Adult Learning Campaign

The primary elements are:

The Adult Learning Campaign: The SREB regional campaign will build upon the current Go Alliance established among SREB states to share media messages and materials about access to higher education. A dual-purpose Adult Learning ToolKit will be developed to 1) provide a how-to framework for building a media campaign, including message development and effective community outreach; and 2) build a network of grassroots organizations currently working with adults and connect them to resources and services utilizing SREB’s expanded Electronic Campus Web site (www.electroniccampus.org). Ultimately, the goal is to equip states, local organizations and employers with tools, techniques and strategies that will help them easily communicate with adults about programs, services and financial aid opportunities.

SREB, in partnership with selected states and industry groups, will establish two Industry Sector Pilots. These pilots will target low-wage employment sectors with high levels of minority and ethnic employment (e.g., construction, hotel and restaurant workers,  and low-wage health care workers). The experience of the broader, 16-state media campaign outlined above will be used to focus on getting employees of these sectors into appropriate educational experiences.

The Policy Campaign: A second objective is to address policy issues and barriers that confront adults. This component of the project is essential: We cannot expect a media campaign aimed at increasing demand to succeed unless there is an equal effort to increase the supply of programs and support for adult learners. Much of the groundwork for this campaign has already been developed within the structure of the Distance Learning Policy Laboratory of SREB. The policy campaign will advance this agenda through a series of meetings and reports aimed at SREB prime constituents — governors and legislators.

The Internet Campaign: A third objective is to increase the use of the expanded Electronic Campus Web site. This site will be particularly valuable in reaching associate and baccalaureate degree holders seeking continuing education and advanced degrees (e.g., nurses and teachers). But we also expect to increase the value of the site to underserved minority and ethnic groups, as well as those seeking adult basic education, GED, work force skills training and ESL instruction.
 

The Adult Learning Campaign is supported by a grant from Lumina Foundation for Education.

For more information, e-mail Bruce Chaloux at bruce.chaloux@sreb.org.