She said that when she was an adult learner, back in the 70's, women made up the preponderant number of students. Now there are many older men seeking additional education as they experience late career job lay-offs. She stressed that adults are very different students, because they really want to be in school, and they are very intense about learning. On the other hand, she stressed, they do need lots of help, especially finding funds to continue their education. Betty said that another whole area that is opening up is that of retirees who are looking either for personal enrichment or in some cases to find work opportunities either because they want to work, or in some case because they have to.
Adult learners tend to be very directed and career oriented.
The toughest job is selling non-career related courses to them. She did note that adult learners tend to do very well once they get started. Betty said that one of the most effective tools she has found for reaching adults is a series of informational workshops specifically for adult learners. She runs these about once a month on campus. But she also takes workshops into the community to get the message out about the services and possibilities that MCC has to offer.