A Profile of Returning Graduates in Community College Occupational Education A Decade Later. Issue 11 (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Michael T.; Grover, Kenda S.; Deggs, David M.
• Is Part Of: Community college journal of research and practice. Volume 45:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: 850
• Page End: 854
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Community colleges -- United States -- Periodicals; 378.15430973
• DOI: 10.1080/10668926.2020.1803159
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1066-8926

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Just over a decade ago, Lynch studied adult students in community colleges who had already earned a postsecondary credential, but "returned to learn." Lynch situated his study at a mid-western community college and noted the recession as a major driver of students returning to learn occupations. Replicating his study in the post-recession economy, similar findings were identified, including nearly a third of all adult returning students holding a bachelor's degree or higher while pursuing an associate's degree in an occupational area. These learners were primarily enrolled in health-related occupational education programs, such as nursing, surgical tech, and respiratory therapy and nearly all used their own personal resources to fund their education. The majority of adult students also identified economic reasons as the primary reason for their return to the classroom, although some did identify career enhancement as a motivation for their enrollment.