GCC Joins Statewide Effort to Re-engage Adult Learners

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) has been selected by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to join the new Education to Workforce Marketplace, a statewide partnership with ReUp Education aimed at helping adults who have some college credit but no credential return to finish their education.

“Many people start college, and then life takes a left turn,” GCC President Michelle Schutt said. “This partnership will help us reach those students, welcome them back, and provide the flexible support they need to succeed. It also reflects GCC’s deep commitment to lifelong learning and workforce development.”

Across Massachusetts, roughly 17% of adults aged 25 to 65 have some college experience but no degree. Nationally, more than 43 million Americans are in that category, and GCC is among those leading the charge to help those learners obtain their credentials.

ReUp Education, a national leader in adult learner support, uses data-driven outreach and personalized coaching to connect former students with programs that match their goals and life circumstances.

As part of the Education to Workforce Marketplace, GCC will have access to ReUp’s outreach tools and analytics that connect students with support, including GCC’s personalized coaching in financial aid, peer mentoring and other student assistance services.

With help from the state and ReUp, GCC will also collect evaluation data to measure outcomes, learn from results, and advocate for future investment in approaches that support adult learners.

“We are thrilled to be selected participants in this initiative,” said Shanni Smith-Arsenault, GCC’s vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success. “For many in our region, this program translates to a clear path to college completion without having to start over from scratch.”