WDT contributes to national standards at conference

AACC’s Plus 50 Initiative Develops National Standards of Excellence to Help Colleges Better Serve Baby Boomers

Programs and services for baby boomers at community colleges and technical institutes nationwide will get a boost, thanks to efforts by Western Dakota Tech staff members who recently attended the third annual conference for the Plus 50 Initiative at the Washington, D.C., headquarters for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

Dr. Kim Morey, Assistant to the President of WDT, and Justin Clayton, Administrative Assistant for the Office of Institutional Advancement, attended the two-day meeting, where they helped develop Standards of Excellence that will be shared with community colleges around the country.

The standards are much-needed. Enrollment continues to soar at community colleges and technical institutes with baby boomers seeking to train for new careers, upgrading their skills, or trying to “recession-proof” their resumes.

It’s not uncommon for plus 50 adults to encounter a range of obstacles when going back to college. They often must navigate a college admissions system designed for high school seniors, not people with 35-year-old transcripts. And they must decide on a path of study that will lead to a new career and re-cultivate study habits left behind decades ago.

“Community colleges and technical institutes have long offered continuing education and job training programs. Many colleges are helping unemployed plus 50 workers expand their skill sets and re-invent themselves for new careers,” said George Boggs, AACC President and CEO. “With the Plus 50 Initiative, colleges are offering accelerated courses, computer training, job fairs, and advising services tailored to the needs of plus 50 students.”

The Standards of Excellence will offer community colleges and technical institutes practical advice on how to improve programs and services for baby boomers. The standards will be published online later this year and shared at the AACC national convention in 2011.

Western Dakota Tech is reaching out to baby boomers with the Plus 50 National Park program.  This program provides the training needed to become a National Park Interpretive Ranger.  Students of this program visit all five local National Parks and receive instruction from the park staff.

After two successful sessions of Western Dakota Tech’s Plus 50 National Park program, the AACC agreed to help fund the expansion of the program to Dawson Community College in Glendive, Mont.  MaryAnn Vester, Dawson’s Outreach Coordinator, was able to attend the conference as well and discuss her plans to implement a similar program in partnership with Makoshika State Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and many other local attractions.

Over 40 community college representatives from around the country were in attendance at the conference. Their efforts are part of a three-year, nationwide initiative launched in 2008 by AACC with funding support from the Atlantic Philanthropies. The initiative announced its expansion from 15 campuses to dozens of additional affiliates in June 2009 and added 32 more colleges in April 2010.

Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 20 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 94 percent of WDT graduates are placed in careers within six months of graduation, and more than 82 percent live and work in South Dakota.

WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make a real and immediate contribution to their employers and to their communities.

For information about WDT or the open house, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.