| More adults are
exploring ways to increase and expand their skills and marketability
in an effort to retain their current jobs, find employment,
and compete for higher-paying positions. Many adults are looking
to their local colleges and universities to deliver quality
education and training in a timely manner. But, “for
too many adults who want to earn postsecondary credentials,
the traditional structure and organization of higher education
pose significant barriers to access and, particularly, to
persistence and success.”
Entering and completing a higher education program is more
challenging for adult learners than for traditionally-aged
students who come straight out of high school to the college
campus. Research has shown four barriers to be significant:
- The lack of time to pursue education
- Family responsibilities
- The scheduling of course time and place
- The cost of educational courses
Adult Learning Focused Institution (ALFI) Initiative
CAEL conceived and developed the ALFI initiative specifically
to help colleges and universities enhance their ability to
attract and serve adult learners.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
As adults return to the classroom, they select those colleges
and universities most prepared to assess and validate their
work-based prior learning and competencies for the award of
college credit. For almost 30 years, CAEL has been assisting
staff in higher education to learn the policies, procedures
and practical techniques for assessing PLA through a variety
of publications and workshops offered both on-site and in
online formats.
Consulting Services
CAEL professional consultants can identify and enhance your
institution’s distinct capabilities and resources to:
- Establish partnerships with business and labor
- Develop and expand academic programs
- Leverage community and government resources
- Maximize marketing opportunities
Lifelong Learning Accounts
There is widespread agreement among policymakers, researchers, and economists that in order for our regions, states, and the nation to compete in the new global economy, our workers need to be educated, highly skilled, and ready to learn. But the question of who should pay for worker education and training is not easily answered.
Among the many policies proposed and implemented in recent years, one stands out because it leverages investment in learning from multiple sources. Lifelong Learning Accounts (LiLAs) are employer-matched, portable, individual savings accounts used to finance education and training – similar to a 401(k) for skill building and career advancement.
Membership
CAEL members enjoy:
- Extensive networking opportunities within education, as
well as with business,
labor, government and philanthropic leaders interested in
education and training
- Discounts on CAEL publications, conferences, workshops
and
consulting services
- Access to members-only research and events
Conferences & Events
CAEL offers a number of learning and networking events for
higher education, including our annual International Conference,
which attracts professionals from higher education, business
and industry, labor, government and philanthropic organizations.
Our workshops and study tours offer unique hands-on learning
experiences with innovative programs from successful adult
learning focused institutions.
Publications
In addition to its quarterly journal, the CAEL Forum and
News, CAEL publishes white papers and books concerning
adult learning theory and techniques that can help your institution
refine its methods of working with adult learners. Popular
publications include Earn College Credit for What You
Know and Best Practices in Adult Learning: A Self-Evaluation
Workbook for Colleges and Universities.
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