Working for Adults: State Policies and Community College Practices to Better Serve Adult Learners at Community Colleges During the Great Recession and Beyond.

摘要

As Americans remain in the workforce longer due to increased life expectancy, personal preference, and economic need, many adults seek education and training to gain the skills and credentials needed to start new careers or advance in their current careers. Community colleges, with their open access and focus on workforce preparation, are often highlighted as well suited to provide the education and training needed by adult workers. However, adults bring unique needs to postsecondary education that must be addressed to help them be successful, including the need for better access and services to support adult learners with disabilities. Numerous recent initiatives have focused on how to improve the success of a range of adult populations at community colleges, including working adults, low-skilled adults, and adults over age 50; none have focused on the specific issues of adults with disabilities. However, these different subpopulations may share common challenges and concerns in postsecondary education relative to younger students so that lessons from one adult subpopulation might be relevant to others, including adults with disabilities.