Kansas State University

MANHATTAN — Nearly 220,000 Kansans between the ages of 25 to 49 have some college experience but no bachelor's degree, according to the Kansas Board of Regents. A new campaign by Kansas State University can help area residents get back on track to earning their degree.

The university's On Track campaign highlights the value and flexibility of finishing an undergraduate degree by maximizing the use of Kansas State University's convenient on-campus or online class options, student services and campus resources.

Jo Maseberg-Tomlinson, evening college and intersession program coordinator at the university's Division of Continuing Education, says many adults want to get their degree on track but don't know where to start.

"We want to let adults in our community know that a bachelor's degree is within reach," Maseberg-Tomlinson said. "With On Track, we're providing all the information they need to get started with their degree or pick up where they left off if they started a bachelor's degree years ago. Information about how to apply, order transcripts or what on-campus or community resources are available for students gives them confidence that degree completion is something they can achieve."

Having more individuals with bachelor's degrees in the state would help strengthen the Kansas workforce, said Ron Jackson, bachelor's degree completion program coordinator at the university's Division of Continuing Education, who teamed up with Maseberg-Tomlinson for the On Track campaign.

"Research has proven that an educated workforce is essential to increasing our economic viability in the ever-competitive global economy," Jackson said. "The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median earnings for adults with a bachelor's degree are significantly higher than those with an associate degree or less."

Maseberg-Tomlinson and Jackson are holding informational sessions in the Manhattan community to outline how individuals can get back on track to complete their degree, answering questions about financial aid and tuition assistance, degree and class options, the application process and more.

Upcoming sessions will be 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. April 9 and 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. April 10 at the Manhattan Public Library, and 6:15 to 7 p.m. May 20 in the K-State Student Union's Flint Hills Room.

"We want everyone in our community to be able to finish their degree for future advancement and career success," Maseberg-Tomlinson said. "They can achieve their degree through K-State, and we'll do everything we can to help them get there."

View a complete listing of upcoming On Track informational sessions and learn more about getting back on track to a bachelor's degree at http://www.dce.k-state.edu/ontrack/.