College for working adults was not a focal point in the educational landscape historically. However, adults who return to school for work often do so because of economic necessity, job displacement or changing career goals. However, it is not always easy to earn a degree. With multiple priorities and existing jobs, these students must find ways to manage their time and find ways to get a degree.
Reilly's college experience has no degree
Caitlin, who will graduate May 2021 from North Carolina State University, with a master’s degree in parks and recreation management with a minor on human dimensions of natural resource, has been involved in environmental education for many years. After earning her undergraduate degree in environmental studies from Davidson, Reilly studied at NC State's Environmental Education Lab. Kathryn Stevenson became her future colleague during this time.
Jennie Harrop's adult degree program
Jennie Harrop's adult degree program is designed to help adult learners develop the skills needed to write effectively convey their message. Her program balances theory and practice to help students understand the basics of good writing. She is particularly interested in essential and non-essential writing rules. This includes how to construct meaning and structure sentences, paragraphs, and essays.
Assessment of prior learning
Adult students can get college credit for their prior learning by using the Prior Learning Assessment. This method can save students time and money. Many students may have college-level skills and knowledge, but may not have the formal education to prove it.
Flexible schedules
Flexible schedules can be beneficial for adults who are in school and need a way to work around their busy schedules. For high school students, flexible schedules are especially appealing, because they have multiple responsibilities and have varying learning and emotional needs throughout the day. Many of them also have part-time or full-time jobs that make it difficult to plan around school hours.
Financial aid
There are a number of different financial aid opportunities for college adults. Some of these include scholarships, grants, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. If your employer does not offer tuition reimbursement, then you may have to find other outside sources of funding. Federal Pell Grants are one of the most common sources of college funding for adult students.
Access to education
Many adults struggle with balancing work and family obligations while still taking classes. These adults often lack the support networks and college counseling programs required to be successful at college. More colleges and universities offer targeted programs for adult learners.