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Scott Webb: Whether it's due to the pandemic or not. We're hearing stories from across the country and right here in Iowa, that people are losing their jobs. Joining me today to discuss why now might be the perfect time to explore all the Kirkwood has to offer to improve your job security or start a new career is Mark Ash, Adult Admission Advisor at Kirkwood Community College. This podcast is brought to you by Kirkwood Community College. I'm Scott Webb, Mark thanks so much for being on today. You know, many of our listeners may have recently lost jobs, been laid off or furloughed for pandemic related reasons. So for those that have been displaced or discouraged at work, why is now the best time to get back to a degree, certification or, you know, to get retrained?

Mark Ash: I think it's very, very important, especially in this day and age where there are a lot of worries and concerns out there. When I look just at Iowa's unemployment rate, you know, over the last couple of months, we've gone from just a little bit below 3% to now, well, over 10%. So I can feel that there's a lot of pain and angst out there. And just about the time people think, how could I possibly add going back to college, to my workload, this might be the perfect time to go back to college. One of the biggest concerns that I hear from students, adult students is the financial piece. And right now there's so much financial aid available. It's not even funny. I mean, people literally have so many different options in front of them. When I discuss what financial aid availability is for students. They're astonished because I mean, it's without a doubt, the biggest concern they have is how can I possibly afford this?

And when we explain to them how much help is available, and I'm not talking big student loans, I'm talking free stuff, then they just feel like a huge weight has been lifted. And a burden has been lifted with respect to timing. I think one of the neatest advantages at a community college right now is that so many of our programs are short term. You don't need a four year degree for this, or you don't need a four year degree for that. And particularly when you can paint a picture that they have this within their grasp. And one year maybe less than a year, two years at the most, that's really impactful because they have to be able to see that light at the end of the tunnel. And they also have to realize that it's not a train coming at them, that there really is an end date to all this.

Host: That's all well said, and you're so right. Like people need to see the finish line, right? That that always helps people when they can see the finish line in the not too distant future. And it's just a really great way to put that Mark. You know, plenty of people go back to school at Kirkwood to get retrained or new certifications in the field that they're already in, you know, for maybe better job security, but what program options are available for those who want to try something new?

Mark Ash: I fondly say that the good news about Kirkwood is have about 120 different programs that students can study. And I occasionally tongue and cheek say, well, the bad news is we have about 120 different programs that people can study. We have so much that sometimes the fact of choosing can be a bit of an obstacle. So we have, for example, probably 15 or 16 different medical programs and they're all red hot. Some of them are just, I mean, there's a shortage of a million nurses today. We needed nurses. We needed them yesterday. We would love to work with anybody who wants to become a nurse today. We have 15 or 16 different industrial programs and hands on learn by doing working technical programs, specialized programs, carpentry, construction, welding, electronics. There are just simply more jobs than people. And the sweet spot out there right now, at least in Iowa is this population where they need more than a high school diploma, but they need considerably less than a four year degree. And I think that means that people are perfectly positioned to consider community colleges. When you look at that, it is like the area of greatest need? What is most needed in the State right now are these folks with a little bit of training, a little bit of education, and if they already have the work experience and then they can combine that with a little bit of extra education or training, that's a winning combination.

Host: Yeah, it does sound like it. That is a winning combo. That's awesome. So, you know, what else students have many unique challenges. We'll use the word juggling. They many have to juggle family life and other obligations, which can make it difficult to pay for a degree, you know, along with their monthly bills. So does Kirkwood provide scholarships for adults to help pay for school?

Mark Ash: We most certainly do very pleased to say that the college provides well over $3 million a year in scholarships that I do want to emphasize that whenever people hear the words, gift or merit or scholarship or grant that's free stuff. I mean, you ought to be seeing dollar signs flashing. It's the opposite of a loan. You don't have to pay them back. And thankfully, we get a little bit of help from the State of Iowa, but thankfully we have some very, very well to do alumni who have given back generously to the college. We, then intern do whatever we can to reduce the price that families have to pay out of their pocket. And we award scholarships. We have scholarships that are based primarily on what people want to study and where they live. So for example, their zip code being in Eastern Iowa could make them very much eligible for a scholarship. Their simple in a medical program or a business program or an agriculture program, makes them eligible for a scholarship. I mean, people are so quick. I think in this day and age to rule them out themselves out and say, Oh gosh, you know, I wasn't sharp enough in high school. I wasn't bright enough or strong enough for whatever. And I'm saying, no, no, no. Forget that, you be thinking about scholarships based on what you want to study and where you reside. And I'd be willing to bet that almost every single person who applies and considers Kirkwood is eligible for at least one scholarship. And one of our most recent scholarships is called a returning adult scholarship. I mean, my gosh, if you're age 22 and older, by virtue of your age, you could be gift wrapped and handed a $500 scholarship. And $500 can go a long way that a community college like Kirkwood.

