SUMMARY:ENCOREU LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Objective of Summit

To bring together a diverse group of institutions to identify and articulate the

defining characteristics of age/Encore friendly institutions.  

# of Attendees

• 22 colleges/universities—representing sector diversity • Education Pioneers• ReServe• Encore.org

A total of 38 representatives attended

Emerging Themes

While several themes emerged, an overarching theme was that an extended

lifespan is an important piece of the overall need for change in higher

education.

Articulated Characteristics of Age/Friendly Encore Institutions

• Offer encore programming focused on social purpose/serving public good;

• Participate in an active network of institutions  that learn from each other and share knowledge and resources;

• Facilitate access across the lifespan by offering flexible structures and developmentally appropriate programming (pathways in and out, delivery, alternatives to degree programs, cost models); 

• Create dedicated support services for encore learners – to navigate the university and the job market; 

• Leverage institutional partnerships to connect encore learners with the demand for talent in the community;

• Create opportunities for intergenerational mentoring that benefit all learners.

#EncoreU Summit Participant Reflections

#EncoreU Summit Participant Reflections (cont.)

• This initiative is important – there is a role for universities to play in helping the 50+ demographic navigate transitions from traditional career to “encore.”

• There will not be a single model – but sharing information and experiences can help ease the transition.

• The energy, wisdom and experience of those looking for a new encore really can make a positive difference in our communities and the larger society.  This is about achieving meaningful social impact.

#EncoreU Summit Participant Reflections (cont.)

• This is about opening up traditional higher education, making a focus on social change an important part of a university’s mission.

• Partnerships, across universities and among universities and other entities, including the corporate world and philanthropies, are going to be important to cultivate.

•  The addition of encore learners would be an important source of students and thus potentially an economic benefit for many institutions.

•  A network of universities could be an important resource, serving as a convener, a repository of best practices, and a source of marketing ideas and initiatives.

Why this was groundbreaking…

• Brought together a diversity of institutions (perspectives) that do not often find themselves in conversation with one another—rural, urban, large, small, public and private to develop a change agenda within higher education.

• A first step for many of these institutions in recognizing the50+ learner as central to the future of higher ed.   

Encore Initiatives Discussed

• Programs that support developmental transitions.

• Programs that link encore learners to the demand in their communities.

• Programs that assess experience and translate into competencies.

• Programs that offer certificates and badges.

Next Steps

• Redraft Presidents’ Pledge with new benchmarks

• Review and vet document with small group of identified Summit informants as basis for convening group of presidents

• Gather information to inform business model and structure for EncoreU resource hub

Press for Summit

• Article in New York Times– http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/your-money/over-50-an

d-back-in-college-preparing-for-a-new-career.html?_r=1

Also picked up by Boston Globe.