Creating New Pathways for Stopped-out Students

ReUp Education, a national leader in reenrolling college stopouts, has launched a new partnership with Minneapolis College, Saint Paul College, and Metropolitan State University to help adult learners in the Twin Cities return to college, complete their degrees, and unlock new career opportunities. 

This initiative, funded by a grant from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration in the state, bringing together two community colleges and a four-year university to ensure students will not only have opportunities to complete an associate degree, but also pursue a bachelor’s degree.

“For full-time workers, parents, first-generation, and adult learners, stopping out doesn’t mean they don’t want to finish their degree—it means life got in the way,” said Carrie Carroll, Associate Vice President of Strategic Enrollment at Metro State University. “With this initiative, we’re not just helping students return to college—we’re giving them the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to persist, complete their associate degrees, and take that next step toward a four-year credential.”

According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, the state of Minnesota has more than 600,000 residents who have some college but no credential (SCNC, or “stopouts”). Many of these learners have sunk time and cost into their pursuit of education beyond high school, but have not benefited from the potential of a credential or degree of value. 

With additional initiatives like Minnesota’s North Star Promise, the state has committed to continually provide Minnesotans with innovative pathways, and this new pilot program will further deliver on that commitment. 

“Many of these students are juggling jobs, families, and financial responsibilities, making it difficult to get back to school without the right support,” said Heidi Aldes, Dean of Enrollment Management at Minneapolis College. “We are excited to partner with ReUp and our other local institutions to provide learners with the coaching and guidance they need to re-enroll and achieve their career goals.”