A new report on a series of new studies presents strategies to support adult learners of color in college.

The report, released Wednesday, was produced by Columbia University’s Community College Research Center and commissioned by the Lumina Foundation. He notes that 42% of black Americans, 58% of Latinx Americans, and 50% of Native Americans aged 25 and over have only a high school diploma, compared to 31% of white Americans. About 27% of black Americans and 19% of Latinxes and Native Americans earned a bachelor’s degree, compared to 42% of their white counterparts.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the number of people aged 25 and over enrolled in community colleges has fall by 11 percent, according to the report.

“Community colleges are an obvious resource for adults seeking post-secondary credentials as a way to improve their employability and earn higher wages,” the report read. “A major challenge for community colleges is how to attract and retain black, Hispanic and Native American adults, both in vocational programs that lead directly to good jobs and in transfer programs.”

The report consists of three studies focused on three different areas where community colleges can best support adult Black, Latin American, and Native American students through to graduation.

Study recommends ways to create fluid bridges between short-term diplomas and degree programs at community colleges. Recommendations include extending financial assistance to adults in short-term programs and aligning non-credit and non-credit programs in the same area.

Another study highlights the possible benefits of “bundling” and “sequencing” student aid; giving students information on non-university resources, such as health care or childcare, alongside academic advice; and by offering them different types of advice at different points in their academic journey.

The final study presents strategies for creating “culturally sustainable” teaching techniques and supports for adult students of color. He suggests that community colleges partner with community organizations to recommend potential students for recruitment and enrollment, make university and non-university services available at a central hub, offer early career planning, assign counselors to students and establish regular mechanisms, such as surveys or faculty. contribution, to check how student needs may have changed. The study also recommends connecting with the families of students.

“Racial disparities come from many sources and will not go away overnight, but with the right ideas and resources, and a continued focus on equity, colleges can increase the number of degrees earned and improve outcomes in employment of adult learners from racial minorities. report reads.