Identifying Interventions and Opportunities

Through the MI-Design Lab, institutions have been asked to identify interventions and opportunities to improve adult learner (25+) enrollment, persistence, and completion. The Loss/Momentum Framework provides a useful lens to view different institutional touchpoints where students may gain, maintain, or lose momentum toward completion. Institutions can use qualitative and quantitative data to understand if students are experiencing barriers and loss is occurring. 

Identifying interventions and opportunities is central to the mission of the Michigan Center for Adult College Success. Adult learners often face unique barriers—balancing work, family, and financial pressures while pursuing higher education. By examining the challenges these students encounter and uncovering targeted solutions, we can create strategies that improve access, persistence, and graduation rates across Michigan.

Why Interventions Matter

Research shows that timely interventions—whether academic advising, financial aid counseling, or flexible course scheduling—can make the difference between stopping out and completing a degree. Identifying opportunities to strengthen these supports helps institutions build programs that meet adult learners where they are.

Data-Driven Opportunities

Through surveys and data analysis, the Center highlights practical opportunities for improvement. For example, our Reconnect applicant survey reveals that childcare and work demands remain top barriers. Understanding these factors allows colleges to design programs that align with real-world student needs.

Institutional Strategies

Colleges can act on these insights by:

• Expanding evening and weekend courses.

• Offering more stackable credentials.

• Creating partnerships with employers to offset tuition costs.

• Connecting students to community resources like transportation or childcare.

These approaches, alongside others outlined in our guides, demonstrate how targeted interventions create lasting opportunities.

Building a Stronger Future

Identifying interventions and opportunities is not a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing process. By linking evidence-based practices with student-centered strategies, we ensure Michigan continues to move toward its 60×30 goal. Institutions, policymakers, and community partners all play a role in helping adult learners succeed.

Photo by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library