Our
Programs

Empowering HBCUs and Adult Learners

The TMCF-DSU Joint Center for HBCU Non-Traditional Completion is a capacity building initiative supporting historically Black colleges and universities’ (HBCUs’) ability to re-enroll, educate and graduate adult learners who have paused their academic journey.




Who We Are

TMCF-DSU Joint Center Mission

Our mission is to empower HBCUs by providing the resources and support needed to re-engage adult learners. We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to complete their education, and we are committed to helping institutions create flexible, sustainable systems at their institutions to support adult learner degree completion.



How We Got Here

The TMCF-DSU Joint Center for HBCU Non-Traditional Completion represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenge of degree completion for students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which overwhelmingly educate historically underserved students.

This initiative traces its origins to a pilot program at Delaware State University (DSU), which focused on re-enrolling near completers, students who had paused their academic journey with only a few credits remaining. Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) provided crucial funding, strategic thinking and thought partnership, enabling the program to take shape and demonstrate its potential. The program’s design included strategically engaging various partners who brought expertise to critical areas such as business planning, scaling strategies and student engagement. These collaborations allowed the program to evolve, incorporating innovative solutions and refined methodologies that improved its effectiveness specifically for HBCU stopped-out students.

The pilot program’s success paved the way for establishing the TMCF-DSU Joint Center in July 2023, to serve as the central hub for expanding these efforts across multiple HBCUs. The Joint Center is focused on offering tailored support to help institutions re-enroll students and guide them to successful degree completion, fostering sustainable academic and economic opportunities for Black students across the nation.

What We Do

We provide HBCUs with the tools, strategies and support needed to successfully re-enroll and graduate adult learners. Through our curated partnerships, we help institutions build capacity, share best practices and implement innovative programs that meet the unique needs of non-traditional adult students. Learn more about Engagement opportunities. 

What We Offer

Engagement Tiers

Our program offers three levels of engagement to suit the needs of different institutions:

Dedicated Partnerships:

Comprehensive support, including marketing, enrollment services and student success coaching, tailored to help institutions re-enroll and graduate adult learners.

Collaborative Engagement: Access to a community of practice where institutions can share best practices, learn from peers and enhance their support for adult learners.

Advocacy & Thought Leadership:

Participation in policy advocacy, research initiatives and events designed to influence systemic change in higher education.



How It Works

Our approach is based on three core pillars: building capacity, buying capacity and sharing capacity. We work closely with our partner institutions to assess their needs, provide targeted support, identify how to leverage existing internal resources and guide them through the process of implementing sustainable programs for adult learners and returning students. Learn more about engagement opportunities.

Why It Matters

Benefits for Institutions

Partnering with the TMCF-DSU Joint Center brings significant benefits to institutions. By re-enrolling stopped-out students, HBCUs can increase enrollment, boost graduation rates and enhance their reputation as leaders in adult education. Our program also provides financial benefits, including increased tuition revenue, increased state enrollment-based funding and potential state funding bonuses based on improved performance metrics.

 Benefits for Adult Learners

For adult learners, our program offers a second chance at achieving their educational goals. We provide the support and flexibility they need to return to school, complete their degrees and improve their career prospects. By removing barriers to education, we help students unlock their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.

Financial Impact

Re-enrolling stopped-out students not only benefits the students themselves but also brings financial gains to institutions. Successful programs at Chicago State University and Medgar Evers College have generated millions in tuition revenue, demonstrating the significant return on investment that comes from supporting adult learners.Read more about success stories.



Get Involved

How to Become a Partner Institution

Becoming a partner institution with the TMCF-DSU Joint Center is a straightforward process. We work with institutions to assess their needs, identify the right level of engagement, and provide the necessary support to ensure success. Learn more about becoming a partner and start your journey toward empowering adult learners at your institution.

Institutional Leadership Form

To better understand your institution’s needs and how we can best support you, please complete our institutional leadership form. This form helps us tailor our services to meet your specific goals and challenges.




Funding Partners

Our work would not be possible without the generous support of our funding partners. These contributions enable us to provide the resources and expertise needed to help HBCUs succeed in their mission. Learn more about how to become a funding partner and support our mission to empower adult learners.

Institutional Partners

We are proud to partner with a growing network of HBCUs dedicated to transforming the lives of adult learners. By joining our network, institutions gain access to a wealth of resources, best practices and a supportive community committed to making a difference. Meet our institutional partners and see how they are benefiting from our program.

 

Empower Your Students

Every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their dreams. With the support of the TMCF-DSU Joint Center, you can help stopped-out students return to school, complete their degrees and unlock their full potential. Our tailored programs provide the resources and flexibility they need to overcome obstacles and succeed. Empower your students by giving them the tools to turn their aspirations into reality

Get Started