Millions of Americans have left college before earning their degrees. Some schools are trying to re-engage those so-called “stop-out” learners to bolster their classes amid growing uncertainty about enrollment.

In this episode of College Uncovered, GBH’s Kirk Carapezza explores how local institutions are partnering with national organizations like ReUp Education to reconnect with former students.  Advocates are hopeful about these partnerships because most schools don’t have sufficient resources to reconnect with adult learners, who may need dozens of calls and individualized support before re-enrolling. 

Kirk also speaks with Elliot Felix, author of The Connected College, who believes re-engaging adult students is critical to fulfilling higher education’s promise. “College is still our best instrument for economic opportunity and mobility and helping students find their people, their place, their purpose, and their path forward,” Felix says. 

And if you’re an adult student who stepped away from college before finishing, we’ll outline the key questions to ask before deciding to return. 

Links:

Colleges are reconnecting with students who left before earning their degrees

Graduation Frustration

The Real Cost of “Free”

“College Uncovered” is made possible by Lumina Foundation.

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Credits:

Host and Producer: Kirk Carapezza 

Editors: Azita Ghahramani and Lisa Wardle

Executive Producer: Lee Hill  

Mixing and Sound Design: David Goodman & Gary Mott

Theme Song and original music: Left-Roman

Artwork: Matt Welch 

Project Manager: Isabel Hibbard

Consulting Producer and Head of GBH Podcasts: Devin Maverick Robins

"College Uncovered" is a production of GBH News