Serving Underserved Student Populations
The twin challenges of increasing demand for postsecondary graduates and declining numbers of the traditional postsecondary student population (first-time, full-time, residential students) are putting more and more pressure on higher education institutions to tap into new marketplaces. The more difficult part of the equation is determining which groups institutions should be focusing on, and understanding what changes institutions need to make to better-serve these students.
The Long-Term Unemployed
Alternative Credentials Can Motivate Graduate Education to Clarify Outcomes and Quality
Ofer Sharone | Professor at the Sloan School of Management, MIT
Though level of education is typically not a barrier for long-term unemployed individuals to re-enter the workforce, higher education institutions can support this segment by certifying their skills and competencies.
AUDIO | PLA and Competency Key to Getting People Back to Work
Scott Campbell | Vice President for Higher Education, CAEL and Donna Younger | Associate Vice President for Higher Education, CAEL
Higher education institutions must focus services and assessments around the distinct needs of non-traditional students to ensure their long-term unemployed learners gain the confidence necessary to persist through a degree program.
Rural Students
Overcoming Four Key Challenges to Rural Student Postsecondary Success
Susan Elkins | Chancellor of Palmetto College, University of South Carolina
Rural students may face a number of roadblocks when it comes to accessing and succeeding in higher education, but colleges and universities can make small adjustments that would help them overcome these challenges.
AUDIO | The Keys to Recruiting and Retaining Rural Learners
Universities should explore partnerships with rural-based colleges to maximize accessibility for rural students.
Older Career Changers
Six Steps to Helping Career Changers Re-Enter the Workforce
John DeLalla | Director of Continuing Education, University of Arizona South
Colleges and universities have a fantastic opportunity to capitalize on the growing and largely untapped marketplace of older adults pursuing career changes.
Three Keys to Keeping Your Boomers in Class with the Grades to Pass
By going the extra mile, higher education institutions can make a huge difference in the lives of older adults looking to complete a credential.
Making Changes to Better Serve Plus-50 Students Seeking Workforce Training
Mary Sue Vickers | Plus 50 Initiative Program Director, American Association of Community Colleges
Higher education institutions can take massive strides toward creating accessibility for older career changers by making some small changes.
Single Parents
Toward a Two-Generation Approach: Innovative Strategies to Improve Education and Training for Parents
Katherine Saunders | Policy Analyst, CLASP and Manuela Ekowo | Research Assistant, CLASP
By creating clear career pathways and introducing more comprehensive postsecondary financial support systems, low-income parents can get the support they need to move into stable careers and set their children on the pathway to success.
Against the Grain: Evolving the Institution to Attract and Retain Single Parents
Meegan Bassett | Owner and Principal Consultant, Dugan-Bassett Consulting
It’s critical for higher education institutions to adapt their operations to better serve the growing population of parents looking to earn a degree.
Disadvantaged Groups
AUDIO | Look in the Mirror to Improve Higher Ed for First-Generation Students
Freeman Hrabowski III | President, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
In order for higher education institutions to be truly welcoming to first-generation students, they must look internally to find the accessibility and retention gaps that impede success of these learners.
AUDIO | Adapting to Serve Inner-City Students
Low-income inner city students often find themselves underserved by the majority of higher education institutions, but some very simple changes can make a very significant difference for this population.