The document summarizes a summit that brought together 22 colleges and universities to identify characteristics of institutions that are friendly to encore learners over age 50. Key themes that emerged included the need for flexible programming and dedicated support services for older learners. The summit participants reflected that partnerships across institutions will be important to help more people transition to new careers in their encore phases of life. Next steps discussed were revising commitments to these efforts and gathering information to support sharing best practices between institutions on programming for older learners.

2. Objective of Summit
To bring together a diverse group of
institutions to identify and articulate the
defining characteristics of age/Encore
friendly institutions.

3. # of Attendees
• 22 colleges/universities—representing sector diversity
• Education Pioneers
• ReServe
• Encore.org
A total of 38 representatives attended

4. Emerging Themes
While several themes emerged, an
overarching theme was that an extended
lifespan is an important piece of the
overall need for change in higher
education.

5. Articulated Characteristics of Age/Friendly Encore Institutions
• Offer encore programming focused on social purpose/serving public good;
• Participate in an active network of institutions that learn from each other and share knowledge and
resources;
• Facilitate access across the lifespan by offering flexible structures and developmentally appropriate
programming (pathways in and out, delivery, alternatives to degree programs, cost models);
• Create dedicated support services for encore learners – to navigate the university and the job market;
• Leverage institutional partnerships to connect encore learners with the demand for talent in the
community;
• Create opportunities for intergenerational mentoring that benefit all learners.

6. #EncoreU Summit Participant Reflections

7. #EncoreU Summit Participant Reflections (cont.)
• This initiative is important – there is a role for universities to play in
helping the 50+ demographic navigate transitions from traditional career
to “encore.”
• There will not be a single model – but sharing information and
experiences can help ease the transition.
• The energy, wisdom and experience of those looking for a new encore
really can make a positive difference in our communities and the larger
society. This is about achieving meaningful social impact.

8. #EncoreU Summit Participant Reflections (cont.)
• This is about opening up traditional higher education, making a focus on social
change an important part of a university’s mission.
• Partnerships, across universities and among universities and other entities,
including the corporate world and philanthropies, are going to be important to
cultivate.
• The addition of encore learners would be an important source of students and
thus potentially an economic benefit for many institutions.
• A network of universities could be an important resource, serving as a
convener, a repository of best practices, and a source of marketing ideas and
initiatives.

9. Why this was groundbreaking…
• Brought together a diversity of institutions (perspectives)
that do not often find themselves in conversation with one
another—rural, urban, large, small, public and private to
develop a change agenda within higher education.
• A first step for many of these institutions in recognizing the
50+ learner as central to the future of higher ed.

10. Encore Initiatives Discussed
• Programs that support developmental transitions.
• Programs that link encore learners to the demand in
their communities.
• Programs that assess experience and translate into
competencies.
• Programs that offer certificates and badges.

11. Next Steps
• Redraft Presidents’ Pledge with new benchmarks
• Review and vet document with small group of
identified Summit informants as basis for convening
group of presidents
• Gather information to inform business model and
structure for EncoreU resource hub

12. Press for Summit
• Article in New York Times
– http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/your-money/over-50-
and-back-in-college-preparing-for-a-new-career.html?_r=1
Also picked up by Boston Globe.