ADULT
LEARNERS

Who are Adult Learners?

Adult learners are the heartbeat and social fabric of our economy and places of work.  They are returning citizens, firefighters, police officers, cooks, community leaders, cashiers, and military veterans.  They are our neighbors, family, and friends.

Many have demonstrated their resiliency and problem-solving skills outside of an office or classroom. Yet, they are rarely called for job interviews because they lack the formal training and education required to ‘do the job.”

We believe that adult learners have hidden talent in plain sight. Their success not only transforms their professional careers but also creates positive ripple effects within their families and communities. They are the strongest voice to challenge perceptions about urban adults, talent pipelines, and equitable economic growth.

Join Graduate Philadelphia’s community of learners and partners by completing a comprehensive intake form. We use this information to identify resources and services that best support you as you navigate your options. Once your form is complete, we also have the information that we need to pair you with an advisor for your first session via phone, online, or in-person (by appointment).
Many adult learners face challenges in balancing their academic, career, and personal goals. These challenges often prevent them from completing a certificate, certification, degree or from seeking their next career opportunity.

Career Integrated Learning Advising (CILA) helps individuals to address these challenges and achieve their desired outcomes. CILA is a holistic approach that integrates navigating learning options, career planning, financial and empowerment with wraparound supports – bringing together the best of what has been proven to work for adult learners.

CILA helps adult learners leverage their strengths, align their learning choices with their career aspirations, select the right program, address obstacles, and develop personalized action plans to keep them on track to reach their goals. Our learners benefit from the confidence of knowing that they are not alone in their journey.

First Time in College?

The first steps can be the hardest and you can do it! Get to know your Graduate Philadelphia advising team and get assistance from start to finish. You do not have to do it alone. Thanks to the generosity of our funders, our no cost services support adults throughout the region to enroll at any one of our partner colleges, or at any college of your choice.
>> Key Terminology & Resources
>> Register Today!

Returning to Learning?

Welcome Back! Returning to learning to complete your degree is something worth celebrating at any time. Join the ever-growing Graduate Philadelphia community of adult learners focused on continuing their learning, advancing their careers, demonstrating lifelong learning, and fulfilling personal goals.
>> 21 Questions Every Adult Learner Should Ask
>> Register Today!

Community Resource Sessions

Join this series of partner presentations designed to help adult learners achieve their personal, learning and professional goals. This series covers topics related to learning options, career planning, financial literacy & empowerment, and wraparound supports. This Graduate Philadelphia series provides adult learners with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to succeed and is open to all adult learners who want to enhance their learning experience and outcomes.
>> Previous Presentations

Workforce Development Program

Skills Plus is Graduate Philadelphia’s workforce program in partnership with Accenture’s Skills to Succeed Learning Exchange. The program gives you access to over 150+ classes and industry tracks including Information Technology, Health Tech & Administration, Entrepreneurship, Digital Literacy/General Business, and Workplace & Professional Skills. Enjoy these courses coupled with advising, mentoring, peer networking, and career resources facilitated by Graduate Philadelphia.
>> Skills Plus Courses - PDF
>> Register Today!

Professional Development | Leadership Series

The leadership series for adult learners is a program designed to help you develop your leadership skills and potential. In partnership with the Leadership Institute for Black Women, this program is open to all Graduate Philadelphia participants and will equip you with information and techniques to lead effectively and confidently in any setting.
>> Previous Leadership Sessions

Career Integrated Learning Advising (CILA)

Career Integrated Learning Advising (CILA) bridges gaps between academic advising, career planning, and adult learner support. This Graduate Philadelphia advising framework aligns academic planning with career resources and coaching to increase short term goal attainment and bolster long term career advancement and resilience. CILA provides adult learners with professional support, wraparound services, motivation, and accountability through their learner journey. CILA supports adult learners in both getting started and persisting to completion.
>> Register Today!

Additional Resources

The first step is the hardest but you can do it!

We will be there for you every step of the way until you graduate!