Adult Learners

Who are Kentucky's Adult Learners?

Kentucky’s adult learners are individuals aged 25 and older who are pursuing postsecondary education. Many juggle work, family responsibilities, and other life commitments, making it challenging to enroll, persist, and complete their educational goals. Supporting these learners not only transforms their lives but also positively impacts their families, communities, and Kentucky’s workforce.

Why This Matters

In 2022, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) launched Moving Up: An Action Plan to Improve Economic Opportunity for Kentucky Adults through Lifelong Learning, developed in partnership with state agencies, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, campus leaders, and national experts. This plan outlines targeted actions to reduce barriers and improve outcomes for adult learners, advancing CPE’s strategic goal of increased educational attainment.

As Kentucky's higher education institutions approach the "demographic cliff," it’s more important than ever to engage the untapped potential of adult learners to meet our state’s 60x30 goal: 60% of Kentuckians with a postsecondary credential by 2030.

Guiding Priorities

The Adult Learner Action Plan is centered around three strategic priorities:

Increasing Accessibility to Higher Education
Enhancing Institutional Innovation
Strengthening Cross-Sector Partnerships

Who Leads This Work?

Our efforts are driven by a dedicated strategy lead, Senior Fellows with expertise in supporting adult learners and a guiding team of partners including state agencies, campus champions, and community-based organizations.

Current Inititaves

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL): Developing and sharing best practices for recognizing and awarding college credit for prior learning, work experience, and military training.
Seamless Transitions from Adult Education: Partnering with Kentucky Adult Education to support adults transitioning from Adult Basic Education into postsecondary programs.
Support for Justice-Impacted Students: Improving cross-agency collaboration to provide educational access and wraparound services for justice-involved individuals.
Support for Parenting Students: Conducting statewide research on the needs of parenting students, analyzing campus supports, and leading a Childcare Solutions Network to expand access, resources, and innovative solutions to childcare barriers.

Moving Forward

Kentucky is committed to creating a responsive, and supportive postsecondary ecosystem for adult learners. When adult learners succeed, families thrive—and thriving families build stronger communities and a stronger Kentucky.

For more information, please contact: tracy.teater@ky.gov or visit https://kystudentsuccess.org/.

Guiding Documentation

Last Updated: 6/2/2025