Blending College Preparation and Career Development for Adult Students in New England

Transition to College and Careers was a two-year demonstration project that addressed both academic and non-academic barriers to college for adult learners. Of the 397 adult learners who enrolled in one of the six participating programs, 66% completed it, 69% attained college level reading skills, and the majority enrolled in college afterwards. Students who enrolled in TCC with poor math skills made the least amount of progress in math. One innovative program feature was an online 'Introduction to Health Science' course that students from all programs took as a cohort. The findings support a program design that emphasizes students' personal readiness, math, online learning, pro-active counseling and advising, and engagement with career centers and employers. Lack of reliable transportation and health issues were the main reasons for non-completion.