Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS)

Models to Successfully Transition Adult Learners to Community College Request For Proposals

July 1, 2011 Dear Program Directors, The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Commonwealth Corporation are pleased to release the Models to Successfully Transition Adult Learners to Community College Request for Proposals RFP now posted on the CommCorp website. Applications are due on September 16, 2011 at 12:00 noon. The lead applicant must be a Community Adult Learning Center funded by ESE. http://www.commcorp.org/resources/rfp.cfm?ID=19 As you know, adults with no post-secondary education or training can face an uphill battle supporting families or climbing out of poverty. Both national and Massachusetts data show that too few GED graduates: a) enroll in college, b) score well enough on the college placement test to qualify for credit-bearing courses, or c) earn a post-secondary degree or certificate. While the GED Testing Service reports that 66% of GED Examinees say they are taking the tests to get into college, only 27% of GED graduates ever enroll in college. Of those 27% who enroll, fewer than 20% ever complete two years of college, and only about 4% ever complete four years. Applicants are being asked to form a collaboration of adult basic education, workforce development and community college partners to provide academic, career readiness and support services that are designed to help adult learners gain the skills and knowledge needed to successfully transition to community college. Additionally, these collaborations are being asked to make a commitment to share their experiences in order to help shape future policy. With Literacy in mind. Anne Serino
Massachusetts ABE State Director

Last Updated: July 1, 2011