As Cinque Culver prepares his children this back-to-school season, he is also getting ready for his return to the classroom. Statistics reveal in 2021, adults over 25 made up about 40% of higher education enrollments in the U.S. (Courtesy photo)
As Cinque Culver prepares his children this back-to-school season, he is also getting ready for his return to the classroom. Statistics reveal in 2021, adults over 25 made up about 40% of higher education enrollments in the U.S. (Courtesy photo)

Like many parents in the District, Cinque Culver, a resident of Ward 7’s River Terrace neighborhood, is busy during August, known as National Back to School Month, as he prepares his children to head back to classrooms after summer vacation.

However, in the Culver family, it’s not just his children gearing up for the school year. While he shops for school supplies and clothes for his children, Culver does the same for himself.

“I have been working on a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of the District of Columbia for a few years,” Culver, 42, said. “I have taken courses at DeVry University also. My goal is to ultimately get a bachelor’s degree and work my way to getting a Ph. D in economics.”

Culver is part of many students who are older than the traditional college age of 18-24 seeking either their associate’s, bachelor’s or a technical degree. Statistics reveal in 2021, adults over 25 made up about 40% of higher education enrollments in the U.S.

A June 25 Indeed post by Jennifer Herrity,“How to Go Back to School as an Adult (And Why You Should), said “various life changes may prompt you to change careers, learn new skills or continue your education.”

“With universities and colleges offering more online and flexible learning opportunities, many people have a range of options for pursuing additional schooling,” Herrity said. “Understanding how to return to school as an adult learner may help you increase your annual income and experience more job satisfaction.”

Herrity said adult students should have a clear reason for going back to school, have a plan for effectively managing time and making sure that the course of study aligns with career goals. She said preparation to go to school in activities such as knowing admission criteria and financial planning also are crucial.

In the District, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) has an Institute of Gerontology for senior citizens who are interested in higher education. Tuition and fees students normally pay will be waived for seniors aged 65 and older.

UDC’s Chief Academic Officer Dr. April Massey said in a statement “that the [university] has long been focused on supporting the needs of students across a broad demographic.”

“Our students represent every generation–from Z to Silent–and UDC has been particularly attuned to the needs of the older, first time in college, returning and transfer students,” Massey said. 

Massey said adult students are the beneficiaries of increased virtual platforms such as online offerings, new hyflex classrooms and a transition to e-services. She also said a learning commons space has been added to accommodate the needs of commuter students and those with families and an around the clock demand supports program dealing with issues such as admissions and registrar functions.

Plus, she said student activities have been changed to accommodate adult participation.

Public institutions such as Ballou STAY, Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School and Community College Prep Academy offer academic and career-oriented courses to adults.

Culver said for an adult student to be successful “they must learn to manage their public life, manage their business life and manage their personal life.”

“You must set up your mental landscape,” he said. “Make sure you are focused and motivated. There is a finish line.”

James Wright Jr. is the D.C. political reporter for the Washington Informer Newspaper. He has worked for the Washington AFRO-American Newspaper as a reporter, city editor and freelance writer and The Washington...

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