President's Message

You’re never too old to learn. We all know that’s true — especially as we all grow older! However, what we’re also discovering in this time of rapid technological and social change is that lifelong learning is more than merely possible; it’s absolutely necessary.

Without continuous learning, possibilities dwindle, doors of opportunity fail to open, and individual and societal prosperity are threatened.

Americans know this, and they’re responding. Adults in this country are seeking postsecondary education in growing numbers and for increasingly varied reasons. This issue of Lumina Foundation Focus takes a broad look at the trends in adult learning.

This issue, written by noted higher education author and editor Sally Reed, examines adult education from several angles. You’ll read the story of Dennis Quebe, a successful Ohio businessman who began attending Sinclair Community College in part to inspire his daughter and is now on his way to a bachelor’s degree at another institution. You’ll learn about Charleen Eagle Elk and Gloria Eastman, busy mothers who are pursuing their degrees at Oglala Lakota College on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. You’ll read about Ray Salazar Jr., an Arizona bank manager who turned a job severance package to his own advantage, earned a master’s degree at the University of Phoenix and followed his passion to become a high school teacher.

These real-life stories, supported by information and insights from noted researchers and adult learning experts across the nation, underscore the importance of lifelong learning — to individuals and to society as a whole. We also hope this issue of Lumina Foundation Focus serves to increase the understanding of the many barriers adult students face.

At Lumina Foundation, we are committed to breaking down these barriers. That’s why many of our grants support organizations whose research and programs seek to aid adult learners — organizations such as the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Curry School of Education at then University of Virginia.

All of our efforts — including this magazine — have one aim: to increase student access and success in education beyond high school. I hope you’ll join us as we pursue that mission. To that end, I welcome your feedback on this issue of Lumina Foundation Focus and on all of our work.