In brief
As the number of 'stopout' students in the U.S. grows, institutions are introducing initiatives to assist those who have paused their studies. Jevona Anderson's journey illustrates the struggles and successes faced by many individuals who grapple with personal hardships, making their way back to completing their degrees with newfound support.
In an era where educational attainment is linked to economic improvement, a growing number of students in the U.S. are faced with challenges that lead them to pause their studies, often referred to as 'stopouts'. In this context, Jevona Anderson’s story highlights the struggles that many face amidst personal adversities such as family loss and homelessness.
By 2025, at age 59, Anderson found herself failing classes and unable to keep up with bills, ultimately dropping out before completing her degree. Including Anderson, there are about 38 million working-age adults in the U.S. who have student loans but lack the credentials to enhance their earning potential.
While many indicate intentions to return to their studies, the reality shows that few actually re-enroll. Interestingly, the past couple of years have seen colleges and local governments step up their efforts to support these stopouts. Reports indicate a 7% increase in stopouts re-enrolling for the 2023-24 school year, thanks in part to improved outreach and support systems.
For Jevona Anderson, a pivotal moment came when she learned about scholarships specifically targeting students nearing degree completion. With renewed financial support, she is on her way back to the University of Baltimore, where she initially enrolled in 2019 to study environmental sustainability with aspirations of becoming a teacher.
Anderson’s journey reflects a broader trend as colleges recognize that simple financial help and personalized approaches can facilitate student re-engagement. States have started collaborating with organizations like ReUp to enhance their support mechanisms for stopouts, focusing on personalized outreach efforts and easing bureaucratic challenges that previously hindered re-enrollment.
With an emphasis on supporting these individuals, initiatives help to ensure that the transition back into academic life is manageable, enabling students like Anderson, who dream of making a significant impact in their communities, to complete their studies and contribute positively to society.
