The Critical Need
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Transcript of The Critical Need
Educating Plus 50 Learners:
State of Community College Plus 50 Programs Nationwide
American Association of Community CollegesPlus 50 Initiative
The Critical Need
The baby boomer generation is nearing “traditional” retirement age, and fully intends to stay engaged in society. For many, staying on the job is a necessity, not a choice.
Workers over age 45 who are unemployed, are more likely to stay unemployed longer, than younger workers. More “long-term unemployed” are plus 50 workers.
Plus 50 & Unemployment
How many are out of work?
March 2009 – 13.2 million Americans unemployed
National unemployment rate 8.5% (up 0.4% over the previous month)
Unemployment rate ages 45-54 6.6%(up 0.4% over the previous month)
Unemployment rate ages 55+ 6.2%(up 0.6% over the previous month)
The Plus 50 Adult:A Dramatically Different Type of Community College Student
Community Colleges Offer Options and Possibilities
Short-term training for a new career can get an unemployed worker back on the job and earning money in a matter of months, not years.
• Personal enrichment
• Workforce training and career development
• Volunteering
Community Colleges Offer a Range of Programs
An outdated stereotype of the “older
learner” needs to be discarded.
Community CollegesFocus More on Enrichment
Of the colleges offering workforce training courses, over half tailored them to plus 50 student needs.
Tailoring Courses for Plus 50 Needs
Tailoring Courses for Plus 50 Needs
Colleges often do not tailor workforce training and career development programs to plus 50 student needs
Enrichment Focused Plus 50 Programs May Hurt Community College Bottom Lines
Community Colleges Are Affordable
Community colleges are more affordable than 4-year colleges and universities, which makes them a viable option for displaced workers who may be cash-strapped.
Community College Programs for Workers
Workforce training & career development programs help plus 50
adults prepare for new careers during a turbulent economy.
Adjusting to Campus Life
Colleges are ready to help plus 50 students return to the classroom.
Colleges can improve support services that help integrate plus 50 students into the fabric of campus life.
Many community
colleges are reaching out to plus 50 adults with tailored programs, but more needs to be done.
Inviting Plus 50 Adults to Campus
Challenges Community Colleges Face
Tuition waivers policies
Challenges Community Colleges Face
Some state funding formulas are biased against part-time students, causing a revenue drain for a college that offers programs for plus 50 students.
Needs Assessment is a BIG must, for plus 50 programs
Call to Action: Know your customer: conduct a high-quality needs assessment
Call to Action: Customize workforce training and career development programs to match the needs and objectives of plus 50 students.
Call to Action: Concentrate more on support services that can help plus 50 students integrate into campus life.
Call to Action: Provide additional tailored financial aid that goes beyond
the state-mandated tuition waivers.
Call to Action: Put policies in place that streamline registration for plus 50 students
Call to Action: Remember that even though some need financial aid, the plus 50 age group also represents a valuable market and source of revenue.
About the Survey
• 204 community colleges responded to the survey.
• Approximately 1,081 institutions representing every community college in the United States were invited to participate.
• Conducted online in fall 2008.
Website Resources
http://plus50.aacc.nche.edu/ “Educating Plus 50 Learners: Opportunities for Community Colleges”
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