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, achieving a degree is not always an easy feat. With multiple priorities and existing jobs, these students must find ways to manage their time and find ways to get a degree.
Reilly has never earned a degree from college.
Caitlin Reilly, who will graduate in May 2021 with a master's degree in parks, recreation, and tourism management from North Carolina State University with a minor in human dimensions of natural resources, has already been working in environmental education for several years. After earning her undergraduate degree, Reilly went on to study at the NC State Environmental Education Lab. Kathryn Stevenson was her future coworker.
Jennie Harrop's adult degree program
Jennie Harrop offers an adult degree program that helps adult learners to learn the skills to communicate effectively through writing. To help students learn the basics of writing, her program blends theory with practice. She focuses on the most important and least important writing rules, such as how to create meaning and structure in a sentence, paragraph and essay.
Prior learning assessment
Prior learning assessment is a way for adult students to earn college credit for prior learning. This is a time-saving and cost-saving method. Many students may possess college-level skills but lack the formal education.
Flexible schedules
Flexible schedules are beneficial for adults who need to manage their busy lives. Flexible schedules are particularly appealing for high school students. They have multiple responsibilities, and they have different learning and emotional needs. It is also difficult to arrange school days around their jobs.
Financial aid
There are many financial aid opportunities available for college students. There are scholarships, grants and employer tuition reimbursement program. If your employer doesn't provide tuition reimbursement, you might need to look elsewhere for funding. Federal Pell Grants, which are available to adult students as a source of funding for college, are one of the most used sources.
Access to education
Many adults find it difficult to balance work and family obligations while taking classes. These adults are often lacking the necessary social infrastructure and counseling programs to help them succeed in college. More universities and colleges are now offering specific programs that cater to adult learners.