Transforming Adult Education Engagement in Rural Colleges
Introduction to the Initiative
In an effort to better support adult learners, Lumina Foundation has partnered with CollegeAPP and StrategyForward Advisors to launch a groundbreaking initiative. This project, known as the Rural Community College Adult Learner Engagement initiative, is aimed at six rural community colleges focused on redefining how they reach out and enroll adult students. This collaboration seeks to understand the unique challenges faced by adults who have previously attended college but did not complete their degrees.
The Challenge of Adult Learners
There are over 43 million adults in the United States aged 25 to 64 who have some college experience but have not attained a degree. This demographic faces barriers that often prevent them from re-engaging in educational pursuits. The initiative's objective is to learn effective ways to attract these adults back into the educational fold, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their academic goals.
Participating Colleges
The initiative will involve six diverse institutions committed to enhancing their recruitment and engagement strategies. These colleges are:
- Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Alabama
- BridgeValley Community & Technical College in West Virginia
- Columbia Gorge Community College in Oregon
- South Central College in Minnesota
- Manhattan Area Technical College in Kansas
- Athens Technical College in Georgia
Goals of the Project
Over a span of two years, the selected colleges will engage in a systematic approach to transform their outreach models. The key goals of this initiative include:
- Identifying the characteristics and needs of potential adult students interested in furthering their education.
- Developing effective marketing strategies leveraging social media and digital platforms to reach prospective students.
- Creating comprehensive marketing plans aimed at increasing enrollment.
- Understanding how these institutions are perceived by adult learners and adapting their branding accordingly.
- Formulating sustainability plans to ensure ongoing support for adult recruitment efforts.
- Facilitating knowledge sharing among participating colleges to amplify successful strategies across the sector.
Expert Insights
Mary Laphen Pope, a strategy officer at Lumina, highlighted the importance of community colleges, remarking, "In many rural communities, community colleges are still the best-kept secret for achieving economic progress. We're grateful to partner with StrategyForward and CollegeAPP to equip colleges to better connect with potential adult students.” Her insights reflect a commitment to not only draw in these adult learners but also to reshape their educational experiences.
Funding and Support
To facilitate this project, CollegeAPP and StrategyForward Advisors have secured a significant funding amount of $582,000. This funding will provide essential technical assistance to the participating rural colleges. The cohort will utilize insights gained from Lumina's previous initiatives, such as the Intent Matters program and the Million Dollar Community College Challenge, to implement best practices tailored to the context of adult learners.
Collaborative Efforts
The strategy involves identifying and analyzing the needs of adult learners within the colleges' respective communities. CollegeAPP will specifically focus on understanding the demographic's challenges, especially those historically underserved by educational institutions. Meanwhile, StrategyForward Advisors will provide guidance on refining the colleges' branding and marketing strategies to effectively engage this audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the partnership among Lumina Foundation, CollegeAPP, and StrategyForward Advisors marks a significant step toward enhancing educational access for adult learners in rural areas. By fostering a collaborative environment among colleges, this initiative promises to develop innovative approaches that can lead to successful enrollment and completion rates for adults looking to further their education.
About Lumina Foundation
Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation dedicated to expanding opportunities for postsecondary education. The foundation envisions a world where higher education is accessible and navigable, offering fair outcomes while preparing individuals for success in our global economy. With a focus on policy reform and educational innovation, Lumina aims to increase the number of individuals with high-quality credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the Rural Community College Adult Learner Engagement initiative?
The initiative aims to enhance outreach and enrollment strategies for adult learners in six rural community colleges.
Who are the partners involved in this project?
Lumina Foundation, CollegeAPP, and StrategyForward Advisors are the main partners in this initiative.
How many colleges are participating in the initiative?
Six rural community colleges are participating in the project.
What are the challenges faced by adult learners?
Many adult learners face barriers such as financial constraints, lack of time, and insufficient support systems that prevent them from completing their education.
What will the funding be used for?
Funding will be used to provide technical assistance and implement effective recruitment strategies to better serve adult students.
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