Reach Higher: Oklahoma’s Adult Degree Completion Initiative REACH HIGHER is… Based on Research Over 300,000 Oklahomans left college with some credit and 2.0 or better GPA, but no degree (associate or baccalaureate).

People leave college for: oFamily reasons oFinances

2004 OSRHE Market Assessment REACH HIGHER is… Based on Research Two major reasons for returning to complete a degree: oPersonal satisfaction oBetter job opportunities

Factors impacting their re-enrollment in college: oConvenience oAccelerated format oCredit for previous experience oCost

2004 OSRHE Market Assessment REACH HIGHER: Flex Finish is…

Designed by university and college faculty and administrators in Oklahoma to meet the needs of businesses.

Unique in the nation as to the collaboration, sharing of courses, sharing of marketing efforts, seamless path for students, and statewide commitment

Bachelor’s degree available at eight universities with common costs and curriculum and with a convenient on-line application process.

Associate’s degrees available at 14 community colleges and technical branches with options in business and general studies, uniquely designed for each student. Reach Higher: Flex Finish offers…

The Reach Higher initiative provides adult degree completion programs in flexible, non-traditional formats.

• Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership • Associate in Arts in Enterprise Development • Associate in Science in Enterprise Development

Available at 8 universities and 14 community colleges and technical branches across the state. PARTICIPATING FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTIONS Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership

Cameron University Langston University Northeastern State University Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rogers State University Southeastern Oklahoma State University Southwestern Oklahoma State University University of Central Oklahoma PARTICIPATING TWO-YEAR INSTITUTIONS Associate in Arts or Science in Enterprise Development Options: General Studies Business Carl Albert State College Connors State College Eastern Oklahoma State College Murray State College Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Northern Oklahoma College Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma State University-Institute of Technology Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Redlands Community College Rose State College Seminole State College Tulsa Community College Western Oklahoma State College Reach Higher Family - Students Reach Higher Family - Coordinators

RH Coordinators are faculty, administrators, and staff. Reach Higher: Flex Finish Recognition

 “Exceptional Program Award” from the Great Plains Region of the Association for Continuing Higher Education  “National Outstanding Credit Program Award” from the Association for Continuing Higher Education.  The program has been cited as a national model by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning.  Reach Higher is one of the cornerstones of Governor Mary Fallin’s plan to increase the number of Oklahomans with a college degree, the Complete College America initiative. Support for Coordinators

.Coordinators’ Funds to each Reach Higher Institution .Professional Development Resources .Marketing .Recognition REACH HIGHER: Flex Finish’s Current Status

4,863 Graduates with Associate degrees and Bachelor’s degrees since 2007 Support for Students  Dedicated Coordinator at their Home Institution  Assistance with financial aid application and registration at home institution or sister institutions for needed courses  Emergency Funding  Old Debt Forgiveness  Direction to other services on campus or and in the local community REACH HIGHER Native American Educational Partnership

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly (TEDNA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding expanding collaboration and support between the agencies through shared resources, expertise and technical assistance to Tribal Education Departments involved in Oklahoma higher education initiatives.

TEDNA supports higher education programs that provide opportunities for tribal nation populations, and this agreement includes a combined effort to promote college degree completion. TEDNA, the OSRHE, and Oklahoma institutions will continue to work collaboratively to ensure academic and social support resources are available to citizens of sovereign nations headquartered in Oklahoma. Program Feedback Survey

 92.1% worked full-time during the program.  55.3% indicated that the degree resulted in higher pay and/or work promotion.  97.3% stated that they would recommend Reach Higher to a colleague, friend, or family member.  65% believed that the Reach Higher program was the only way in which they could have continued their education.  89.5% felt that the Reach Higher faculty cared about adult students and their success in the program.  94.8% believed they received an excellent education. Adult Promise Initiative to build on Reach Higher Foundation  Oklahoma was selected as one of five states funded by Lumina Foundation for an Adult Promise Initiative coordinated through work with SHEEO.  The plan will be to offer an Adult Promise program to include degree programs that match up with OklahomaWorks’ 100 Critical Occupations List.  Funding from multiple entities will be leveraged to cover an adult student’s costs to complete a degree that leads to employment in a Critical Occupation. Reach Higher: Direct Complete Criteria for Students

