You are invited to join a Virtual Learning Community (VLC) focused on persistence titled Helping Students Stay. We understand students face barriers to retention that are outside our control, so this collaborative PD opportunity will address issues that instructors and program staff CAN influence.
The VLC will have two tracks: one for instructors and one for adult education staff (administrators, coordinators, and frontline staff involved in intake/orientation, case management, and ongoing student support). Both groups can have a huge impact on student persistence!
This VLC cohort will provide participants with research-based practical strategies they can apply to help improve student persistence rates. We will explore elements of our programs where we can integrate supports and new approaches to help students stay, from orientation to the last day of class. Participants will have opportunities to converse with peers, learn and apply strategies for retaining students, and feel connected while collaborating with others!
Participants can join any time after the November 11 start date by beginning with the first part of the asynchronous course.
PD hours will be issued for live meetings and asynchronous activities.
If you’ve participated in a Retention VLC in the past, we invite you to join us for this new iteration to explore the new content and experience new ways to engage.
What to expect:
- Current Adult Education persistence research
- Strategies for intake, onboarding, engagement, goal setting, student motivation, and much more
- A supportive and encouraging training team
- Live discussion opportunities with peers across the state of Illinois
- Online interaction with peers from your VLC track
- Delivery of robust, critical content with actionable steps to help students stay!
Nov. 11, 2025 - VLC begins in iLEARN (Participants can register and begin participating in the VLC at any time)
December 2025 - Asynchronous Activities
Jan. 23, 2026 - 10am-11am Live Meeting
Feb. 27, 2026 - 10am - 11am Live Meeting
March 2026 - Asynchronous Activities
May 1, 2026 - 10am-11am Live Meeting
Register HERE
