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The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is teaming up with two-year institutions from across the United States to streamline their nontraditional student support services and smooth the way back to college and into careers in high employment fields for adults age 50 and older.

San Jacinto College is one of 82 colleges to sign on with the AACC initiative, Plus 50 Completion Program, to reach nontraditional students, ages 50 and older, who are either returning to college or pursuing a degree or transfer plan for the first time. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) defines nontraditional as a student who has experienced a delay in college enrollment, is a parent, financially independent, serving in the military, or a GED graduate who does not hold a traditional high school diploma.

San Jacinto College, in concert with the Department of Education Office of Vocation and Adult Education, “…recognizes that for learners to be prepared for further education and 21st century jobs, digital literacy is an absolutely critical skill.” Through the program, the College plans to increase support services as well as enrollment and completion of adult learners and the degrees and/or certifications they earn by focusing on providing basic computer skills training, tutoring, and support. The program awards each participating college $15,000 over the course of three years to assist in the implementation of more services available to nontraditional students. The overall goal is to usher 10,000 baby boomers through degree programs and on into careers at colleges nationwide.

By enhancing such services as enrollment, financial aid, and registration, students like Bill Nelson benefit from a network of peers who share similar responsibilities such as supporting their families and juggling careers.

“My first semester was difficult,” said Nelson, 57, who recently graduated with an associate degree in nursing. “Starting college this late in life, in this career, it has been an adventure.”

Nelson admitted that he had moments of doubt throughout his first year of college, a feeling often experienced by many nontraditional students, according to Kaye Moon Winters, San Jacinto College educational planner/recruiter for adult learners and director of its Plus 50 Program.

“Students age 50 and older have a wealth of experience and passion to bring to the workforce,” said Moon Winters, who founded the Never Too Late (N2L) Outreach and Support Center for the Adult Learner. “They know what it’s like to work longer than is required and to appreciate the privilege of a good job and security.”

Moon Winters is familiar with the intimidation experienced by many of the nontraditional students who have walked through the doors at San Jacinto College. She began her college journey at age 55, 43 years after a young Sen. John F. Kennedy once shook her hand and said, “Stay in school, grow up to become a leader, get your education.”

Her motto, “It’s never too late,” speaks volumes to students like Nelson, who are changing careers later in life. For decades, Nelson was a self-proclaimed “Jack of all trades and master of none,” working in the hospitality business for a while before owning his own music store and later playing music and waiting tables to supplement his income.

“I was living that Bohemian lifestyle, making ends meet,” he said. “But I realized that I’m a grandfather and want to put together a nest egg for my children.”

Nelson was a part of the first group of students who helped Moon Winters to establish N2L, which began as a student initiative that grew to become an outreach and support center for adult learners; a place where nontraditional students can access services like work study computers, a fax machine, refreshments, faculty tutors, and workshops.

The center serves as a proactive step to inspire anyone, at any age, to come back to school, complete a degree program, and pursue a career.

“Adult learners are people seasoned by life, with an appreciation for security and for being of service,” said Moon Winters. “We here at San Jacinto College are committed to serving them through credentials to careers.”

For more information about the San Jacinto College’s partnership with the AACC for the Plus 50 Completion Program, contact Kaye Moon Winters at [email protected].

Jeannie Peng-Armao