University of North Carolina Expands Support for Adult Learners Returning to College

Expanding Educational Opportunities for Adult Learners

The University of North Carolina (UNC) System has made a significant move to enhance its support for adult learners in North Carolina by expanding its partnership with ReUp Education. This initiative signifies a commitment to re-engage adults who previously attended college but did not finish their degrees, a critical talent pool that has been largely overlooked.

A Clear Mission

Shun Robertson, the senior vice president for strategy and policy at UNC, stated, "Engaging and supporting adult learners is central to our mission of expanding access and opportunity through higher education." The UNC System recognizes that education is not just a personal issue; it’s a community and economic concern as well. With over 1.1 million residents in North Carolina having some college credits but lacking a credential, the opportunity to revitalize the workforce while boosting economic growth is significant.

This expanded commitment involves enhanced coaching and resources for learners returning to college, thereby ensuring they receive the proper guidance through their educational journey. Furthermore, the renewal aims to alleviate regional opportunity gaps and better align the state's workforce needs with educational offerings.

Successful Outcomes So Far

The partnership, initially launched in 2023, has already made strides in the state. In its first two years, the collaboration has successfully assisted over 4,200 individuals in re-enrolling in UNC institutions. By reengaging these learners, the initiative is expected to foster substantial economic impacts, contributing an estimated $46 million to North Carolina's economy through projected increases in salary and job opportunities for graduates.

Terah Crews, the CEO of ReUp Education, highlighted the importance of this initiative by stating, "As a native North Carolinian and UNC alum, I’m inspired by the opportunity to help learners across the state return to college and complete their degrees." Her personal experience with a non-traditional educational path has intensified her commitment to supporting adult learners, showcasing the powerful potential of completing what was started.

Best Practices and Future Goals

To further bolster this initiative, the UNC System has outlined a comprehensive strategy that will provide additional coaching services to those who return to the academic fold. The idea is to see learners not just re-enroll but also successfully complete their degrees. This partnership will operate alongside ten universities within the UNC System, including notable institutions such as Appalachian State University and UNC Charlotte.

With a focus on individualized support through coaching, this initiative could serve as a model for similar programs nationwide. ReUp Education has a proven track record in supporting adult learners, having re-enrolled over 50,000 individuals and helping institutions recover more than $156 million in lost tuition revenue.

Community Impact

For the UNC System and its partners, the focus is clear: close the gaps in education for adult learners, thereby enhancing workforce readiness across North Carolina. By addressing the barriers that prompted individuals to stop out of academia, the initiative aims to build a skilled labor force capable of tackling emerging challenges in various sectors, enhancing the overall economic outlook for the state.

In summary, the renewed partnership between the UNC System and ReUp Education represents a crucial step forward in supporting adult learners. This initiative not only addresses individual aspirations but also aligns with broader economic goals, ensuring that the North Carolina workforce remains competitive and robust.

For those interested in taking the next steps in completing their degrees, more information and support can be found at ReUp Education.