Ithaka S+R – PHENND https://phennd.org We are a network of over 25 colleges and universities that strengthens service learning in Philadelphia, connecting academics with community involvement. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:52:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Request for Proposals: Understanding Postsecondary Students’ Perspectives on Basic Needs Insecurity – Apply by Mar 6 https://phennd.org/update/request-for-proposals-understanding-postsecondary-students-perspectives-on-basic-needs-insecurity-apply-by-mar-6/ Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:52:07 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87415 Our new multi-year research initiative funded by ECMC Foundation, Understanding Postsecondary Students’ Perspectives on Basic Needs Insecurity, seeks to better understand how undergraduate students define and experience basic needs insecurity, and how those perspectives shape help-seeking, trust, and engagement with institutional and public benefits support. By centering student voices, the research will generate practical insights to help institutions strengthen communication, outreach, and support strategies related to basic needs.

We are inviting 10-15 two- and four-year colleges and universities to participate in a national cohort, representing a range of institutional contexts and stages of basic needs support. Each participating institution will also receive a $5,000 subgrant towards institutional engagement in the project.

To learn more, see our website for more details on the project and RFP, and register to join us for an information session on February 10 at 2:00 PM.

The application deadline is Friday, March 6, 2026.

Questions? Contact Liz Looker, Senior Program Manager, at elizabeth.looker@ithaka.org.

]]> Re-engaging Adult Learners with Some College but No Credential in Pennsylvania https://phennd.org/update/re-engaging-adult-learners-with-some-college-but-no-credential-in-pennsylvania/ Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:00:45 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=86923 We’re pleased to share that the playbook, Re-engaging Adult Learners with Some College but No Credential in Pennsylvania, is now published.

The playbook captures the insights, examples, and strategies shared by the community of practice’s participating institutions across the state to better serve adult learners.

Inside the playbook, you’ll find:

  • Institutional examples highlighting effective re-engagement strategies,
  • Practical tools and recommendations for institution-level action
  • And more!

We’re deeply grateful for the contributions of all community of practice members whose collaboration and innovation shaped this resource. We hope it supports your ongoing efforts to re-engage and empower adult learners across the state.

Please reach out to Joanna Dressel at joanna.dressel@ithaka.org if you have any questions.

]]> Adult Learner re-engagement efforts: why they matter and ongoing work https://phennd.org/update/adult-learner-re-engagement-efforts-why-they-matter-and-ongoing-work/ Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:09:22 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=86782 Adult learners are frequently overlooked, but are an increasingly important student population. According to a recent report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, there are 37.6 million adult learners under 65 with some college credit, but no credential in the US and this number is increasing. In response to this challenge, Ithaka S+R is working across the United States to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of pathways for returning adult learners, with ongoing collaborations in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Ohio. These initiatives, which vary by state, include efforts to understand the impact of unpaid balances and administrative holds, survey existing supports for adult learners and provide recommendations, facilitate communities of practice that support participants to set ambitious goals, and share promising practices that will support adult learner re-engagement.

Read more.

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