San Diego, Calif. –With adult learners becoming a significant part of the nation’s higher education population, National University is pleased to announce the expansion of the National University Scholars Program that aims to recognize 100 students through a comprehensive scholarship and educational support program. The scholarship, offered by the private, nonprofit University, is now open to California community college transfer students, and it covers the cost of degree completion for qualifying students who agree to participate in the selective program’s co-curricular activities and leadership development component.
NU Scholars pictured with NU President Dr. David Andrews and NU Scholars Program Assoc. Director Patricia Cardozo.
The scholarship reflects National University’s commitment to serving students of diverse backgrounds, including adult learners. The National Center for Educational Statistics predicts that by 2024 well over half of postsecondary students will be over 24 years of age, and a quarter of those attending college will be over 30 years of age. At National University, where the average age of students is 32, adult learners are juggling family, jobs along with other responsibilities while working to complete their education.
The NU Scholars program started with the selection of National University students in California, including San Diego, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Sacramento, and is expanding to other regions nationwide. The program is now also available to California community college transfer students – further emphasizing the University’s commitment to addressing regional workforce needs by strengthening the pipeline of community college students to degree completion.
Key to the National University Scholars program – available to both graduates and undergraduates – is the curriculum, designed with high-impact and best educational practices, such as leadership, community service, study abroad, seminars and research. Support services may also include special networking and career management opportunities for the scholarship recipients. The program culminates in an ePortfolio, which helps students become competitive in the 21st century global workforce. This cohort-based program is aligned with the University’s commitment to identifying approaches for personalized learning for all students through an initiative called Precision Education at National University.
National University was founded in 1971 by a retired Navy Captain who saw a need to make quality education more accessible to working students who might not otherwise be served by traditional higher education institutions. The University, the flagship institution of the National University System, serves a diverse population of adult learners through innovative educational solutions and offers a unique four-week-class format, evening courses, and options for students to learn on campus, online, or through hybrid programs.