Host: You know, Mark a person's available time can prevent them from going back to school. We know that life happens as they say, I guess. So does Kirkwood have flexible degree options that allow adult learners to complete their studies to study on a schedule that, you know, works for them?

Mark Ash: In any given semester, we teach probably 90 different classes that are taught in the online format. That's one way that we try to make the college education experience flexible and convenient for adults. It's no surprise to hear that question because it's one of the most common concerns, reservations, objections that a nontraditional student has. And this is oftentimes where colleges can fall short. You know, we feel very fortunate. We have all these different programs, so there's a very good chance we have what a student wants. We feel very, very good about all our financial aid options. We have thousands. I mean, thousands of students who go to our college free. I did not stutter. We have a thousand thousands of people who go free, but the flexibility part can really throw colleges a curve ball. So in response to that, we have made our main campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We have nine other campus locations. So we have students live anywhere in the seven County service area that we call our footprint. When they walk out their front door, they're never more than 30 minutes from standing on a physical campus. That's one way we try to make it convenient.

We also have, I mentioned the online classes, probably 90 taught every semester. We have several programs that are taught a hundred percent online. So that's really convenient. And for those folks who have really unusual work schedules or work demands, where they just cannot commit to driving to these two or three buildings a week, that online format can be perfect for them. We also experiment with some hybrid options where, you know, instead of the traditional face to face class for 16 weeks, maybe two thirds of it is online. And one third of it is face to face. We survey the daylights out of our current students. What do you like? What do you not like? And we pride ourselves on being not only quick to respond to their needs, what they want, but adjusting if we need to get, as I think about it, one quick example would be, it wasn't that long ago where our students were saying, you know, gosh, we love, we love our library. We love all the resources available in it, but kind of wish it was open a little bit later in the evenings. And overnight we extended our availability.

Host: We know that it's never too late. We can say that, you know, Hey, it's never too late to go back and get a degree, but let's be honest, Mark, you know, people may have lost confidence in their ability to learn as a student because it's just been so long. Right. So what would you say to them? What free academic services does Kirkwood offer to students to help them be successful? How would you explain to them that it's never too late and we're going to help you? You know, if you feel like maybe you've just kind of lost your connection to being a student.

Mark Ash: You know, I've been working with this population for the last 15 or 16 years. Half of my professional lifetime has been working with non traditional students. And I'll be honest. I continue to be amazed at the lack of confidence that they have. Specifically. I think what has happened is so many students gave it the good old college try perhaps many, many years ago, right out of high school. And for, you know, any known unknown number of reasons, it may or may not have been the right fit, the right time, the right school, the right program. And they just feel almost snake bitten by that, that they're jinxed and I was a failure and I'll never be able to do it again. And I say on the contrary, you are never too old to go back. I can see it in their faces that a lot of times students have the fear that, Oh gosh, I'm going to be the oldest one in the classroom. And I just address that right up front and anticipate the question and say, look, unless you're 72 years old, you're not going to be the oldest one in the classroom.

That happens to be the age of our oldest student currently. We have three resources in place to help people, regardless of what level they're at. They might be getting a B plus, and they're not content with it. And they want an a, so it's not just for people in danger of failing classes. I mean, it's kind of a safety net and you know, we still, in this day and age, we still have to remind people that, you know, look asking for help is assigned a strength. It's not a sign of weakness. I don't know if it's an Iowa thing or a Midwest thing or what, but boy, I tell you what we are amazing when it comes to providing resources to help people be successful in college. But we're really lousy at trying to figure out who needs what? So if you can just give me a little bit of a sign, just stick your toe in the water, meet me halfway and say, I'm kind of struggling with this. We will match you up with the right person. It's that easy?

Host: That sounds great. Mark. You know, as we wrap up here today, for anyone who's listening, who should they contact at Kirkwood, if they are considering going back to school to get that all important college education,

Mark Ash: We have a pretty terrific website kirkwood.edu. If they specifically are interested in information about what it means to be a non-traditional student or an adult learner, going back, I tell you what we have to believe that that website is the best recruiting tool the college could have. So I would suggest people check out kirkwood.edu/adult and my contact information. I pride myself on how quickly I return email to students. I was a nontraditional student many, many years ago. So this is one of the few times where I can honestly say, I think I know how you feel. This was my experience. And let's kind of get through this together, learn from my mistakes and kirkwood.edu/adult. And they'll find my name, my contact info, my phone number. And most importantly, my email and I would love to reach out and communicate to anyone and everyone, if they're thinking about going back to college.

Host: Definitely kirkwood.edu/adult, and they can read all about it and get a hold of you Mark. So great to have you on today. I can really hear your passion, you know, for working with students and helping them and planning their future. So it really awesome having you on thanks so much and stay well. For more information on the resources that Mark mentioned or to apply for admission, visit kirkwood.edu/adults. And thanks for listening to this podcast, brought to you by Kirkwood Community College. I'm Scott Webb stay well.