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The prospect of returning to college as an adult can be intimidating. A statewide Cooperative Extension satellite TV program broadcast in early February helped more than 540 adults understand the process and provided motivation for those who had been considering seeking a degree.

The program, "College Knowledge for Adults," was downlinked at 20 sites. It answered questions such as: Can I do it? Can I afford it? What are my options where I live? Who would hire me when I complete my education?

Mona Locke, first lady of Washington, introduced the program: "If we strengthen our lives as individuals with education, we strengthen our families, our communities, and our state. I applaud each and every one of you for being here tonight."

Mona Locke introduced the satellite broadcast.

Phyllis Campbell, WSU regent and former president of U.S. Bank of Washington, offered some very insightful connections from continuing education to job preparation in a taped message.

Frank Cox, dean of Workforce Development at Everett Community College, talked about choosing a career and resources available to assist in that process. Kelly Tschida, WSU financial aid coordinator, discussed the fears and confusion about financial aid and how to find scholarship opportunities.

Susan Poch, WSU assistant director of admissions, outlined all of the steps needed to apply and be admitted to college. "Having an opportunity to speak with people who are considering college at a later age was very exciting and appropriate in a satellite format," Poch said. "We were all able to answer questions from people across the state."

Bobbi Thomas, senior academic advisor for the WSU Distance Degree Programs, highlighted the skills necessary to be a successful distance learner and how to evaluate the quality of a program.

Before and after the satellite program, local attendees learned more about educational options in their area, including what degrees and courses are offered locally and on-line. At most sites, students who had completed degrees and found jobs shared their experiences.

"These testimonials had the most impact on attendees, real examples right in their local communities," said Debra Kollock, coordinator, WSU Learning Center‚ Northeast Washington.

You can access the Web site and videostream for "College Knowledge for Adults" at ext.wsu.edu/cka

Washington Mutual donated four $250 scholarships that were awarded on the air to attendees drawn at random. "The scholarships generated a lot of interest and it motivated one woman who was going to postpone school to apply to her community college right away," Kollock said.

"The gratifying thing about this whole program is knowing that we may have impacted lives. They may not immediately attend school, but most likely they walked away with some good information.

"Being able to help someone realize a goal is very satisfying. I can't say it better than a comment that came from Bremerton: "I learned that my education will start at age 41. I've looked for answers before, but you helped me tonight with the correct questions to ask.ÝI am so excited to start my educational career.Ý Thank you."

"We were pleased to be a part of this program," said Muriel Oaks, Dean of WSU's Distance Degree Programs.

Oaks noted that WSU's Distance Degree Programs have served more than 7,000 Washington residents in the past 10 years.

"Our graduates tell us how well prepared they are to enter the workplace, advance in their careers and attend graduate school," Ochs said. "We are very proud of the quality of our distance degrees."

WSU offers the following distance degrees: BA in Human Development, BA in General Business, BA in Business with a Management of Information Systems emphasis, BA in Social Science, BA in Humanities, BS in Nursing for Registered Nurses, MS in Agriculture, Professional Writing Certificate, Microsoft Certificated Professional Program.

Debra Kollock,
Coordinator,
WSU Learning Center-Northeast Washington