College Access and Success for Adults

Reimagining higher education to serve the student of today and tomorrow.

California’s economic health depends on closing its college credential gap. This shortfall of credentials or degrees cannot be addressed by focusing only on recent high school graduates. The state must shift systems and institutions to better serve the needs of today’s students, a growing share who are adult learners often balancing work, family, and other life obligations. California Competes seeks to make college a reality for more adults by driving reforms that create clear pathways to and through higher education.

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million

Adult Learners

college access for adults

Californians are faced with a job market that increasingly favors candidates with a college degree.

If we reorient higher education practices and policies to help even a fraction of these individuals earn their degrees or credential, we forge stronger pathways to educational and career success–and, ultimately, a stronger economy and thriving communities.

Research & Resources
Research
Insights from the Field: Barriers & Opportunities for Building Higher Education–Employer Partnerships
Research
Get Ready: Introducing the Millions of Adults Planning to Enroll in College
Research
Untapped Opportunity: Understanding and Advancing Prospects for Californians without a College Degree

Some College, No Credential

competency based education

In light of declining enrollment and persistence rates across college campuses in a job market that increasingly requires postsecondary training, it becomes increasingly critical to reengage students who began on campuses but left without a degree.

These Californians are just steps away from reaching their education and career goals. Addressing the structural barriers that hinder their college return and completion will pave the way towards closing California’s credential gap.

Research & Resources
Current Project, News
California Competes Announces New Collaborative Focused on Supporting California Adults Back to and Through College
Research
Back To College, Part Two: A Policy Prescription to Support Adults Returning to College
Research
Back to College, Part One: California’s Imperative to Re-Engage Adults

Student Parents

Student parents

To reach attainment goals, California postsecondary institutions must recognize the unique needs of student parents and tailor supports to address them.

Carving a pathway to and through higher education for this student population not only cements the state’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity but also creates ripple effects on education attainment and the economy. Parental education level has been linked to the academic and economic success of their children, paving the way for brighter futures for families, future generations, and the state as a whole.

Research & Resources
Research
A Policy Agenda for California Student Parents
College Housing Investments Must Factor in Student Parent Needs
Policy Analysis
Blog Series: Unpacking the Student Parent Policy Agenda

Justice-Impacted Students

credit for prior learning

Student success means inclusive structures that ensure all students regardless of background can earn their degree or credential. Advancing college opportunities for justice-impacted students lowers the rate of recidivism and increases social and economic mobility for all.

Justice-impacted students who participate in education programs are

Estimates show that for every $1 spent on correctional education, $5 is saved on incarceration costs. Given both the equity imperative and the economic payoff, California Competes increases public focus on dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent college and career opportunities for this student population.

Research & Resources
Commentary
How Higher Education Can Change the Future for Incarcerated Californians
Commentary
Exploring California’s New Normal Student Population

College Affordability

college access for adults college affordability
Cost of attending a California public 4-year college
almost doubled

College affordability remains one of the biggest barriers to higher education access. California Competes strives to advance solutions that increase access to financial aid options and allow all students to be able to manage the costs of attending college, including nontuition and basic needs expenses, and continue on their education and career trajectory.

Research & Resources
Webinar
Brown Bag: Can Anything Be Done About Rising College Costs?
Policy Analysis
Proposed Financial Aid Reforms Could Impact Higher Education Affordability for Adults

Credit for Prior Learning

credit for prior learning

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is an educational tool to close equity gaps and expand economic stability. It acknowledges college-level learning happens outside of a college classroom, awarding credit towards a degree or credential regardless of where the learning happens. California Competes seeks to encourage widespread adoption of CPL across the state’s institutions so students can avoid spending extra time and money on experience and expertise they’ve already gained and apply that towards a postsecondary credential.

Students who are awarded CPL are

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more likely

Decreasing time to degree increases college affordability, accessibility, and completion across the board.

Research & Resources
Webinar
Californians Deserve Credit Town Hall
Research
Credit for Prior Learning: Leveraging Past Learning to Close Present-Day Equity Gaps

Competency-Based Education

competency based education

Competency-based education offers a flexible, student-centric pathway to postsecondary completion for the many Californians juggling multiple obligations outside of school. This educational model grants credit based on a student’s proficiency in competency areas versus time in the classroom. California Competes is committed to supporting CBE implementation across the state to ensure higher education offers programs that are responsive to student and workforce needs, boost degree attainment, and address equity gaps.

Research & Resources
Research
Measuring Student Progress in Competency-Based Education Programs
Research
Side by Side: Comparing Credit for Prior Learning and Competency-Based Education
Reimagining higher education to serve all Californians
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