About the project
In December 2025, Ithaka S+R invited colleges and universities in Southwestern Pennsylvania to apply to participate in a regional initiative focused on re-engaging adult learners, particularly adults with some college but no credential. The initiative brings together a cohort of institutions committed to designing and implementing a shared, student-centered model that improves outreach, re-enrollment, persistence, credential completion, and career readiness for adult learners balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities.
Building on lessons from the Ohio College Comeback Compact and the Pennsylvania Adult Learner Re-Engagement Community of Practice, participating institutions will work collaboratively to increase access to high-quality credential pathways for adult learners in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Over the course of the project, institutions will improve their readiness to serve adult learners, and contribute to regional efforts to close the workforce credential gap and strengthen economic mobility.
The project is funded by The Heinz Endowments and implemented by Ithaka S+R in partnership with Pittsburgh Scholar House.
Project activities
Planning phase
During the planning phase, selected participants will:
- Complete the Readiness Inventory. The inventory includes components related to admissions and re-enrollment processes; financial and administrative barriers such as balances, holds, and transcript access; advising and persistence supports; and basic needs infrastructure, including housing, food, transportation, and childcare.
- Participants will engage in structured planning sessions, as well as monthly convenings and working groups, with Ithaka S+R, PSH, and cohort institutions. They will also contribute to the refinement of a shared model for outreach to prospective adult learners; re-enrollment workflows; reduction of barriers to enrollment; case management, basic needs support, and wraparound services; and data sharing and measurement of learner progress.
- Institutions will identify a cross-functional team and provide data to support outreach and coaching to learners.
Implementation phase
During this phase, institutions will participate in coordinated outreach to adult learners with support from a trusted third-party vendor beginning in Summer 2026. Institutions will support the re-enrollment of eligible learners from Spring 2027 through Spring 2028 and adopt revised processes or policies, as feasible, that reduce barriers to adult student entry and increase persistence. Throughout the implementation phase, institutions will engage in ongoing collaboration with program partners on measurement, reporting, and continuous improvement.