Abner Oakes’ Post

Dual enrollment and early college programs- -- A Call to Reboot. #JFF #DualEnrollmentResearch https://lnkd.in/gaR6EqQ6 KEY TAKEAWAYS It’s time to shift in mindset regarding the value of dual enrollment and early college programs. These programs must be designed as equitable pathways to postsecondary education and workforce success, particularly for students underserved by the current systems. This includes outreach efforts, alignment with career goals, early exploration and advising, wraparound supports, and high-quality instruction. Despite the popularity and impact of dual enrollment, challenges and inefficiencies in implementation persist. Practitioners are solving the same problems and addressing the same costly inefficiencies with each replication, as nothing works smoothly. Implementers struggle with funding streams, calendars, credit hours, Carnegie Units, course alignment, curriculum repetition, and student workplace experience. On the policy front, issues may include incentives, accountability, staffing, and other rules and regulations that, if not barriers, aren’t enablers, either. There needs to be a radical reboot of existing approaches to dual enrollment and early college programs. They must embrace innovation, collaboration, and alignment with workforce needs. By reimagining current practices and adopting transformative solutions, stakeholders can create more inclusive pathways to postsecondary success, empowering all students to thrive in the evolving landscape of higher education and the workforce.

Are you ready to embrace the future of higher education? Non-traditional students are changing the landscape of college campuses. Let's talk about the challenges they face and the incredible opportunities they bring: 1-Balancing Act: Juggling jobs, family, and studies can be tough. 2-Financial Hurdles: Cost can be a barrier for many. 3-Support Systems: Sometimes, they need a helping hand. But here’s the thing: non-traditional students are truly remarkable. They bring a wealth of diverse perspectives to the classroom, shaped by their unique life experiences. Their unwavering motivation and determination are inspiring, driving them to achieve their academic goals. And let's not forget the incredible potential for career advancement that higher education offers these students. To truly support non-traditional students, we must offer them the flexibility they need to succeed. This includes providing options like online courses and flexible schedules. Additionally, we must make it easier for them to afford college by offering generous financial aid packages. Connecting non-traditional students with experienced mentors can also provide invaluable guidance and support. Finally, creating an inclusive campus culture that welcomes and supports all students is essential for ensuring their success. As higher education leaders, it's our responsibility to create inclusive and supportive environments that empower non-traditional students to reach their full potential. By offering flexibility, financial aid, mentorship, and an inclusive campus culture, we can help these students overcome challenges and achieve their academic and career goals. Let's work together to ensure that higher education is accessible and rewarding for all.

Excited to share insights from Campus Sonar’s latest research on the state of trust in higher education! Our team of Strategists and Analysts spent weeks analyzing over 13,000 online mentions across social media, forums, and blogs to uncover the truth about how people perceive the value of college today. They found that many believe that college simply isn't "worth it" anymore due to skyrocketing costs and doubts about the practical value of degrees in today's job market and that choosing the "wrong major" had long-term financial repercussions for many. But there's hope! Many also said they recognized higher education’s potential for social mobility, and as learning organizations, campuses have the potential to drive positive change for individuals and communities. Higher education is a public good that we can't afford to lose. Rebuilding trust is crucial for higher ed to remain relevant and continue serving its audiences. My hope this report contributes to leaders working together to reform and reshape the narrative and ensure that individuals and communities continue to benefit from the transformative power of education. 🤓

Amidst continued questions of the value of college degree, Campus Sonar investigated public perceptions of higher ed. Using the always-on focus group of online conversation, we went directly to the source. While just over one-third of the conversation was negative, reflecting concerns around costs, debt accumulation, and major selection pressures, that’s not the entire story. Individuals consistently shared the indisputable advantages of higher ed. They reflected on unmatched opportunities and how their college experience “opened doors” to their future—improved quality of life, diversified career paths, increased social mobility, personal and professional development, expanded networks, mentorship, and more. As a first-generation college graduate growing up in West Virginia (a rural state fully situated in Appalachia with its own higher ed access, attainability, and affordability challenges), I’ve experienced this value firsthand. That’s what drew me to this career path and motivated me to contribute to this research. Listening to and understanding audience perspectives is necessary for higher ed to rebuild trust and adapt to evolving needs. By mission, campuses are learning organizations—the foundation for change is there. Leaders must be willing to think differently and approach their decisions through an audience-first lens. Our insights offer a starting point. As a public good, higher ed can’t relinquish this work to others. Individuals and communities depend on it. Read on for strategies to implement at your campus: https://lnkd.in/eVwEUPcA 

A Call to Reboot Dual Enrollment from Nancy Hoffman at Jobs for the Future (JFF): "Dual enrollment and early college increase the number of high schoolers who succeed in college. Over the past two decades, they’ve grown from boutique opportunities to widespread college success strategies; research confirms effectiveness. This 20-year history charts innovations in dual enrollment leading to today’s urgent equity priority. What bold action now will remove implementation barriers and evolve new educational institutions to make the 2020s the equity decade?" Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/g24rFDiB Key Takeaways: 1) It’s time to shift the mindset regarding the value of dual enrollment and early college programs. 2) Despite the popularity and impact of dual enrollment, challenges, and inefficiencies in implementation persist. 3) There needs to be a radical reboot of existing approaches to dual enrollment and early college programs.

