Empowering Stopouts: Overcoming Challenges and Reenrolling in College
Many adults in the U.S. find themselves in a situation where they have left college before completing their degree, often referred to as "stopouts." This group includes about 38 million working-age adults who have student loans to pay but lack the credential of a degree to boost their earnings. While many intend to return to college, few actually do. However, in recent years, colleges and local governments have made efforts to help these stopouts reenroll, with the number of reenrollments increasing by 7% in the 2023-2024 school year.
For individuals like Jevona Anderson, who faced personal challenges leading to her dropping out of college, financial assistance played a crucial role in her decision to return to the University of Baltimore to complete her degree. Anderson, who aspires to become a teacher, emphasized the importance of earning a degree to improve her future prospects. The challenges that stopouts face, such as balancing work, caregiving, health issues, and transportation, can often derail their academic pursuits.
Anderson's journey to completing her bachelor's degree in environmental sustainability was marked by personal and financial struggles, including the loss of relatives and an eviction that impacted her ability to focus on her studies. Despite these challenges, Anderson's determination to make a difference in her community through education kept her motivated to pursue her degree. With the support of scholarships and financial aid programs, Anderson is now on the verge of graduating and fulfilling her goal of working with children in underserved communities.
The reenrollment of stopouts in colleges across the country has been a growing trend, with efforts to provide financial assistance and streamline the reenrollment process. Programs like the one at Colorado's Pueblo Community College, offering scholarships and personalized outreach to former students, have proven successful in bringing individuals back to complete their degrees. By providing support, guidance, and financial incentives, colleges aim to help stopouts overcome barriers and achieve their educational goals.
In conclusion, the journey of stopouts like Jevona Anderson highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals who have left college before completing their degrees. Through targeted support, financial assistance, and personalized outreach, colleges are working to reengage stopouts and help them achieve their academic aspirations. The reenrollment of stopouts represents a significant opportunity to empower individuals to improve their earning potential and pursue fulfilling careers.