This report from MDRC’s gauges community college leaders’ perspectives on the recruitment, advising and supports for students in credit and noncredit programs. College leaders shared their perspectives on the possibility of connecting noncredit and credit bearing programs to ensure seamless transitions for learners, employer’s being strong partners in the work of recruitment of students, and intentional communication to students on programs available in both noncredit and credit bearing programs. The report acknowledges that this work does come with challenges especially around advising and funding; but, there are strategies to assist in overcoming those challenges, including:
- Developing cross sector partnerships;
- Crediting prior learning;
- Using external partners to recruit students; and
- Ensuring equity and access is embedded into programming.
State leaders can utilize this information in expanding the partnerships between non-credit and credit bearing courses across their postsecondary institutions as well as engaging in conversation with outside stakeholders on the need for their engagement throughout the advising and recruitment process.
