It's back to school for Baby Boomers

As Baby Boomers restructure, because they want to or because they have to, look for the nation's community colleges to give them a hand.

A survey finds that 84 percent of community colleges that participated in the survey are expanding programs to accommodate students over the age of 50.

“Community colleges have a long history of reaching out to non-traditional students and structuring programs to meet immediate community needs. It’s heartening to see so many colleges throwing a lifeline to plus 50 students coping with a difficult job market during distressing economic times,” George R. Boggs, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges.

Many Baby Boomers are looking to re-tool their lives as a result of layoffs, early retirements or just because, after a long time of doing one thing they're looking to do something else. Community colleges often focus on teaching skill sets that aren't necessarily offered in four-year colleges and universities.

The community college association did a survey among its members and found among 204 participants:

• 84 percent offer programs for students over the age of 50,
• 93 percent perceive a demand for this type of programming – predominantly from people age 50 and up in their community, but from business and community organizations as well.

The community college programs offer workforce training and career development for the over 50 crowd

"These include programs like resume tune-ups, job interviewing boosters, computer refresher courses, and certificate programs for training in new careers. Forty-five percent of the colleges with workforce training and career development programs reach out to local employers to communicate the value of plus 50 employees. Thirty-eight percent of them also offer workshops, training, and other resources to employers seeking to recruit or retain plus 50 workers," said an association statement.

The association is backing what it calls the "Plus 50 Initiative," which it describes as "a three-year effort to identify a pilot group of two-year institutions that will create or expand campus programs to engage the 50+ population in learning; training/re-training programs; and/or volunteer, civic, service activities."

It identifies the Baby Boomer population as providing "a wealth of experience, skills, and leadership to the nation. The United States can leverage the enormous capacity of this population and help them continue to lead engaged and purposeful lives through employment, volunteer service, and leisure activities."