A significant focus of degree attainment initiatives is the effort to assist adult learners, who have left college for various reasons, in returning and completing their degrees. However, the financial, social and academic issues these students face present unique challenges that require specific expertise and programs of support.

Cleveland State University and College Now are seeking to improve information sharing and best practices for supporting adult learners through the first annual Northeast Ohio Comebacker Summit. The event will bring together colleges and universities from across the region and will feature experts in college completion, adult learning and student retention. The all-day event will be held Friday, May 11 on the CSU campus.

The Summit, funded by the Association of Public Land Grant Universities, is part of Ohio’s larger Attainment Goal 2025 which seeks to raise the level of individuals aged 25-64 with a post-secondary credential to 65 percent by 2025. Currently, only 39.1% of Ohioans hold an associate degree or higher. Experts note that given the shrinking demographics of traditional college age students, adult learners must be a key component of attainment efforts if they are to be successful.

For more information about CSU’s efforts to promote college completion, visit https://www.csuohio.edu/undergraduate-studies/reconnect-college.

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