Download - The Critical Need
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Educating Plus 50 Learners:
State of Community College Plus 50 Programs Nationwide
American Association of Community CollegesPlus 50 Initiative
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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.
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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
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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)
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The Plus 50 Adult:A Dramatically Different Type of Community College Student
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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.
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• Personal enrichment
• Workforce training and career development
• Volunteering
Community Colleges Offer a Range of Programs
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An outdated stereotype of the “older
learner” needs to be discarded.
Community CollegesFocus More on Enrichment
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Of the colleges offering workforce training courses, over half tailored them to plus 50 student needs.
Tailoring Courses for Plus 50 Needs
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Tailoring Courses for Plus 50 Needs
Colleges often do not tailor workforce training and career development programs to plus 50 student needs
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Enrichment Focused Plus 50 Programs May Hurt Community College Bottom Lines
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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.
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Community College Programs for Workers
Workforce training & career development programs help plus 50
adults prepare for new careers during a turbulent economy.
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Adjusting to Campus Life
Colleges are ready to help plus 50 students return to the classroom.
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Colleges can improve support services that help integrate plus 50 students into the fabric of campus life.
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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
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Challenges Community Colleges Face
Tuition waivers policies
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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.
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Needs Assessment is a BIG must, for plus 50 programs
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Call to Action: Know your customer: conduct a high-quality needs assessment
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Call to Action: Customize workforce training and career development programs to match the needs and objectives of plus 50 students.
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Call to Action: Concentrate more on support services that can help plus 50 students integrate into campus life.
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Call to Action: Provide additional tailored financial aid that goes beyond
the state-mandated tuition waivers.
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Call to Action: Put policies in place that streamline registration for plus 50 students
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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.
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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.
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Website Resources
http://plus50.aacc.nche.edu/ “Educating Plus 50 Learners: Opportunities for Community Colleges”
Full Report & Executive SummaryBiweekly e-newsletter
PublicationsStudent stories