UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — More central Pennsylvania adults are enrolled in Penn State Continuing Education at University Park (CEUP) programs this spring semester than in spring 2011. CEUP is reporting a 12 percent increase to 583 students at its learning centers at University Park campus and in Lewistown and Williamsport.
"Continuing Education is committed to opening doors of opportunity for adult learners," said Paula Hogard, director of continuing education. "Our goal is to help adult learners not only access a Penn State education, but also to be successful."
Among the new initiatives to help adult learners be successful is the Transitions: College and Career Prep program. Designed for adults who have been out of school for some time, the free program covers basic math skills, writing, reading comprehension, technology issues, note taking, research skills, time management and financial aid options.
Adult learners also receive academic and motivational advising from a team of Continuing Education advisers. In addition, continuing education courses are offered at times and in formats designed for busy learners, including in the evenings, on weekends, online and through blended learning, combining classroom and online components.
"Adults also need education programs in bite-size chunks, because they are often attending college part time and juggling multiple responsibilities," Hogard said. "We want to create bridges, so learners can step up toward their goal. They can start by earning a certificate, then move on to complete an associate degree. They can step out at any time and return when their family and work situation allows."
CEUP is conducting ongoing research to identify the needs of adult learners to further guide its efforts to help these learners succeed at Penn State. These initiatives are already having an impact. Hogard noted that 22 continuing education students were named to the Fall 2011 Dean's List.
For information about CEUP programs, visit http://ceup.psu.edu/ online.
Penn State Continuing Education at University Park (CEUP) offers a venue for adults to return to the classroom at learning centers at University Park campus, Lewistown and Williamsport. CEUP is part of Penn State Outreach, the largest unified outreach organization in American higher education. Penn State Outreach serves more than 5 million people each year, delivering more than 2,000 programs to people in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, all 50 states and 115 countries worldwide.