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Reconnecting Adults with Education: A Journey Back to College

In the summer of 2018, Maronda Mims found herself nearing the culmination of an educational journey that had spanned over three decades. After accumulating credits from institutions including North Carolina State University and various community colleges in New York and New Jersey, she was just a few semesters shy of earning her degree in environmental science at Rutgers University. However, a family crisis intervened when her mother was diagnosed with cancer, compelling Mims to pause her academic pursuits to provide care.

After her mother’s recovery and subsequent remission, Mims returned to the workforce. Just as she began contemplating a return to her studies, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, further complicating her plans. Last year, she applied to re-enroll at Rutgers, only to discover that an outstanding debt of $2,000 had placed a hold on her account, preventing her from registering. Struggling to address this financial barrier, Mims turned to prayer, trusting that if it was meant to be, the opportunity would manifest.

Then, a surprise call came through—a voicemail left by a representative of ReUp Education, an organization that collaborates with the state of New Jersey to help adults who have left college without graduating. Initially dismissing the call as spam, Mims decided to engage when they reached out again, leading to a pivotal change in her journey.

Since the partnership between ReUp and New Jersey’s educational authorities began in March 2023, more than 8,600 adults have successfully reenrolled in college, with around 350 graduates emerging from this initiative, according to the state’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. With an estimated 750,000 New Jersey residents possessing college credits without a degree, an urgent need for programs like ReUp’s has become apparent.

Nationally, as of July 2022, there were approximately 36.8 million adults under 65 with some college experience but lacking degrees—an increase of 2.9% from the previous year, as reported by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Data from the U.S. Census reveals that around 26% of Americans hold only a high school diploma, while 36% have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. Adults with some college education comprise about 28% of the population.

The reasons for not completing their degrees vary widely. Many individuals balance full-time jobs, caregiving responsibilities, and overwhelming bureaucratic processes that hinder their return to school. “They’ve moved on with their life, they’ve organized it, they’ve filled it up with all sorts of things,” said Terah Crews, CEO of ReUp. “Most of our learners are, in some way, time-poor.”

This demographic lacks collective representation, which is where ReUp’s advocacy comes into play. By collaborating with state leaders and educational institutions, ReUp seeks to raise awareness and re-engage adults in completing their education. The organization also cooperates with various initiatives in states like Ohio and Michigan, aiming to offer debt forgiveness and access to institutional records for individuals looking to return to their studies. Having partnered with over 130 colleges nationwide, ReUp has supported more than 44,000 students in resuming their higher education, with nearly half of these enrollees coming in the last two years.

Financial barriers can deter many potential adult students, even when debts are relatively low, according to Brittany Pearce, a program manager at Ithaka S+R, which oversees initiatives like Ohio’s College Comeback Compact. “What may not seem significant to some can feel overwhelming for those facing it directly,” Pearce noted.

Dan Hurley, CEO of the Michigan Association of State Universities, emphasized the importance of enrolling individuals over 25 in striving towards a state goal of having 60% of adults obtain a degree or certificate by 2030. According to Hurley, most of the top job openings in Michigan will require at least a bachelor’s degree within the next decade.

To bolster the state’s workforce, New Jersey officials understand the need for targeted outreach initiatives beyond traditional methods, noted Stefani Thachik, a senior adviser at the state’s Office of the Secretary of Education. Grants are now available to colleges to enhance support for returning adult students, which would not only aid the individuals but contribute significantly to the state’s economy.

Meanwhile, colleges face challenges themselves due to a dwindling pool of high school graduates expected post-2025, alongside a decline in enrollments exacerbated by the pandemic. Charles Ansell, from Complete College America, highlighted the necessity of retaining current students and reclaiming those who have stepped away from higher education. “You have to keep your enrollment up,” he stated.

For Mims, the path back to Rutgers is being navigated with the guidance of senior success coach Jimmy Wyatt from ReUp. Mims has a history of trying to return to school but has faced numerous obstacles, including juggling various part-time jobs and family obligations. Together, they have developed a structured approach to tackle the necessary tasks for re-enrollment, bearing in mind the interconnected nature of Mims’ challenges, which range from car troubles to financial obligations.

Wyatt emphasizes breaking down her goals into manageable weekly plans. While progress can often feel like “two steps forward, one step back,” Mims credits Wyatt with providing the push she needed to persevere in her educational ambitions. “Because of him, I’m pushing forward,” Mims expressed. “He’s giving me the guidance of how to make it happen.”

For many adults, mental barriers also hinder their return to college. Crews points out the questions they often grapple with, such as their acceptance into programs, their perceived abilities, and the fear of investment leading to rejection. Financial concerns further complicate these challenges, especially for those like Mims facing lingering debts that prevent re-enrollment. ReUp coaches advocate for policy changes at institutions to ease these barriers.

Efforts at Middlesex College in Edison, New Jersey, are tailored to help prospective adult students efficiently navigate the enrollment process. The college has initiated events known as “Rock ‘n’ ReEnroll,” which are designed to be engaging and accessible for families, successfully aiding over 100 students in reenrollment.

Before collaborating with ReUp, outreach efforts at institutions like Rowan University relied heavily on outdated databases and individual outreach, often yielding limited results. Now, with ReUp’s dedicated efforts, universities can channel their focus into providing comprehensive support for adult learners, including offering grants to address non-tuition expenses essential for successful degree completion.

Mims has encountered her share of struggles, including unreliable internet access during her previous attempts at Rutgers. Yet, her determination has remained steadfast throughout the years. As she tackles her current scholarship and grant applications with Wyatt’s assistance, her determination shines through. “I’ve just been trying to do this for so long,” Mims reflected, emotion evident in her voice. “It’s just been a lot. It’s been really heavy on me. I was so close. I got so close.”

Source
hechingerreport.org