Introduction

Joe Parker¹ grew up in Salt Lake City and spoke fondly of his family’s love and support. His face lit up thinking about childhood but took on a pained expression when reflecting on high school. Except for “hands-on” classes, Joe found school irrelevant to what he wanted to do with his life, though life after high school wasn’t all that clear either. Several years after graduating, Joe still wasn’t making enough to move out of the house. Sharing his frustrations, a friend suggested talking to someone at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC).

Joe was nervous the first day he stepped on SLCC’s main campus. No one in his family had gone to or even talked much about college. He had doubts about whether college would be a good fit, given his experience with high school. He worried that he would not know what to say or how to explain his situation. Could anyone at SLCC really help him? Would they even care?

What Joe found at SLCC changed his path forward. Unbeknownst to him, adult learners are a top priority for SLCC, just like most community colleges across the country. In its comprehensive mission to serve over 1 million residents of Salt Lake Valley, SLCC seeks to meet the needs of a diversity of learners. To help address high unemployment during the Great Recession, SLCC secured funds from the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) program.

Using TAACCCT to enhance and expand SLCC’s programs and services for adults, Joe got the support he needed to move forward. Advisors encouraged him to participate in a “career pathway” program that offered coordinated and interconnected services – academic and employment advising, financial assistance, and more – designed to help him progress toward a career. For Joe and many others who come to community college for help, career pathways offer the clarity of purpose and support needed to move on with life.