. Students aged 25-49 . Income level up to $75,000 . Those with 75% (45 hours) towards an associate degree or 50% (60 hours) towards a bachelor’s degree . 2.0+ GPA in previous work and all remedial work completed . Leverage aid from multiple sources (institutional waivers, employer tuition assistance, WIOA funding, tribal education funding, business funding, etc.) Reach Higher Direct Complete Criteria for Participating Institutions . Offer the degree programs that lead to employment in a the Critical Occupations List . Provide assistance as funds are available, for tuition waivers, book scholarships, emergency funding, child care assistance, etc. . Identify a dedicated navigator/coordinator to work directly with identified students . Commit staff for professional development to assist them in providing coaching, mentoring, and proactive advising activities for participating students . Provide degree audits and degree planning for participants . Provide reports to the State Regents as requested on the program and participants . Build on Reach Higher infrastructure Critical Occupations That Require Associate Degrees

 Dental Hygienists Technicians, Including Health  Diagnostic Medical Sonographers  Chemical Technicians  Electrical and Electronics Engineering  Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Technicians  Geological and Petroleum Technicians  Veterinary Technologists and Technicians  Registered Nurses  Medical and Clinical Laboratory  Computer Network Support Specialists Technicians  Civil Engineering Technicians  Mechanical Engineering Technicians  Respiratory Therapists  Radiologic Technologists  Web Developers  Environmental Science and Protection

https://oklahomaworks.gov/docs/2017/05/2017-Top-Critical-Occupations-Statewide-Amended-8-8-2017.pdf Critical Occupations That Require Bachelor’s Degrees

 Secondary School Teachers, Except  Environmental Engineers Special and Career/Technical Education  Industrial Engineers  Petroleum Engineers  General and Operations Managers  Architectural and Engineering Managers  Medical and Health Services Managers  Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and  Software Developers, Applications Geographers  Civil Engineers  Computer and Information Systems  Logisticians Managers  Computer Systems Analysts  Industrial Production Managers  Software Developers, Systems Software  Aerospace Engineers  Personal Financial Advisors  Financial Managers  Database Administrators  Electrical Engineers  Financial Analysts  Mechanical Engineers  Management Analysts https://oklahomaworks.gov/docs/2017/05/2017-Top-Critical-Occupations-Statewide-Amended-8-8-2017.pdf Critical Occupations That Require Bachelor’s Degrees (cont’d)

 Occupational Health and Safety  Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Specialists Retail, and Farm Products  Network and Computer Systems  Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Administrators Farm Products  Environmental Scientists and Specialists,  Credit Analysts Including Health  Dietitians and Nutritionists  Operations Research Analysts  Training and Development Specialists  Information Security Analysts  Middle School Teachers, Except Special  Accountants and Auditors and Career/Technical Education  Loan Officers  Special Education Teachers,  Cost Estimators Kindergarten and Elementary School  Medical and Clinical Laboratory  Elementary School Teachers, Except Technologists Special Education

https://oklahomaworks.gov/docs/2017/05/2017-Top-Critical-Occupations-Statewide-Amended-8-8-2017.pdf REACH HIGHER: Direct Complete Business and Native American Educational Partnerships We are hoping to establish strong partnerships to meet workforce needs through this program. Here are some things partners can do:  Partner with the State Regents and a higher education institution to promote the initiative to employees, clients, and Tribal citizens and scholarship individuals to pursue a degree that meets criteria for an occupation on Oklahoma’s 100 Critical Occupations list.  The business/organization dedicates a “Pay It Forward” scholarship of at least $1,000 each semester to fund the tuition, fees, and books for 6 credit hours for the student to participate in this program.  The other partners and the institution will cover any remaining costs for tuition and fees for the 6 credit hours in excess of the business/agency scholarship. www.reachhigheroklahoma.org

. Questions/Contacts: . Angela Willits LUMINA Degree Completion Manager [email protected] or 405.225.9258 . Sheila Smith Reach Higher Manager [email protected] or 405.225.9151 • Dr. Debbie Blanke Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs [email protected] or 405.225.9145