Editor’s note: This article is adapted from a conversation with Michael on the Illumination Podcast. To hear the full discussion, listen to the episode here.
The evolution of the modern workforce is outpacing the structures and strategies that once defined higher education. As traditional degree-seeking enrollments decline and the nature of work continues to shift rapidly, the value proposition of continuing education (CE) is becoming increasingly evident. Yet for CE to meet its full potential, institutions must undergo a fundamental transformation—not only in programming and strategy, but in mindset.
From “Students” to “Learners”: A Paradigm Shift
Too many postsecondary institutions still view their audiences through a narrow lens—primarily focusing on degree-seeking students aged 18 to 24. This outdated model ignores the vast and growing population of adult learners who require short, flexible, and responsive learning opportunities throughout their lives. The solution? A paradigm shift: from educating “students” to serving “learners.”
Institutions that adopt a "K to Gray" model—offering relevant learning opportunities from kindergarten through retirement—are best positioned to remain sustainable and relevant. Rather than being bound by rigid academic structures, CE units must design programs that meet the needs of a learner population spanning generations, industries, and career stages. Embracing this continuum allows institutions to expand their mission and more authentically serve the communities around them.
Embracing the Non-Credit Revolution
Non-credit education is not a new phenomenon—it has deep roots in American history, from the Lyceum movement to settlement houses and Granger Institutes. But it has long been relegated to the sidelines of the higher education landscape. Now, in the age of automation and accelerated change, it’s taking center stage.
Non-credit programming offers institutions a unique blend of flexibility, responsiveness, and mission alignment. These offerings are not just a revenue stream; they’re a critical mechanism for fulfilling higher education’s core promise: to educate, empower, and prepare people for meaningful participation in society and the workforce.
Still, internal barriers remain. In many institutions, non-credit learners are not even considered “students.” That mindset must change. Every learner deserves recognition, support, and access—regardless of whether they’re pursuing a degree or reskilling for their next career.
Leveraging Data to Stay Relevant
To deliver meaningful learning experiences, CE leaders must ground their programming decisions in data. Every day, new insights emerge about the skills in demand, the shifts in employer expectations, and the trends shaping labor markets. Tapping into this data allows CE units to stay ahead of the curve and ensure their offerings remain responsive.
Three key trends stand out. First, lifelong learning is no longer optional; it’s essential. Second, artificial intelligence is reshaping job functions across industries. The employees who thrive will be those who understand how to use AI tools, not those who ignore them. Third, resilience and agility are becoming core competencies. With the average worker expected to hold over 20 jobs in a lifetime, institutions must equip learners with not only technical know-how but also the adaptability to navigate change.
Building Agile Teams for an Agile World
As the complexity of CE operations grows, so too must the capabilities of those leading and executing the work. Gone are the days of rigid job descriptions and narrowly defined roles. The future belongs to agile teams—teams that can pivot, adapt, and leverage new tools to meet emerging needs.
Higher education staffing structures must reflect this new reality. Flexibility, collaboration, and openness to interdisciplinary work will be essential. Leaders must empower their teams to experiment with new technologies, adopt innovative practices, and support other units across campus. AI will not replace teams, but teams that understand AI will replace those that don’t.
Technology as a Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Technology is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation for delivering a modern, engaging, and inclusive CE experience. However, to truly leverage technology, institutions must go beyond tools and platforms. They must build digital literacy across their teams and learners, starting with a shared baseline understanding of how AI and emerging technologies function.
Institutions should provide upskilling opportunities for their own staff and launch public-facing credentials that demystify the digital landscape. By doing so, they not only enhance their internal capacity but also position themselves as leaders in workforce development.
Setting Standards for the Future
Forward-looking institutions are already taking bold steps—setting standards for AI literacy, launching microcredentials that address emerging needs, and building infrastructures that allow learners to move seamlessly from one learning experience to another. These initiatives represent more than innovation; they’re acts of alignment between institutional mission and market reality.
The future of CE will be defined not by prestige or tradition, but by responsiveness, inclusivity, and impact. For colleges and universities willing to embrace that challenge, the rewards—in terms of relevance, sustainability, and community value—will be transformative.
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