Your Resource for Boosting Adult College Enrollment & Completion | December 2025

Save the Date: Adult Learner Summit in Detroit

We’re gearing up for our FIRST EVER statewide Adult Learner Summit, where institutions, partners, and ecosystem leaders will come together in Detroit, MI.



The Center-hosted event will provide the opportunity for colleges and universities across the state to discuss innovative methods to boost adult learner enrollment, persistence, and completion efforts on their campuses.

The summit will feature presentations from national experts and opportunities for participants to share the work they are doing at their own campuses to better serve adult learners. Please hold February 4-5, 2026 on your calendar. More details to follow soon!

From the Blog: Helping Student Parents Succeed in Michigan

Student parents are one of the most motivated—yet most structurally challenged—groups in higher education. Michelle's latest blog highlights practical strategies that Michigan institutions have adopted to support their success, including integrated service navigation, flexible scheduling, and clearer communication around benefits and available resources.



With more than 1 in 5 college students nationally balancing school and caregiving, this work is not just important—it’s essential to Michigan’s long-term talent pipeline.



Don't miss out! Join our new programs at no-cost

Advancing Adult Attainment (AAA) - Technical assistance from experts in adult learning

The Advancing Adult Attainment program empowers post-secondary institutions to fuel adult learner success through tailored, technical support and individualized strategies to meet their needs. The Center is proud to partner with Student Ready Strategies, SOVA Solutions and C-BEN to bring these services to all Michigan institutions of higher education - at no-cost to you!

The idea is for you to connect with one of these partners, who will stay connected with your institution and provide technical assistance - walking the walk alongside you.

Here's a sample list of services our partners can offer - but it's just a starting point - everything can be tailored specifically to your institution and your student population.

Adult Learner Navigator Community of Practice (ALNCOP)

Our growing Adult Learner Navigator Community of Practice brings together professionals from colleges, universities, state agencies, and community organizations from across Michigan to share what’s working - and troubleshoot real challenges affecting adult learners. Our first virtual meetup was 25 strong, and in less than an hour we shared a wealth of resources and good news about helping adult learners achieve their educational goals! 

We have 70 professionals in our new community already - if your institution has not yet joined, it’s not too late!

Updates from Center Partners

MiLEAP: New grant opportunity helps colleges remove barriers and expand opportunities for returning adult learners

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has opened applications for Reconnect Enroll with Momentum grants, supporting Michigan’s community and tribal colleges to work with county governments in developing strategies that help adult learners start or continue their postsecondary education and earn credentials that strengthen Michigan’s workforce.

The grant’s emphasis is on helping adult learners enroll while implementing strategies that can put them on a fast track to certificate or degree completion.

An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, December 17 at 1:00 p.m.

CMU, Lansing Community College partner for Central Bound

Central Michigan University and Lansing Community College announced a new partnership designed to expand transfer pathways and improve degree completion for adult learners.

The collaboration, with support from an Innovation Investment Award from The Center, focuses on smoother credit mobility, advising alignment, and tailored supports—an important win for Michigan’s adult student community.

Innovation Investment Award: Empowering Adult Learners at Monroe County Community College

Monroe County Community College

Our latest Innovation Investment Award Case Study spotlights Monroe County Community College, where MCCC Momentum staff have strengthened advising and personalized guidance to create more flexible pathways for working adults.

MCCC is also expanding its support network through strategic local partnerships. Collaborating with agencies like the Monroe County Opportunity Program (MCOP), the college provides critical services such as childcare, transportation, and community engagement activities.

Read more about how MCCC is redesigning their approach to put adult learners at the center.

The Center Connection: Partner Perspectives

Michigan incomes drop to their lowest ranking ever as higher education lags other states

A recent analysis from the Detroit Regional Chamber shows Michigan's per-capita income ranking has dropped to 40th in the nation, despite gains made in the percentage of residents with post-secondary credentials over the past decade. 

This data underscores the critical connection between education attainment and economic competitiveness. Education = opportunity & income!

From Crain's Detroit Business:



The report stresses the need for several things for Michigan to reach the "60 by '30" goal in five years.

Leaders agreed there's a need to set new cultural expectations that high school graduates go on to at least two years of post-high school education or training.

Spurring adults who have some college credits but stopped short of earning a credential or degree — some 473,800 working-age adults in the Detroit region as of 2024 — to complete a college degree is another call to action. That’s something that would help increase the percentage of residents with a college degree, earnings power and per-capita income. 

We can help with that!

Office Hours

Our team offers regular virtual office hours for institutions seeking support on program design, data use, student-success strategies, and more.

Technical Support for Colleges and Universities

Institutions participating in Advancing Adult Attainment (AAA) receive 1:1 consulting, tailored guidance on program development, and hands-on support implementing accelerated credential pathways.



If your institution would benefit from individualized attention, reach out—we’re here to help.

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We collaborate to drive postsecondary innovation, transforming Michigan into a place where more adult learners enroll, complete and thrive.