👩🏫✨ Dual enrollment offers high school students a unique opportunity to get a head start on their college education while still completing their high school requirements. Taking classes at a college campus exposes students to the college environment, helping them experience the expectations, independence, and rigor of college-level coursework. This immersion fosters the development of critical thinking, time management, and study skills that will benefit them in higher education. Additionally, dual enrollment can save students time and money by earning college credits early, reducing the need to take those courses later. Experiencing college firsthand boosts students' confidence, making the transition to full-time college life more familiar. https://lnkd.in/g8aCWnNv

🌟 Unlocking Potential with Dual Enrollment! Exciting insights from the Community College Research Center, 2024 Data, reveal that dual enrollment programs are not just beneficial—they're transformative! 🚀 Here's what we've learned: Jumpstart on College: Students in dual enrollment get a head start, entering college with credits already under their belt. This means less time and money spent on obtaining a degree. 🎓 Leveling the Playing Field: These programs open doors for students from diverse backgrounds, offering a sneak peek at college life and coursework, and setting a solid foundation for future success. 🌍 Boost in Performance: Evidence shows students who participate in dual enrollment have higher college enrollment rates, better grades, and a smoother transition to college life. They're not just ready—they excel! ✨ Other great data points: * About 70% of DE courses are offered through community colleges * High school students account for one in five community college enrollments * More than 1.5 million students annually enroll in DE courses, more than a million of them at community colleges. From 2011 to 2021, the number of students taking DE nearly doubled, and it continues to grow Let’s get behind these game-changing opportunities! By expanding access to dual enrollment, we can make a profound impact on our education system and empower our youth to achieve more, faster. #EducationRevolution #DualEnrollment #FutureLeaders #InnovativeEducation #PathwayToSuccess

"...[T]hey suggest a greater focus on connecting the dots for students between high school interests, college options and career paths." Working with students in higher ed. will reveal a lot, such as how uninformed they are regarding career pathways. Connecting the dots for students is one of many great solutions to address the issue of perceived value of a college education. Before attempting to connect the dots for students, parents and family members have to be a part of the conversation--and the earlier, the better. So what does this look like? More collaborations with K-12, service/presence in the communities from where most students are recruited, redesigning academic programs that are embedded with more experiential learning opportunities.

Americans’ confidence in higher education remains low. According to a new Gallup poll, only 36% of respondents feel strong confidence in higher education — the same as last year’s poll, but down from 57% since 2015: https://lnkd.in/gc5Y4pHm. One reason that may be contributing to this sentiment could be the perceived connection (or lack thereof) to career outcomes in collegiate programs. The poll found that nearly one in four Americans (24%) feel students are not being properly educated or taught what they need to succeed. So what can we do about it? Last summer, WGU Labs hosted a convening to explore the barriers impeding effective pathways between learning and earning — and ideated solutions to bridge the gap: https://lnkd.in/dG7QXJB6. In the coming months, we’ll be exploring this topic further from an employer perspective at the Human Potential Summit, where we’ll dive into the barriers to educating workers who lack connection to postsecondary offerings that might elevate their career opportunities.

🎓 As we honor this year's graduates, let's acknowledge the transformative power of dual enrollment and early college high schools. 🎓 JFF's latest report "Improve Today, Invent Tomorrow" highlights how these initiatives have evolved over the past two decades into essential strategies for college success, especially for Black, Latine, and low-income students. To fulfill the promise of 2020s as the equity decade, we need bold action. Despite their success, dual enrollment and early college high schools face persistent barriers. It's time for a radical reboot to better serve all students, if not bring JFF’s Big Blur vision closer to reality. 🔹 Key Takeaways 🔹 Equitable Pathways: Design programs as inclusive routes to postsecondary education and workforce success with enhanced outreach, advising, and high-quality instruction. Addressing Inefficiencies: Streamline processes to overcome implementation challenges, from funding and credit hours to policy incentives and staffing. Embracing Innovation: Reimagine and transform practices to create inclusive pathways that empower every student to thrive. Reflecting on the last two decades, let's commit to refining and advancing these programs for a more equitable and prosperous future. For more insights, check out JFF’s latest report on dual enrollment and early college programs >> https://lnkd.in/gEy_836V #TransformWorkandLearning #ReimagineEducation #DualEnrollment