon at Alamance Community College in North Carolina, highlighting the practical training and public benefits provided by these programs.