Addressing Workforce Gaps through Adult Education
This post is adapted from a presentation given by Dr. Emily Riner, Government Relations Director, WGU at the 2024 NLGA Spring Meeting
Workforce shortages are plaguing our states. From nursing to accounting, supply chain to cybersecurity, and the perennial teacher crisis, these shortages are more than just statistics; they affect our families and communities deeply.
Some College, No Degree and a Big Opportunity
As we look at the data, a concerning trend emerges. While traditional higher education institutions cater well to the 18–24 age group, more than 40 million adults over 25 with some college experience find themselves without a degree or credential. These adult learners have invested significant time and money but have little to show for it.
So, what could be done to solve this crisis? The solution may be found in the way we offer higher education.
Meeting the Needs of Adult Learners
College largely wasn’t built for adults. To effectively serve adult learners, we must rethink traditional educational models.
Flexibility, affordability, relevance and accessibility are paramount.
With so many other responsibilities to juggle from caregiving to full-time work, adult learners also need personalized support from enrollment to graduation. Tailored assistance helps them persist and earn their degrees.
Adult learners are savvy, and they expect respect, personalization and support as part of their learning experience.
How WGU Is Leading the Way
Western Governors University (WGU) was founded in 1997 to address workforce needs, and we’re leading the charge in catering to adult learners today. How? A personalized learning experience highlighted by the following elements:
Competency-based education
Competency-based education measures skills and learning rather than time spent in a classroom. Students earn competency units (the equivalent of credit hours) when they demonstrate their skills through completing assessments.
Rather than advancing only when the semester or term ends, students progress through courses as soon as they’ve proven mastery. This means they can earn a credential on their time and use their existing skills to graduate more quickly. Since WGU charges flat-rate tuition per term instead of per credit hour, learners who finish faster can earn their degrees for less.
Enrollment counselors
From day one, students who are interested in WGU get one-on-one support, starting with enrollment counselors. These counselors guide prospective students through the whole process, talking with them to understand their unique goals and helping them get enrolled quickly.
Program mentors
Personalized student support continues after enrollment with program mentors. These mentors check in with students weekly to ensure they’re feeling comfortable as they work through their online coursework. While WGU students study online, they’re never alone. Program mentors help students craft a custom degree plan with pacing that fits individual circumstances, and they provide accountability and motivation to keep students going.
Course instructors
WGU course instructors are very accessible and ready to help learners progress through the course material. Students can easily schedule time to meet with them one-on-one or participate in cohort groups.
Learner Care Dashboard
WGU developed a Learner Care Dashboard that automatically alerts faculty members when a student may need individualized support, such as if they failed an assessment or haven’t logged into their coursework for a while.
Instead of waiting for a student to reach out for help, WGU faculty members proactively connect with struggling students, quickly making plans and offering support to get them back on track.
Personalized on-time-completion rate
WGU tracks more than graduation rates. We hold ourselves to an even higher standard by measuring the percentage of students who complete their credential at their personalized pace. A focus on helping students graduate supports our learners in their goals and helps us ensure our degrees are providing value, fast.
Personalized learning at WGU means we honor students’ investments, personalize a learning experience to their needs, focus on their learning, and cultivate connections.
Policy recommendations: What can state governments do?
To support adult learners and address workforce shortages, implementing policies such as adult learner grants, alternative pathways, workforce training expansion, and expanding support for competency-based education is imperative.
Currently, only around 30% of states have adult learner aid available. This needs to change if we are to fill workforce gaps and increase the number of adults who have completed college degrees.
To solve the crisis, state officials and policymakers should consider the workforce needs in their state and work toward finding tangible steps to support adult learners. Together, we can unlock their potential and build a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.
States with Student Aid for Adult Learners
States shaded in blue are part of the 30% of states that have adult learner aid available.
