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Introduction
to the Adult Learning Focused Institution Initiative (ALFI)
The stereotyped image of the college student as one who is
18-23 years old in residential, full-time study is being challenged
by a new reality.
The U.S. economy is now information-driven and a college
degree has become an increasingly important credential in
the marketplace, both for new entrants into the labor force
and those already employed.
Working adults who want to succeed in the present economic
climate are pursuing a college education in increasing numbers,
and they are becoming a fast-growing part of the undergraduate
population at college campuses across the country.
Many traditional colleges and universities struggle to adapt
to this changing student marketplace, but find themselves
burdened by traditions and practices that prove ill suited
for adults.
CAEL is addressing this issue through its Adult Learning
Focused Institution (ALFI) Initiative, the goal of which is
to help colleges and universities improve learning opportunities
for working adults and the employers who support their education.
At the center of this initiative is a framework CAEL created
to assist colleges and universities in meeting the unique
needs of their adult students. This framework, entitled CAEL’s
Principles of Effectiveness
for Serving Adult Learners,
describes policies and practices institutions of higher education
can adopt to make educational opportunities more accessible
and remove obstacles from the path to degree completion.
Want more information on CAEL’s Principles of Effectiveness
for Serving Adult Learners? Read our executive summary
on the Principles:
PDF
Version 
How
did CAEL develop its Principles of Effectiveness For Serving
Adult Learners?
With the support of The
Pew Charitable Trusts, CAEL conducted an extensive
benchmarking study of six highly adult learning focused colleges
and universities. From
the six institutions selected for in-depth study,
CAEL identified common elements in their best practices, from
which the Principles of Effectiveness emerged. To read the
executive summary on the findings of this study,
click here for PDF Version
For colleges and universities, CAEL has
developed assessment tools that will assist in evaluating
current policies and practices for serving adult learners.These
tools help institutions of higher education discover new ways
to improve access and retention for this important population.The
development of the tools is made possible by the generous
support of the Lumina
Foundation for Education.
For state higher education policymakers,
the Adult Learning Focused Institution Initiative provides
state higher education agencies with tools and resources to
help them understand the value and importance of helping their
adult citizens achieve a post secondary degree.
With grant support from the Lumina
Foundation for Education, CAEL has developed Adult Learning
Focused Institution (ALFI) Assessment Tools for community
colleges and designed a policy
framework for states. These tools are part of CAEL’s
ALFI initiative to increase access and remove barriers for
adults so they can be successful in achieving postsecondary
degrees and credentials. Helping
Adult Learners Succeed, a new report from CAEL on this
project, summarizes lessons learned during this work; CAEL
and Community Colleges: Working Together is a brochure
that underscores the role that ALFI can play in helping community
colleges and their adult students.
The Ford
Foundation
has supported the development of tools to help state higher
education systems create partnerships between businesses and
community colleges in order to increase educational opportunities
for adult workers.
Looking for more resources? Check out the
Events and Publications
section.
Questions or Comments? Let us know. Contact
us here.
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