Learner Success

A network of holistic community and campus support services is critical for fostering the persistence and resiliency needed for college and career success. NCTN assists education and workforce development organizations to design student support program models that leverage and maximize available support and resources. NCTN facilitates customized professional development, produces curriculum and resources, and provides consultation to address gaps in student support services. We advise on the implementation of strategies to heighten learners’ aspirations and goals and raise awareness of opportunities, throughout all program phases, from enrollment and orientation to instruction, counseling, and planning for next steps. 

Expertise and Impact

College and Career Navigator and Coaching Programs

NCTN has led the development and expansion of college and career navigator and coaching programs that are key to leveraging and coordinating supports that foster student persistence and success. Our face-to-face and online training programs for college and career navigators have been offered in 25 states to hundreds of frontline staff and administrators in adult and postsecondary education and workforce development programs. The training has supported statewide scale-up of career pathways and integrated education and training (IET) initiatives. 

Advising Internationally Trained Professionals 

Advising and coaching students with foreign degrees and credentials is a complicated and highly individualized process. NCTN provides resources and guidance to academic advisors and career coaches helping internationally trained professionals navigate pathways to education, employment, and professional licensure in the U.S. 

Student Mentoring Programs

Mentoring has a positive impact on student outcomes, including self-confidence, future aspirations, grade point average and persistence rates. NCTN has created tools and increased participants’ knowledge about mentorship through our Adult College Engagement and Migrant Youth Education projects. Our mentoring projects are designed to get new college students through the critical periods when they are most likely to drop out.