Today’s adult students require pathways that allow them to seamlessly move to and through postsecondary education and the workforce and support lifelong learning. Thirty-seven percent of students are older than 25 and bring work and family responsibilities on their path to a degree or credential.

But current federal policies date back to a time when most students went immediately from high school to college upon graduation, before nearly a quarter of students were parents or almost half were financially independent. As conversations about reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) continue, it is imperative that federal policymakers gain a clear understanding of the realities today’s adult students face and consider policies to address their realities.

Panelists participated in a robust moderated conversation on how they view these issues and shared potential policy solutions for today’s adult students. View video of the entire panel discussion here. 

Panelist included:

Dr. Chris Bustamante, Principal of Bustamante Consulting and Higher Learning Advocates Board Member

Stephanie Shaw, Executive Director of the Eastern Ohio Education Partnership (EOEP) and Higher Learning Advocates Champions Network Member

Eric Bing, CEO of The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP)

Maureen Elias, U.S. Army veteran and B.A. and M.A. graduate

Moderator: Goldie Blumenstyk, senior writer at the Chronicle of Higher Education

View video of the entire panel discussion here.