#United States #Sacramento #InsideTrack #California Reconnect #Adult learners

California Reconnect Initiative: A Lifeline for Adult Learners

In a groundbreaking move aimed at assisting adult learners in California, the California Reconnect initiative has emerged as a beacon of hope, allowing non-traditional students to return to higher education with remarkable success. Established in December 2022 by InsideTrack, a nonprofit organization dedicated to student success, this initiative has re-enrolled nearly 1,000 learners and answered the call of over 14,700 adults eager to complete their education.

Addressing the Needs of Adult Learners

The initiative recognizes the unique challenges faced by adult learners, particularly working parents and first-generation college students. "California Reconnect is designed not merely to encourage students to return to college, but to furnish them with the necessary tools and personalized coaching to navigate the often-daunting path to degree completion," says Ruth Bauer White, president of InsideTrack.

Currently, around 6.6 million residents in California have some college credits but lack a completed degree. With projections indicating that 40% of jobs in California will necessitate a bachelor's degree by 2030, the urgency to address this educational gap has never been more paramount. Experts forecast a shortfall of 1.1 million four-year degrees, posing a significant threat to the state's economic competitiveness.

A Collaborative Approach

The California Reconnect initiative has brought together a coalition of over 21 diverse institutions, encompassing community colleges and minority-serving institutions. During its first two years, it has showcased an impressive re-enrollment rate of 6.5%, significantly surpassing the national average of 2.1%. This achievement demonstrates the potential for cooperative efforts to create impactful educational pathways.

The cornerstone of California Reconnect's success is its personalized coaching model. This model, developed by InsideTrack over 20 years, has proven to yield considerable results. Statistics reveal that students who engage with a coach are more than six times as likely to re-enroll as those who do not. This highlights the critical importance of tailored support in re-engaging adult learners.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Initiative's Reach

Moving forward, California Reconnect aims to deepen its impact by sharing research insights, focusing on how various demographic factors influence re-enrollment rates. Additionally, the initiative is set to expand its collaboration with institutions across high-need regions in California, building on its existing partnerships.

Monica Green, Ed.D., president of Norco College, emphasizes that unlocking the potential of individuals who have started college but not completed is vital for California's economic future. By empowering adult learners to overcome their educational hurdles, the initiative not only fosters economic mobility but also enhances the vitality of communities throughout the state.

Funding and Support

The California Reconnect initiative has garnered substantial financial backing from the ECMC Foundation, Strada Education Foundation, and Kresge Foundation, enabling it to operate at a larger scale. Recent additions to its coalition of funders, including the College Futures Foundation, have provided much-needed resources to amplify its reach.

A Model for Other States

As more states recognize the value of reconnect programs, InsideTrack encourages others to adopt similar strategies to reconnect adult learners with education and economic opportunities. The collaborative model established in California could serve as an effective template for transformative educational initiatives nationwide.

For more details about California Reconnect and to participate in the initiative, visit InsideTrack’s website. By working together, we can help bridge the degree divide and create new pathways toward graduates who will meet California's and the nation’s workforce demands.