Glen Oaks Community College (GOCC) and The University of Olivet (UO) are proud to announce that they have been awarded a $1.068 million grant from the Michigan Center for Adult College Success. This grant will support the launch of the GO2UO program, an innovative partnership aimed at creating seamless pathways to success for adult students across Michigan.
The GO2UO program is designed to address the unique needs of adult students who are seeking to start or complete their higher education journey. By offering dual enrollment and aligned support services, the program enables students to seamlessly transition from an associate degree at GOCC to a bachelor’s degree at UO. The initiative aims to increase adult student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates while supporting Michigan’s Sixty by 30 initiative, which seeks to have 60% of adults earn a postsecondary credential by 2030.
For GOCC, this partnership allows the college to expand its impact on the adult learner population in rural southwest Michigan. “At Glen Oaks, we understand that returning to school can be a challenge for adults who are balancing work, family, and education,” said Adam Cloutier, Vice President of Academics at GOCC. “The GO2UO program represents our commitment to helping these students achieve their educational and career goals by providing a clear, supported pathway from an associate to a bachelor’s degree.”
The University of Olivet, known for its focus on social mobility and student success, sees the GO2UO program as a key opportunity to extend its reach to more non-traditional students. The partnership aligns with UO’s strategic Olivet 2030 plan, which emphasizes expanding access to higher education for adult learners. “This collaboration between GOCC and UO is a model for how community colleges and universities can work together to support adult students,” said Paul Burkhardt, Provost of UO. “Through this program, we can provide adults with a more flexible and affordable pathway to a bachelor’s degree, helping them advance their careers and achieve their goals.”
The grant will also fund new roles at both institutions to support the program’s implementation. GOCC will hire a Career and Transfer Coordinator, who will focus on guiding students through their academic journey from initial enrollment at GOCC to transfer to UO. Meanwhile, UO will appoint a Student Services Coordinator, dedicated to providing personalized support to adult students, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success throughout their bachelor’s degree program.
The GO2UO program will benefit adult students by offering flexible class schedules, online course options, and integrated advising services from both institutions. This joint approach ensures that students receive tailored support throughout their academic journey, from enrollment to graduation. Additionally, the program emphasizes credit for prior learning, allowing students to earn college credit for relevant work and life experiences, further shortening the time to degree completion.
For both institutions, the partnership also represents an opportunity to strengthen ties with industry and local employers. GOCC and UO will collaborate to develop career pathways aligning with regional workforce needs, ensuring that graduates are prepared for high-demand careers in business, social work, and criminal justice. “Our partnership with UO allows us to connect students with opportunities that might have seemed out of reach before while also contributing to the local economy by providing a skilled workforce,” said Adam Cloutier of GOCC.
Likewise, UO benefits by expanding its role in workforce development, helping students from diverse backgrounds reach their professional aspirations. “The GO2UO program enables us to continue our mission of creating pathways to success for students who might otherwise face barriers to earning a bachelor’s degree,” said Meredith Dodson, Dean for Graduate, Adult, and Professional Studies at UO. “Together with GOCC, we are creating a sustainable model that can serve as a blueprint for other institutions across Michigan.”
The Michigan Center for Adult College Success, a leading advocate for adult education in the state, provided this grant as part of its Innovation Investment Awards, which support projects that address critical gaps in higher education for adult learners. With the center’s support, GOCC and UO are poised to create a scalable model that other Michigan institutions can adopt to better serve adult students.
