Adult Attainment Goal
To increase the percentage of the region’s adults who hold a high-quality degree or credential.
Indicators and targets for 2030:
- Double adult enrollment in the region
- Increase adult completion by 35%
Why focus on adult attainment?
There are nearly 700,000 adults in the region with some college but no degree. Shrinking K-12 populations mean that we will not reach our attainment goals without engaging adults in a significant way.
Equity Focus
Black students account for 21% of regional “stop-outs” – students who drop out before finishing a degree – but they account for 45% of stop-outs with financial holds. A region-wide debt-forgiveness agreement would remove financial burdens that disproportionately affect Black students, allowing them to return to college with reduced or eliminated debt.
Partners Committed To Advancing Adult Attainment
Over the next decade, Detroit Drives Degrees will continue to lead and convene partners to implement the adult attainment strategies outlined in the Compact’s strategic plan. We appreciate the leadership of the organizations below who have pledged to support this work.
5.1: Establish a regional scholarship program for adult learners
| Eastern Michigan University Henry Ford College Macomb Community College |
Oakland University University of Michigan – Dearborn |
5.2: Expand debt-forgiveness programs region-wide, including reciprocity across institutions
| Eastern Michigan University Henry Ford College Oakland University |
University of Michigan – Dearborn Wayne State University |
5.3: Increase the number of employers providing upskilling incentives to their employees
| Ajax Paving Butzel Long Consumers Energy Emagine Entertainment, Inc. |
Kelly Quicken Loans Oakland Community College |
6.1: Double-down on the number and quality of community-linked adult student navigators in the region
| Ballmer Group | Jamie & Denise Jacob Family Foundation |
6.2: Expand accelerated, adult-friendly degree program structures
| Ajax Paving Ballmer Group Butzel Long Consumers Energy Detroit Charter Schools Collective Eastern Michigan University |
Henry Ford College Macomb Community College Oakland Community College Oakland University Quicken Loans Wayne County Community College District Wayne State University |
6.3: Use a consistent approach to recognize prior learning at institutions
| Ajax Paving |
