Read Time
INDIANAPOLIS — A new report released today by Strada Education Network shows that almost half of American adults without degrees believe they need additional education to advance in their careers, and they are most likely to look to employers for that training.
The report, “Back to School? What Adults Without Degrees Say About Pursuing Additional Education and Training,” found that adults without degrees report they are most likely to participate in additional education and training from employers (33%), followed by community colleges (23%) and trade schools or programs (21%). Traditional four-year colleges and universities lag behind at 17%.
While young adults aged 18-24 feel the strongest need for more education (55%), even those aged 55-64 (31%) persist in stating they need additional education to advance their careers.
These new insights from the Strada-Gallup Education Consumer Survey come at a time when federal policymakers and state leaders are heavily focused on engaging adults without degrees, who make up 60% of the workforce, in education and training that will increase their job prospects and fuel state and regional economies.
“Despite enormous effort at both the state and federal level to boost postsecondary attainment, policymakers and practitioners have had too little insight into what actually motivates individuals to pursue additional education,” said Carol D’Amico, Executive Vice President of Mission Advancement and Philanthropy at Strada Education Network. “With this research, we’re hearing from working adults themselves—and they’re telling us that they want additional education and training, but not exclusively, or even primarily, in the traditional higher education package.”
The Strada-Gallup Education Consumer Survey has interviewed nearly 350,000 individuals about their education, work and life experiences—producing a nationally-representative sample of adults ages 18-65 across all education and work pathways. This report focuses on two aspects of the experiences of adults without degrees: their perceived need for additional education to advance in their careers, and their likelihood of enrolling in an education or training program within five years.
Perhaps not surprising, career outcomes lie at the heart of those adults’ decision-making. Key findings include:
The report also provides particular insight into the “some college, no degree” population that is often a primary target of college completion campaigns. Despite already having college credits to their name, these individuals are no more likely than their peers without degrees to say they are interested in returning to education to advance in their careers. Indeed, they have a complex set of thoughts when it comes to pursuing more education that are worthy of further research.
“Taken together, the report’s findings highlight the need for policy solutions and training models that aren’t one-size-fits-all, and instead recognize how significantly motivations vary by demographics, location, and prior educational experience,” said David Clayton, Senior Vice President of Consumer Insights at Strada Education Network. “Adults without degrees are telling us that while they need programs that are within reach for their budget and their busy lives, they ultimately have to see a positive employment outcome.”
For more information on the Strada-Gallup Education Consumer Survey and the complete findings of the report, view the full report here.
ABOUT STRADA EDUCATION NETWORK Strada Education Network is a national social impact organization dedicated to improving lives by forging clearer and more purposeful pathways between education and employment. The Network engages partners across education, nonprofits, business and government to focus relentlessly on students’ success throughout all phases of their working lives. Together, we address critical college to career challenges through strategic philanthropy, research and insights, and mission-aligned affiliates. Learn more at StradaEducation.org.
Combination to Create a Leading Labor Market Analytics Company
Strada Education Network’s latest survey finds that 32 percent of adults whose education plans were disrupted by COVID-19 are no longer enrolled or planning to enroll, up from 10 percent last spring
Strada Education Network’s latest Public Viewpoint research finds that fewer than 4 in 10 Black alumni and less than half of Latino alumni feel that it was worth taking out their student loans—but strong career support boosts their assessment.
Bill Hansen to Step Down After Eight Years Leading Nonprofit Social Impact Organization
University of Utah leader will drive Strada Education Network’s research, philanthropy, policy, and thought leadership on national stage.
Breaux, Jenkins and Olinger Join Governing Board; Coulis Selected as Board Chair for National Social Impact Organization Focused on Strengthening Education-to-Employment Pathways
Americans cited an unfair system for hiring and advancement, a lack of employer support for education or training, and insufficient skills or credentials as the top barriers to good jobs
Nearly two million college students (13 percent) at four-year institutions expect to delay their graduation because of COVID-19, and another 15 percent aren’t sure if they will.
Strada grant brings the number of JRF/Strada Scholars to 42; provides vital program support
Compared to a year ago, adults without degrees are 18 percentage points less likely to believe education and training will be worth the cost, and 25 percentage points less likely to believe it will get them a good job
Nearly four in 10 Americans say relevance is the No. 1 factor in choosing among education options, and when it comes to delivery mode, safety and convenience drive preferences for online-only education
Strada Center for Consumer Insights' weekly survey on the impact of COVID-19 finds that a majority of Americans prefer online-only or hybrid education options; Black Americans have the strongest interest in and perceptions of the value of online education among racial groups
New results from the Strada Center for Consumer Insights find that Americans’ decisions about pursuing postsecondary education are heavily influenced by career value, logistics, and self-confidence.
Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research to Collaborate with Strada Center for Consumer Insights
Strada Center for Consumer Insights' weekly survey on the impact of COVID-19 finds that workers who say they would switch careers are most interested in business, IT, and finance.
Strada Center for Consumer Insights' weekly survey on the impact of COVID-19 finds that 50 percent of Latinos and 42 percent of Black Americans have canceled or modified education plans.
Courtney Hills McBeth to coordinate national engagement efforts for social impact organization
Strada Center for Consumer Insights' weekly survey on the impact of COVID-19 finds that 65 percent of young Americans have either canceled their education plans, delayed enrollment, or made other substantial changes.
Strada Center for Consumer Insights’ weekly survey on the impact of COVID-19 finds that some Americans are already returning to work – and those with advanced degrees are far more likely to have found new employment
Strada Center for Consumer Insights analyzes its weekly survey of Americans on impact of COVID-19 by job field
Strada Center for Consumer Insights poll finds COVID-19 has disrupted Americans' education plans; thoughts about where they would enroll have shifted.
Strada Center for Consumer Insights poll finds while the majority of Americans have either lost jobs, hours, or income, the COVID-19 economic crisis is disproportionately impacting black and Latino Americans.
Strada Center for Consumer Insights survey finds most Americans remain concerned about the financial and health impacts of COVID-19, but 70 percent of adults believe effects of the crisis will last no longer than six months.
Strada Center for Consumer Insights weekly survey finds significant increases in Americans losing income and worried about their economic livelihood
Strada Center for Consumer Insights launches weekly nationally representative Public Viewpoint survey to track the impact of COVID-19 on individuals’ careers
Strada Education Network’s Lessons Earned launches March 4
January 22, 2020 – CHICAGO – McDonald’s today announced the launch of a new career exploration mobile application called Archways to Careers that will help restaurant employees nationwide maximize education benefits and take the next step in their professional journey– whether at McDonald’s or elsewhere. Built with long-standing partner, the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), and with support from InsideTrack, a national success coaching organization, McDonald’s will now be able to offer all restaurant employees a real-time career advising tool that connects them to InsideTrack’s professional and credentialed advisors to support, coach and help them chart a path to achieve the future job or career they desire.
Stephen Goldsmith joins national social impact organization as senior strategic advisor
Survey of over 30,000 military vets shows that they value certificates and certifications
Initiative to include National Task Force on the Transfer of Credit, also supported by Charles Koch Foundation