The group of adults defined by sociologists as "baby boomers" are once again filling the halls of colleges and universities nationwide, making them the new kids on campus.
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) July 7, 2008 -- As many high school graduates prepare for their transition into college life, so too do their parents. In response to the current state of the job market, the group of adults defined by sociologists as "baby boomers" are once again filling the halls of colleges and universities nationwide, making them the new kids on campus. They prove that no matter where one is in his or her career, there is always more to be learned.
More than 76.1 million Americans were born between 1946 and 1964, the period attributed to the baby boomer generation. The oldest members of this ample group are just turning 60, quickly approaching the average retirement age in this country. Expected to remain physically active well into their seventies and eighties, these professionals are now searching for something more beyond retirement.
With the desire to address the burgeoning demands of students in midlife, colleges and universities have begun developing and maintaining programs for boomers in order to help them launch into the next phase of their working lives. It is not just going to back to school, it's using school to move forward. Education researchers refer to it as "higher education."
According to the University Continuing Education Association, non-traditional students, those outside of the typical college age or structure, comprise nearly 60 percent of all students at 4-year public institutions and 50 percent at private colleges. In California alone, the number of college students between the ages of 50 and 64 rose 61 percent between 1986 and 2006.
With technology at the helm of the ever-changing job market, workers feel the urgency to return to school to succeed in their field. Esteemed universities, such as Academy of Art University, are catering to boomers interested in reinventing themselves in the second half of life with a dynamic education and confidence in their newly gained abilities.
Academy of Art University has already received an influx of baby boomer students in their comprehensive continuing education program in 13 art and design fields. Whether returning to college for career development, career retraining or personal enrichment, the continuing education program is designed to help boomers gain and maintain critical skills necessary for their new life endeavors.
Open admissions and flexible registration process allows any individuals interested in pursuing an art career in art and design fields the opportunity to fashion an education program specific to their needs. New students have the freedom to enroll as either part-time or full-time and participate in any of the non-degree or graduate art degree programs offered.
"Academy of Art University accommodates students of all ages and educational backgrounds," said Dr. Elisa Stephens, President of the school. "We offer online and onsite courses so students can build an education around their active lives."
Adult learners currently enrolled in any of the California public colleges and universities may also consider transferring. Most design schools, such as Academy of Art University, welcomes all transfer students and has an abundance of resources available to make the transition to the world of art and design as easy as possible.
Retirement doesn't mean taking up golf or moving to the coast anymore. This dynamic generation is motivated to make a difference in the world and leave a lasting creative legacy. Now, with the power of education, they can.
About Academy of Art University, San Francisco
With nearly 12,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BFA, M.Arch and MFA programs, as well as continuing art education with classes in copywriting, fashion merchandising, interior design, new media, computer animation, sculpture, graphic design, cinematography, industrial design, digital photography and car design. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program in art and design.
Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH).
For more information visit www.academyart.edu or call 1-800-544-2787
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