Back to School: You Are Worth the Investment

Many of us spent a good part of our early lives counting the days until we could be done with homework, term papers, teachers and textbooks. At some point, as rocker Alice Cooper sings, “School’s out FOREVER!”

Or is it?

As the cliché goes, it’s never too late especially when it comes to heading back to school…as an adult. In the United States, as of 2018, adult learners or “non-traditional” students (typically defined as adults aged 25 or older), made up approximately 35% of the college population.1 Adult education has been shown to benefit the general economic and social health of society by providing opportunities for individuals to increase in competence, confidence and self-sufficiency.2 We talk to Susan Kolb, Senior Director of Admissions for Graduate & Adult Education at Alvernia University, to find out more about the importance of adult education and the efforts by Alvernia to encourage adult enrollment.

Why is adult education important for career advancement and transitions?

“Upskilling or re-skilling is top of mind as people change whether they are moving up a role, taking on a different role or preparing to move into a different career entirely,” explains Kolb. She pointed out that while this fact has always been true, it is particularly relevant in the current environment as the pandemic wrought The Great Resignation/ Reshuffle. She points out that can mean finishing a degree, obtaining an advanced degree or obtaining a specific professional certification. However, Kolb points out there are benefits adult students gain beyond the diploma. Going back to school can enhance the “soft skills” that employers value like communication, critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. “It takes determination to return to school,” Kolb points out. “It shows an employer you have a strong work ethic.” The adult education environment can also help you grow a professional network among your classmates, colleagues and professors. “You may find one of these contacts is who you want to be like someday,” says Kolb.

Do you think that adult education is more important for women?

Kolb explains that one key motivational factor of returning to school as an adult is the ability to put yourself in the best possible position for success. “You want to be sure you have the credentials and the network needed to navigate the job market.” She credits Alvernia University and W2W as having women’s backs as they seek to pursue education, promotions or career changes. “Many women view adult education as an opportunity not simply to better themselves but to set an example for their families, to show what they can accomplish despite having so many other responsibilities,”

Kolb says.

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Back to School: YOU Are Worth the Investment

What advice do you have for anyone who is hesitant about jumping into or back into the academic world as adult student?

“Take the leap!” Kolb exclaims, then continues, “Reach out to a colleague, a manager or a mentor and talk about what your goals are. Once you get others involved in the conversation, you might be surprised by how much support they give you.” Kolb acknowledges that energy and time are probably the two biggest barriers to someone deciding to enroll in school as an adult. She says, “It’s never a ‘good time’ but you have to determine that it is important to you and that you are worth the investment in yourself.” Kolb explains that her department manages the enrollment process for adult students (which make up roughly half of the student population at Alvernia). Through partnerships with W2W as well as the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, members can get a 20% discount on tuition. Kolb also encourages individuals to talk to employers about tuition reimbursement. Additionally, she explains that the structure of adult education is more flexible than a traditional student, with classes being offered at night or weekends and courses starting at various times of the year. Kolb concludes, “If you start, we want you to finish. Our goal is to see you walk across the graduation stage.”

Learn more about adult education options at Alvernia University at the W2W Back to School Night on Thursday,

May 26 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM at the Hollaran Center. 2 By Kirsten P. Haas,Executive Director of Girls on the Run Berks County

1 “Adult College Students: The Undercovered 6.6 Million” by Natalie Gross and

Kim Clark, June 22, 2018, Education Writers Association, https://www.ewa.org/ blog-higher-ed-beat/adult-college-students-undercovered-66-million 2 “The Benefits of Adult Education”, August 6, 2015. Econation.one, https:// econation.one/blog/the-benefits-of-adult education/#:~:text=In%20 addition%20to%20learning%20opportunities,and%20of%20society%20in% 20general.

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