In this article, the authors explore the diverse ways in which community based learning strategies are used to enhance further development of adults, raising their levels of educational attainment and increasing their involvement in public and civic activities. There are two social and demographic dynamics at the heart of this topic: the aging profile of the American population; and the need, among employers, educators, and nonprofits, to energize and motivate more people to be active in community and civic matters that are essential to community improvement and problem solving. In postsecondary education, the changing age demographic means that students attending college or university are increasingly older, with most working many hours, living off campus, dealing with family responsibilities, and commuting among home, work, and school. In addition, the increasing cost of tuition and other economic pressures encourage students to postpone enrolling after high school, and they may "stop out" of college occasionally to work more and save money. Students meeting these characteristics have more than a 55 percent probability of being among those who depart early and without credentials.