Abstract
Adult learners and most specifically those from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds are currently facing an uncertain and unsettled employment landscape. It is also well-documented that a post-secondary education or advanced training credential can serve as a pathway to ensuring enhanced career and professional advancement for all. However, issues such as access, cost factors, engagement, support, and inclusion continue to serve as barriers for many adult learners, most particularly those underserved and marginalized backgrounds, to obtaining advanced skills, competencies, or credentials. This workshop presents and delineates Promoting Learning and Upskilling for Success (PLUS), an inclusive excellence, holistic engagement, and transformative education framework, which is focused on fostering economic justice and social change through education and training. Developed iteratively over a three-year period, the PLUS framework aims to facilitate full participation underrepresented adult learners and professionals (UALPs) in post-secondary education and workforce development training. This is so they may achieve greater job security as well as enhanced social mobility. The researchers used focus-group sessions, expert reviews, and online surveys involving over 130 randomly selected participants to capture salient factors impacting the involvement and engagement of UALPs in post-secondary education and training. These included faculty, staff, and UALPs. Following the review and analysis of all data gathered, the researchers utilized the principles of organizational maturity and tailored intervention to create the PLUS framework. Learning organizations of all types and sizes can use the PLUS framework to support and stimulate social and economic justice efforts for the benefit of underrepresented and underserved populations.
Presenters
Patrick GuilbaudDirector of Extended/Continuing Education, School of Graduate Continuing and Online Education, Winthrop University, South Carolina, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Adult, Community, and Professional Learning
KEYWORDS
UNDERREPRESENTED ADULT LEARNERS, LEARNING AND UPSKILLING, ORGANIZATIONAL TRANSFORMATION, INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
