Plus 50 InitiativeRehired, Rewired, & Re-
inspired: How to Engage the Plus 50 Student
Joliet Junior CollegeKelly Lapetino and Pam Abbott
Moraine Valley Community CollegeLinley White
Workers over age 45 who are unemployed, are more likely to stay unemployed longer, than younger workers. More “long-term unemployed” are plus 50 workers.
The Critical Need
How many are out of work?
October 2010– 14.8 million Americans unemployed
National unemployment rate 9.6%
Unemployment rate ages 45-54 7.8%
Unemployment rate ages 55+ 7.3%
Ref: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf October 2010 unemployment report by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Survey
• 204 community colleges responded to the survey.
• Approximately 1,081 institutions representing every community college in the United States were invited to participate.
• Conducted online in fall 2008.
The Plus 50 Adult:A Dramatically Different Type of Community College Student
Community Colleges Offer Options and Possibilities
Short-term training for a new career can get an unemployed worker back on the job and earning money in a matter of months, not years.
• Personal enrichment
• Workforce training and career development
• Volunteering
Community Colleges Offer a Range of Programs
Enrichment Focused Plus 50 Programs May Hurt Community College Bottom Lines
JJC Plus 50 Workforce Center Mission
To promote the continued vitality of the mature workforce through the delivery of a comprehensive system of quality employment, education, and training services that support local and regional economic development initiatives.
Of the colleges offering workforce training courses, over half tailored them to plus 50 student needs.
Tailoring Courses for Plus 50 Needs
JJC has seen an increased enrollment of 50+ students particularly in computer related courses
Customized 50+ computer classesFull range of computer courses offeredToo Young For Facelift? Too Old For Facebook?
Learning is life-long and many people in our community want to attend classes or programs in order to begin a new career or obtain a degree.
Tuition waivers through grant fundingMentor and Volunteer programRetirement PlanningLifelong learning classes
Ageless Learning Classes for Adults Over The Age of 50
• ARTOil PaintingWatercolors
• FITNESSFit Over 50
Joliet Junior College’s Plus 50 Workforce Center helps the mature worker face the challenges ofobtaining employment after the age 50.
Free career workshops, career assessments and advisingSupport group sessionMock InterviewAnnual +50 friendly job fair
Looking for a New Career Direction?
Plus 50 Career Training
Pharmacy Technician for 50+Alzheimer’s at Home CaregiverParaprofessional
Laying Out The Welcome Mat
Workforce training & career development programs help plus 50
adults prepare for new careers during a turbulent economy.
Colleges can improve support services that help integrate plus 50 students into the fabric of campus life.
Many community colleges are reaching out to plus 50 adults with tailored programs, but more needs to be done.
Inviting Plus 50 Adults to Campus
Recommendations: Know your customer: conduct a high-quality needs assessment
Recommendations: Customize workforce training and career development programs to match the needs and objectives of plus 50 students.
Recommendations: Concentrate more on support services that can help plus 50 students integrate into campus life.
Recommendations: Put policies in place that streamline registration for plus 50 students
Recommendations: Remember that even though some need financial aid, the plus 50 age group also represents a valuable market and source of revenue.
Website Resources
http://plus50.aacc.nche.edu/ “Educating Plus 50 Learners: Opportunities for Community Colleges”
Full Report & Executive SummaryBiweekly e-newsletter
PublicationsStudent stories