Adult Learners and Students with Children
Adult Learners and Students with Children
The Adult Learner and Students with Children (ALSC) KC increases awareness, disseminates information, identifies resources and tracks academic and demographic trends concerning these typically under-represented but growing, and frequently intersecting, populations of students. All of our efforts are ultimately focused on increasing the recruitment, admission, retention and graduation of this demographic.
As a Knowledge Community we find recognition of Outstanding Programs to be one of our most important missions. Each year our community offers three awards to recognize the amazing work done by our colleagues in the field.
If you have a program at your University, College or Community College that supports that retention and successful graduation of Adult Learners or Students with Children, we urge you to apply for our awards.
Message from Chair
The most exciting part about embarking on this role as ALSC KC Chair is the opportunity to learn more about the innovative work, research, and advocacy taking place across higher education as our understanding of the adult learner continues to evolve. While some institutions define adult learners through traditional measures such as IPEDS, others take a broader view that recognizes individuals who may be returning to education after time away, balancing careers, supporting families, serving as caregivers, or navigating multiple life roles while pursuing their educational goals.
The ALSC Knowledge Community is dedicated to highlighting the research, promising practices, and efforts that advance equity and improve the lived experiences of adult learners and students with children and/or dependents. Just as important, we aim to celebrate the talent, expertise, and commitment of practitioners across NASPA and the higher education community whose work creates lasting impact for these students.
As a KC, we strive to be collaborative, educational, and receptive. We learn from our talented members, foster meaningful connections, and cultivate a sense of urgency around recognizing and supporting this growing student population. We welcome new members, encourage diverse perspectives, and believe that our collective knowledge strengthens our ability to serve adult learners effectively.
We know this work is critical. Institutions must continue to invest in the supports, staffing, resources, and policies that prioritize the success and well-being of adult learners and students with children. These learners have enriched our educational communities for generations and will continue to shape the future of higher education. Let us never cease to be their champions, advocates, and partners in success.
ALSKC Past Chairs
Leadership Team
Knowledge Community leaders are NASPA volunteers who have generously devoted their time to their Knowledge Community. Chairs are elected by the Knowledge Community members while Regional representatives are selected from within the Region. Additional roles are selected by the Knowledge Community.
Complete Your Profile
Login and update your profile.
Newsletter
Check out our latest newsletters!
Connect With Us
Outside of subscribing to receive our emails, there are other ways for you to stay connected with our KC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/naspa-alsc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naspa_alsc_kc/
We also have a dedicated chat option for our members to connect with one another and our KC leadership team. You can request to join the GroupMe.
Events
One of the best ways to stay connected with the Adult Learners and Students with Children Knowledge Community is through our Luma page, which serves as a central hub for upcoming KC programming, monthly meetings, and engagement opportunities. We encourage members to regularly visit our Luma page to learn about upcoming discussions, networking opportunities, and events focused on supporting adult learners, student parents, and individuals with other intersecting nontraditional identities. Our monthly meetings provide opportunities for members to connect with ALSC KC leadership and colleagues from across the field, share promising practices, discuss emerging issues, and learn from one another as we work to strengthen support for this growing student population.
In addition to the programs featured on our Luma page, NASPA offers a wide range of professional development opportunities. This list includes both our “Hosted Events,” workshops, and webinars that are planned and managed by the ALSC KC, as well as “Related Events” hosted by the NASPA Central Office and other NASPA Constituent Groups. To view a comprehensive listing of NASPA events, please visit the NASPA Events page.
Awards
Resources
The Adult Learners and Students with Children Knowledge Community compiled the following list of resources; however, inclusion on this list does not represent an endorsement of the information, site, or organization by NASPA and any of its entities. To suggest new sites or report an error, email Lindsay Taylor.
- American Association for Adult and Continuing Education
- Coalition of Urban Serving Universities - Urban Adult Learner Institute
- Association for Non-Traditional Student in Higher Education
- Council for Adult and Experiential Learning
- National College Transition Network
- Non-Traditional Students
- Adult Students
- Non-Traditional Student Blog
- Alpha Sigma Lambda
- American Council on Education Effective Practices That Support Adult Learners
- U.S. Department of Education - Office of Career, Technical & Adult Education
- Title IX Resources for Student who are parents rights
- Post-traditional Learners and the Transformation of Postsecondary Education: A Manifesto for College Leaders By Louis Soares - See PDF Resources below