The Coalition for the Common Good, cofounded by Otterbein and Antioch Universities, has many goals. We want to provide more opportunities for traditional undergraduates (accelerated degree pathways, study abroad etc.), create better staff experiences through scale in some operational functions and provide a new business model for independent colleges that share our values for access and affordability.
One of the more central ideas is to widen access to adult education by leveraging programs through Antioch University, which is a solely adult-focused institution.
Adult learners are not like traditional undergraduates. We all know they are often balancing full-time jobs and families, requiring more flexible scheduling and support. But it is more than that.
Many adult learners, especially those who have not completed a bachelor’s degree, are reticent about returning to the classroom (virtual or not). Their last experience with formal education may have been many years ago--and negative.
One innovation that Antioch is working on is “stackable” credentials. Rather than asking an adult to sign up for a three- or four-year program to get their bachelors, it gets divided into bite-sized chunks. Each bite can result in some credential (a certificate with immediate value in their career) and provide encouragement to take the next step. Eventually, the students have “stacked” enough credentials to have earned their degree.
We are not the first with this idea, but we hope to bring it to scale and partner with employers in the process. Look for exciting announcements on our progress soon.
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