Eastern Washington University has resources available for a wide variety of student populations. For students who are classified as non-traditional or adult learners—students who are 25 or older—Eastern offers help through the Adult and Lifelong Learner Resource Center (ALLRC).
The ALLRC was created as a way to help adult learners with the challenges that come with balancing school, work and family. Nearly a third of Eastern students fall into this category.
“It’s easy to forget that adult students aren’t the traditional population, they have different needs, expectations and life obligations,” says Beth Baker, director of the ALLRC. “When faced with job or family obligations, it’s those obligations that win out.”
Baker says the goal of the ALLRC is to help ease the burden for adult learners. The center can help students navigate admissions, find the student services they need, and jumpstart career planning.
Fun Facts:
~Top degree field for adult learners at EWU is education.
~The oldest EWU graduate was 84!
Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the center is operating remotely. But Baker wants to assure students that staff is still available to help. You can find more information on the ALLRC website or you can contact the office by calling 509.359.6015.
ALLRC hopes to open a physical center over the summer. The center will also provide a space for students to study, collaborate, engage with other students in similar situations, and find solace in the fact that they are not alone.
“We want to help them recognize that school is only temporary, but the rate of investment in themselves is priceless,” says Baker. “We’re here to help them accomplish that educational goal.”
