- Double adult enrollment in the region
- Increase adult completion by 35%
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:
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
Western Governors University
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
Monroe County Community College
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
The Diploma Equity Project
Eastern Michigan University
Google
Henry Ford College
Macomb Community College
Monroe County 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
Baker College
Schoolcraft College
Western Governors University
Learn how the Chamber is supporting education and talent in the region.
