#United States #Austin #Adult learners #ReUp Education #College Completion

States Struggle to Support Adult Learners

A recent study conducted by ReUp Education has shed light on the inadequate strategies employed by various states to support adult learners returning to college. As the need for skilled labor grows, addressing the educational needs of individuals aged 25 and older has become increasingly crucial. The report highlights that over 43 million American adults have earned some college credit but have yet to complete their degrees.

Dr. Kimberly Walker, Vice President for Government Strategy at ReUp Education, emphasizes that states are beginning to recognize the importance of adult learners: "Engaging adult learners has surpassed being a niche higher education issue and is now a fundamental workforce strategy." It is clear that states that implement coordinated and sustained systems are better positioned to enhance their economies and fill talent gaps.

The study presents the Adult Learner Engagement Index, a framework aimed at helping policymakers gauge their effectiveness in reaching and supporting adult learners. It evaluates three pivotal areas: Student Incentive Support, Institutional Innovation, and Outreach and Engagement. Each category includes numerous strategies for successful engagement, such as scholarships, policy revisions, and institutional incentives – all vital for creating an environment conducive to adult learner success.

Key Findings

The research uncovered several significant insights:

• - Fragmented Support: While many states provide support through individual programs, few have comprehensive, statewide strategies in place. Higher-performing states often implement multiple strategies simultaneously, fostering an ecosystem more conducive to success for adult learners.
• - Data-Driven Actions: An emphasis on data and analytics has become prevalent, although data alone cannot drive change. States must combine data with outreach, institutional support, and learner-centric policies for the best results.
• - Underutilized Incentives: Only 19 states have established incentives for educational institutions to enhance their efforts in enrolling and serving adult learners, which hampers the potential to create sustainable programs tailored for this demographic.

Recommendations for Policymakers

In light of these findings, the report proposes four actionable recommendations for state leaders:
1. Leverage Data: Utilize data analytics to inform statewide improvement strategies, including identifying trends in enrollment and workforce needs.
2. Conduct Inventory: Perform a comprehensive inventory of current adult learner initiatives to pinpoint existing programs and highlight gaps that require attention.
3. Centralize Initiatives: Appoint a central coordinating agency to streamline efforts, reduce fragmentation, and align educational strategies with workforce initiatives.
4. Cultivate Workforce Programs: Develop sustainable programs aimed at adult learners that lower barriers to entry and assist them at the crucial stage when they're considering returning to college.

"States cannot meet future workforce needs by focusing solely on traditional college students," states Terah Crews, CEO of ReUp Education. Adult learners are an untapped resource within communities that require tailored outreach to facilitate their return to education.

ReUp Education continues to expand its partnerships with institutions and states to address the re-enrollment challenges faced by adult learners. By focusing on personalized coaching and innovative outreach strategies, ReUp has already re-enrolled over 60,000 adults and facilitated the successful degree completion of many. The organization's efforts are vital for addressing the growing gap in skilled labor as the educational landscape rapidly evolves.

For more insights and to download the full report, visit ReUp Education’s website. Through ongoing initiatives, ReUp Education aims to ensure that millions of potential adult learners have the opportunity to achieve their educational and professional goals.