Pushing for Academic Prosperity for Kentucky Adults

In the state of Kentucky, there are 1.4 million adults without a postsecondary credential. Nearly 70% of these adults have never enrolled in college, and the other over 30% have some credits but have yet to earn a degree. The state is working towards closing gaps in the workforce and having more adults with a liveable wage through the push for education in Kentucky. Over the past decade, the number of Kentucky adults in college has declined by 40% overall, which is a product of a variety of factors.

Many Kentuckians have family obligations such as children or older adults that prohibit them from returning to school, as they have to spend their time caring for them at home. Additionally, financial challenges are a big roadblock in the path to higher education. Although 50% of adults in Kentucky receive a Pell Grant, adults still experience a significant gap in covering the costs of college.

All of these factors greatly impact adults, who are four times less likely to complete their postsecondary education than students enrolling right after high school. The strategy to combat these shortcomings is to engage the learning community and provide them with the support they need across the board to succeed. From professional development, to childcare solutions, to the strengthening of workforce partnerships, all of these efforts will help Kentucky to reach their goals. By 2030, the state hopes to boast that 60% of the population has attained a postsecondary credential or degree. Under these new efforts, that goal is not only attainable, but generates hope for the future of learners and education in Kentucky.

Source: Source: Kentucky Student Success Collaborative