CFNC Marks Distance Learning Day with Help for Adult Learners

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Remote work opportunities are on the rise — and online education is paramount in preparing for the jobs of tomorrow. August 31, 2022, marks Distance Learning Day, and College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) has valuable resources to support adult learners who want to return to the classroom from the comfort of their own homes.

It’s estimated that a quarter of professional jobs will be remote by the end of 2023. Distance learning is ideal for adult learners with busy lives, jobs, and children. Recent data highlights the experience of North Carolina adult learners in higher education:

• 58% of adults ages 25 to 64 have less than an associate degree.
• More than half of the students at North Carolina Community Colleges were adult learners in the 2020-2021 school year.
• The University of North Carolina (UNC) System offers more than 400 fully online programs. More than 40,000 students, including adult learners, use online services every year.

“There are so many opportunities and resources for adults and nontraditional learners who want to pursue higher education to reach their career and life goals,” said Laura Morgan, Vice President of Communications, Savings, and Legal Affairs at College Foundation, Inc. (CFI) “Our state is full of talented individuals who want to return to the classroom, whether online or on campus. CFNC has the tools to help students of all ages research programs and majors at local colleges, submit applications, access financial aid, and more — right from their own home.”

Employers across the nation are rapidly trying to fill remote positions in human resources, accounting and finance, customer service, marketing, sales, and more. Pew research finds that 60% of workers who now work from home would choose to continue to do so.

CNFC has free online resources for adult and nontraditional students who want to pursue higher education for the first time or need to get back on track to finish their degree:

• Financial Aid for Adults – All students, no matter their age, should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each year they plan to be in school.
• Scholarships – Free money is available for adult learners. Use the CFNC Scholarship Tool to research state and local scholarships.
• Adult Student Prep Checklist – Not sure where to start? Find helpful tips to get on the education and career path to achieve your goals.
• Military Resources – Education benefits are available for veterans, service members, and their families.
• Credit for Prior Learning – Experience counts! See if you can get credit for prior course credits and work experience.

To learn more, visit www.CFNC.org/AdultLearner.

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