WHEREAS, Adult learners (students aged 25 and older) comprise a significant portion of the California community college population ranging from 535,378 to 631,123, indicating a consistent and substantial presence within the student body and representing approximately 40% of all students, thereby bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to the educational environment [1];
WHEREAS, Adult learners often face unique challenges such as balancing education with employment, family responsibilities, and financial constraints, contributing to a college completion rate significantly lower than that of traditional-age students, with only 38% of adult learners completing a degree or certificate within six years compared to 53% of traditional students [2] and are significantly underrepresented in transfer pathways to four-year institutions, highlighting a significant transfer gap for adult learners [3];
WHEREAS, Data from the Lumina Foundation reveals that 37% of college students are aged 25 or older, with the majority balancing significant external responsibilities and 64% of students work while enrolled, and 40% of those work full-time; additionally, 49% of students are financially independent from their parents, and 24% have children or other dependents and these statistics underscore the unique challenges faced by adult learners, further emphasizing the need for targeted support to ensure their academic success [4]; and
WHEREAS, The Student Senate for California Community Colleges is committed to promoting student equity, access, and success across all California community colleges, recognizing the importance of supporting diverse student populations [5], and is capable for lobbying towards previously implemented programs such as the Re-entry Student Program at UC Berkeley, which has contributed to increased retention and graduation rates among adult learners by providing specialized resources and support [6]; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for the establishment of dedicated support centers for adult learners at all California community colleges, offering services such as academic advising, career counseling, and peer mentoring;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage the development and promotion of scholarships specifically for adult learners to alleviate financial burdens and increase accessibility to higher education;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges support the implementation of professional development programs for faculty and staff focused on adult learning theories and inclusive teaching practices to better serve adult learners; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges establish a standing committee dedicated to addressing the needs of adult learners, tasked with developing policies, resources, and advocacy strategies at the state level, and collaborates with external organizations and institutions to share best practices and resources aimed at improving support for adult learners.
Citations:
[1] California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office Data Mart. (2023). Student Enrollment Data from Fall 2020 to Spring 2023. Retrieved from https://datamart.cccco.edu/Students/Student_Term_Annual_Count.aspx
[2] National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (2019). Completing College: A National View of Student Completion Rates – Fall 2013 Cohort. Retrieved from https://nscresearchcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/Completions_Report_201…
[3] Public Policy Institute of California. Strengthening California’s Transfer Pathway (2023). https://www.ppic.org/publication/strengthening-californias-transfer-pathway/
[4] Lumina Foundation. (2019). Today’s Student Resource Guide. Retrieved from https://www.luminafoundation.org/resources/todays-student/
[5] Student Senate for California Community Colleges. (2023). Mission and Vision Statements. Retrieved from https://ssccc.org/who-we-are/about-us/mission.html
[6] University of California, Berkeley. (2020). Re-entry Student Program. Retrieved from https://reentry.berkeley.edu/