Empowering Adult Learners: The Cougar Edge Program for Career Development
The Cougar Edge program is designed to support adult learners transitioning to post-secondary education, training, and employment. Offered through the Columbus ABLE Consortium and various career centers, the program emphasizes student-centered approaches, financial aid advising, and curriculum adaptation to meet diverse needs. With multiple locations—including Columbus, Delaware, and Dublin—Cougar Edge aims to improve academic success and provide opportunities without incurring debt. Our mission is to build essential skills at a manageable pace while ensuring continued support and resources for adult students.
Empowering Adult Learners: The Cougar Edge Program for Career Development
E N D
Presentation Transcript
4 ABLE Programs • Columbus ABLE Consortium (including South- Western City Schools) • Columbus City Schools ABLE • Delaware Area Career Center ABLE • Tolles Career & Technical Center ABLE
16 Departments • Admissions • CEWD Information Center • Community Education and Workforce Development - Division • Transitional Workforce • Delaware Campus • Dev Ed Writing • Dev Ed Math • Disability Services • Instructional Services • Telephone Information Center • Academic Affairs - Division • Student Affairs - Division • Advising • CSCC Testing Center • Information Technology • Enrollment Services
Four Columbus State Locations Columbus Campus Delaware Campus Dublin Off Campus Center South-Western Center @ Grove City
Initial Goals and Challenges • Student Centered • Financial Aid • Advising Students • Curriculum • Meeting ABLE Grant requirements including transitioning to post-secondary education, training, and employment • COMPASS / TABE Scores and Crosswalk • Space • Branding and awareness • Maintain college look and feel • First attempt Spring 2011
Additional Goals and Challenges • Making Cougar Edge mandatory 10/1/2011 • Skill level of students • Curriculum changes • Disability Services • How many will come? • How do we communicate to all involved? • Referrals after the quarter • College behaviors
Current Goals and Challenges • Switching to semesters • Two paths for Cougar Edge • Open Access • How many will come? • Orientation • What is SUCCESS? • Data collection and tracking • Funding for time to meet, plan, track, and instruct
Cougar Edge = College Success! • Time to build the dream and make a plan • Building the skills needed at an appropriate pace • Grade point average unaffected • Opportunity to stay out of debt • Wise use of financial aid • Being part of a bridge program to an adult career pathway leading to a credential/degree
