Cal U, Clarion target adults who left without degree as part of new coalition in higher education - TribLIVE

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Two Western Pennsylvania universities struggling with declining enrollments are hoping to tap a pool of adult students with some college credits but no degree as part of a new, national network targeting adult learners.

California and Clarion universities, part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, are among 13 universities across the country to join the coalition known as the ReUp Network.

A 2019 study by the National Student Clearinghouse estimated there are more than one million Pennsylvanians in a group that numbers more than 35 million nationwide who attended college but didn’t get a degree.

Officials at Cal U said the ReUp Network will ease the way for adult learners, who average about 42 years old, to return to the classroom, either in person or online to complete their education.

The effort to target adult learners who stopped short of a degree comes as colleges and universities across the nation face an uncertain future as students and families weigh both family finances and public health concerns spurred by the coronavirus pandemic.

ReUp officials said the network uses data science, data-informed communication and hands-on coaching to help students return to their previous institution or identify another school that meets their current needs. The program also provides personalized coaching for returning students.

“Since workers without degrees are often the most likely to lose their jobs during economic downturns — and the last to be hired in an upswing — college completion can have an out-sized employment impact during periods of economic uncertainty,” Sarah Horn, co-founder and CEO of ReUp Education, said in announcing the partnership.

Nationwide, ReUp provides access to more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs in fields, including health care, business, information technology and more.

Other universities participating in the ReUp Network include Arkansas Tech University, Bellevue University, Brandman University, Ducere Global Business School, Eastern Michigan University, Excelsior College, Old Dominion University, Salem University, University of Idaho, University of Tennessee (Martin), and Texas A&M University of Central Texas.

Daniel Engstrom, interim provost at Cal U, said the state-owned university in Washington County is well positioned to serve returning adults.

“As a longtime leader in online education, Cal U is an especially good fit for students who need a convenient, affordable option for completing their bachelor’s or master’s degree,” Engstrom said in a statement announcing the new program.

“Today’s job market is highly competitive. We don’t want students who ‘stopped out’ to be left behind. ReUp makes it easy for former Cal U students to come back and earn a diploma. And it will introduce students across the country to Cal U’s top-quality academic programs.”

Students can learn more at www.reupeducation.com/finish-my-degree/.

Deb Erdley is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Deb at 724-850-1209, derdley@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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