College Reconnect is Missouri’s comprehensive effort to increase postsecondary attainment by identifying adults with some college experience but no credential and supporting their return to higher education. The initiative strengthens Missouri’s workforce pipeline, improves economic mobility, and aligns institutional practices with statewide goals for adult learner success.
What is College Reconnect?
College Reconnect is a coordinated statewide strategy designed to reduce barriers experienced by adults who previously enrolled in college but did not complete a credential. Over 670,000 Missourians fall into this category, representing a significant opportunity to advance the state’s educational attainment and workforce readiness goals.
College Reconnect helps partners reach this group through research-based models, statewide branding, shared technology, and cross‑institution collaboration. The initiative equips institutions with developing tools, data, outreach strategies, and student‑support frameworks to re-engage this population and guide them through completion pathways.
Why it Matters for Missouri
Increasing postsecondary attainment plays a central role in Missouri’s long‑term economic competitiveness. As workforce needs evolve, industries increasingly rely on employees with certificates, degrees, or advanced training.
College Reconnect supports these priorities by:
- Expanding the pool of skilled Missourians prepared for high‑demand occupations
- Enhancing institutional capacity to serve adult learners effectively
- Strengthening alignment between higher education and workforce development
- Supporting the state's attainment goals and strategic policy objectives
- Advancing Missouri’s capacity to meet emerging technology and AI-driven workforce needs through increased educational attainment
The initiative positions Missouri to meet labor market demands while improving long‑term economic outcomes for individuals and communities.
How College Reconnect Supports Adult Learner Success
Institutional & Programmatic Supports
College Reconnect provides institutions with guidance and resources to strengthen their adult learner strategies, including:
- Research‑based advising and success‑coaching models
- Credit evaluation and degree‑audit practices aligned to completion pathways
- Communications frameworks designed to reach adults who have paused their education
- Tools for identifying and re-engaging prospective returners through data‑informed outreach
Flexible Pathway Development
Institutions receive support to expand and refine:
- Online, hybrid, and accelerated course models
- Certificate and workforce‑aligned programs
- Apprenticeship and earn‑while‑you-learn opportunities
- Adult‑friendly academic and wraparound supports
Financial Aid Alignment
The initiative works across agencies and institutions to promote access to:
- State and federal financial aid, including the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant
- Institutional scholarships and completion grants
- Support for adults participating in workforce training or apprenticeship programs
Partners and Collaborative Framework
Higher Education Institutions
Public and independent colleges and universities serve as primary implementation partners, designing local outreach strategies, evaluating credits, and providing adult‑focused student services.
- St. Louis Region
- Kansas City Region
- Springfield Area
- Columbia Area
Workforce & Community Partners
Regional workforce systems, community-based organizations, and professional networks strengthen referral pathways and help address non‑academic barriers to completion.
Lumina Foundation
Missouri’s participation in Lumina’s Building Brands cohort provides coaching, research support, and strategic guidance to enhance digital and communications systems for adult learners. This initiative is supported by Sova and Strategy Forward, whose coaching and technical assistance strengthen implementation capacity, design, and long-term strategy for engaging adult learners.
