how to engage the plus 50 student

Plus 50 InitiativeRehired, Rewired, & Re-

inspired: How to Engage the Plus 50 Student

Joliet Junior CollegeKelly Lapetino and Pam Abbott

Moraine Valley Community CollegeLinley White

Workers over age 45 who are unemployed, are more likely to stay unemployed longer, than younger workers. More “long-term unemployed” are plus 50 workers.

The Critical Need

How many are out of work?

October 2010– 14.8 million Americans unemployed

National unemployment rate 9.6%

Unemployment rate ages 45-54 7.8%

Unemployment rate ages 55+ 7.3%

Ref: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf October 2010 unemployment report by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Survey

• 204 community colleges responded to the survey.

• Approximately 1,081 institutions representing every community college in the United States were invited to participate.

• Conducted online in fall 2008.

The Plus 50 Adult:A Dramatically Different Type of Community College Student

Community Colleges Offer Options and Possibilities

Short-term training for a new career can get an unemployed worker back on the job and earning money in a matter of months, not years.

• Personal enrichment

• Workforce training and career development

• Volunteering

Community Colleges Offer a Range of Programs

Enrichment Focused Plus 50 Programs May Hurt Community College Bottom Lines

JJC Plus 50 Workforce Center Mission

To promote the continued vitality of the mature workforce through the delivery of a comprehensive system of quality employment, education, and training services that support local and regional economic development initiatives.

Of the colleges offering workforce training courses, over half tailored them to plus 50 student needs.

Tailoring Courses for Plus 50 Needs

JJC has seen an increased enrollment of 50+ students particularly in computer related courses

Customized 50+ computer classesFull range of computer courses offeredToo Young For Facelift? Too Old For Facebook?

Learning is life-long and many people in our community want to attend classes or programs in order to begin a new career or obtain a degree.

Tuition waivers through grant fundingMentor and Volunteer programRetirement PlanningLifelong learning classes

Ageless Learning Classes for Adults Over The Age of 50

• ARTOil PaintingWatercolors

• FITNESSFit Over 50

Joliet Junior College’s Plus 50 Workforce Center helps the mature worker face the challenges ofobtaining employment after the age 50.

Free career workshops, career assessments and advisingSupport group sessionMock InterviewAnnual +50 friendly job fair

Looking for a New Career Direction?

Plus 50 Career Training

Pharmacy Technician for 50+Alzheimer’s at Home CaregiverParaprofessional

Laying Out The Welcome Mat

Workforce training & career development programs help plus 50

adults prepare for new careers during a turbulent economy.

Colleges can improve support services that help integrate plus 50 students into the fabric of campus life.

Many community colleges are reaching out to plus 50 adults with tailored programs, but more needs to be done.

Inviting Plus 50 Adults to Campus

Recommendations: Know your customer: conduct a high-quality needs assessment

Recommendations: Customize workforce training and career development programs to match the needs and objectives of plus 50 students.

Recommendations: Concentrate more on support services that can help plus 50 students integrate into campus life.

Recommendations: Put policies in place that streamline registration for plus 50 students

Recommendations: Remember that even though some need financial aid, the plus 50 age group also represents a valuable market and source of revenue.

Website Resources

http://plus50.aacc.nche.edu/ “Educating Plus 50 Learners: Opportunities for Community Colleges”

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