NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ859532
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1067-1803
EISSN: N/A
Plus-50 Success Story
Dillon, Rosemary; Marini, Sergio; Miller, Susan F.
Community College Journal, v80 n2 p44-47 Oct-Nov 2009
Across the country, some 78 million baby boomers are closing in on retirement age. While some are considering second careers--in teaching or health care, for instance--others are staying active and involved through volunteering and community service. Recognizing the tremendous opportunity this population holds in terms of experience, skills, and leadership for younger generations, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), with funding from The Atlantic Philanthropies, launched the Plus 50 Initiative. Intended to showcase programs for plus-50 learners, the initiative, funded with a $3.2 million grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies, has funneled money to 14 community colleges over the past year to develop approaches that could be replicated elsewhere. With an established and growing population of older students, Cape Cod Community College (CCCC), in West Barnstable, Massachusetts, received funding through the grant program as a mentor college. Staying true to its role, CCCC has conducted focus groups and surveys with baby boomers to identify courses and volunteer opportunities. As a result, administrators plan to expand the initiative and are developing a talent bank that will match plus-50 students with civic and service opportunities. This article provides eight tips for organizations to use when launching sustainable projects: (1) Look at the big picture and identify the organization's strengths; (2) Land some quick wins; (3) Be authentic; (4) Develop internal partners; (5) Engage the stakeholders; (6) Engage employees; (7) Develop a communications strategy; and (8) Develop a long-term plan. These tips have served as a practical blueprint for serving plus-50 adults who come to CCCC for enrichment, to acquire job-related skills, or to pursue new careers.
American Association of Community Colleges. One Dupont Circle NW Suite 410, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-728-0200; Fax: 202-833-2467; Web site: http://www.aacc.nche.edu/bookstore
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Adult Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A