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Transforming Lives: Minnesota's New Pathway Initiative for College Stopouts

In an inspiring development for education access, a collaboration between ReUp Education, Minneapolis College, Saint Paul College, and Metro State University is set to assist adult learners in Minnesota. This initiative, launched on March 27, 2025, strives to provide opportunities for those who have previously halted their education to return, earn their degrees, and progress in their careers. The program is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, marking a first in the region that combines the efforts of two community colleges and a four-year university.

Bridging the Gap for Adult Learners

Many Minnesotans face challenges that lead them to stop out of college, including balancing jobs, family responsibilities, and financial constraints. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, over 600,000 residents in Minnesota have attended college but did not complete their credentials. This newly formed partnership seeks to address the barriers faced by these individuals, offering them the necessary support to achieve their educational goals.

Carrie Carroll, Associate Vice President of Strategic Enrollment at Metro State University, emphasizes that this program acknowledges the realities of full-time workers and parents who may wish to return to education but require help to do so. The goal is not just to get students back into colleges, but to provide them with essential tools, resources, and continuous encouragement to succeed.

Resources and Support Offered

Through the collaboration, ReUp Education will leverage its advanced data analytics and outreach strategies, combined with live coaching. This approach will help students from Minneapolis College and Saint Paul College to navigate their re-enrollment process effectively. Once they achieve their associate degrees, students will have the option to transition to Metro State University for bachelor’s degrees, thereby enhancing their career prospects.

Heidi Aldes, Dean of Enrollment Management at Minneapolis College, highlights the importance of personalized coaching which will be instrumental in assisting students to overcome hurdles that have previously kept them from finishing their education. By providing targeted guidance, the partnership aims to bolster re-enrollment and ensure students achieve their career aspirations.

A Vision for the Future

As part of a larger commitment to create innovative pathways for Minnesotans, including sustainability initiatives like the North Star Promise, this pilot program will help advance regional growth by improving degree attainment among adult learners. Greg Mellas, Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts at Saint Paul College, expresses the significance of collaborative efforts between Twin Cities’ higher education institutions in fostering a well-educated workforce that is crucial for local economic prosperity.

Terah Crews, CEO of ReUp Education, remarks that this initiative is about inspiring and empowering students to move forward in their educational journeys. The program has the potential to transform community education systems across the nation, showing how institutions can unite to enhance access to higher education for all demographics, especially those who may not have had the traditional path after high school.

In an era where the higher education landscape is rapidly evolving to meet labor market demands, programs like these not only aid in re-engaging learners but also lay the groundwork for a future where higher education is more accessible, effectively facilitating economic mobility. With personalized support, ReUp Education continues to identify and dismantle barriers faced by adult learners returning to education, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. Having already supported over 1.3 million stopout learners across 140 institutional partnerships, ReUp’s dedication to educational re-engagement is proving its worth.

For additional information about ReUp Education and this initiative, you can visit ReUp Education’s website.