#United States #Higher Education #Springfield #Adult learners #ReUp Education

Illinois Launches Initiative to Support Adult Learners

In a significant move to bolster educational access, Illinois has launched a new initiative aimed at encouraging adults to return to college and complete their degrees. Led by ReUp Education, a recognized authority in college re-enrollment and workforce readiness, this statewide effort will address the needs of residents who have some college experience but lack a credential.

CEO of ReUp Education, Terah Crews, expressed enthusiasm regarding the initiative, stating, "We are thrilled to be working to make a difference in the lives of adult learners in Illinois. By collaborating with various colleges across the state, we aim to help residents achieve their academic and professional goals, thereby enhancing the economic competitiveness of Illinois and its communities."

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, which reveals that over 43 million Americans have incomplete college credits. These individuals have invested time and money in their education but have not attained the economic benefits that a degree or credential provides. With projections indicating that 70% of jobs in Illinois will demand postsecondary education or training by 2031, the initiative to create pathways for degree completion has never been more critical.

Adult learners often encounter various challenges, including the financial burden of college, the need to balance work and family responsibilities, and a lack of guidance for re-enrollment. To combat these issues, ReUp's initiative will introduce an Illinois re-enrollment marketplace. This platform will offer comprehensive support throughout the students' journey—from initial outreach to graduation—ensuring that returning learners can effectively navigate barriers related to cost, time, and uncertainty.

Under this initiative, more than 200,000 Illinois residents will gain access to ReUp’s resources and coaching services. The organization is partnering with numerous public colleges and universities statewide, including notable institutions such as Black Hawk College, Illinois State University, and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. In addition to these new partnerships, existing collaborators like Chicago State University and Northern Illinois University will also be joining the initiative.

The importance of this initiative is echoed by State Rep. Katie Stuart, Chair of the Illinois House Higher Education Committee, who remarked, "Building a brighter future requires us to confront the economic realities faced by Illinois families. This partnership with an established leader in adult education will guide more individuals towards skills training for high-paying jobs."

ReUp Education has a strong track record of success. Over the past three years, they have successfully reenrolled more than 2,300 stopped-out learners at existing partnered institutions, with 265 students completing their degrees. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by Illinois to lead in Midwest education and workforce training, aiding residents in achieving educational success while concurrently addressing local job market needs.

As societal demands and workforce landscapes evolve, ReUp Education continues to expand its initiatives to better support adult learners across the nation. Since 2023, the organization has assisted over 40,000 adult learners in re-enrollment and now provides access to their platform for more than 1.8 million stopout learners.

To learn more about ReUp Education and its impact on adult learning, visit their official website at www.reupeducation.com.