View From The Hill
(5/21/09)

WKU Real

The economy has more and more unemployed workers looking for ways to reinvent themselves for the job market.
Some are deciding to go back to school.

In this week’s “View from the Hill”, Amy Bingham explains a new program that provides “real” support for adult learners.

The program is called “WKU Real” which stands for Reaching Each Adult Learner.   It eases the process for non-traditional students to enter—or re-enter—college.
 
“It’s very exciting—even at my age.”

Jack Stewart has been unemployed since January, after working for 26 years in the automotive industry.
 
“My job was eliminated, now going back to school to see what options are out there.”

There are plenty of options out there…and a new program called WKU Real helps bring them into focus for non-traditional students.
 
“The biggest part of our job is to bring down barriers to adult learners to post secondary education.”

Rebekah Phillips is one of WKU REAL’S three adult learner counselors who have scoured the campus to make sure non-traditional students get the support they need.
 
“They are usually working or they have families, they have a lot of other roles, adding student role is difficult, they want someone to help get them through the maze of college.”

WKU Real even takes its show on the road making presentations like this one at the Simpson County Adult Education office, or factories that have had layoffs.

They’ve already received some encouraging feedback.

“One email said this is a goldmine…etc.”
 
And for people like Jack Stewart, WKU Real will provide exactly what he needs to pursue a degree in human resources.
 
“This is going to be a tremendous program, I’m excited…I’m not familiar with WKU enrollment process or registration.., going through that will be a great help and just getting started.”

WKU Real has an office in Cherry Hall on Western’s main campus.  Services are also available on WKU’S regional campuses.

For more information, log onto wku.edu backslash real or call 270-745-3575.

With this week’s View from the Hill, I’m Amy Bingham.