National University launches ‘Nest’ co-learning center to support working, military, and nontraditional students
The National University System seal Courtesy of National University National University a nonprofit veteran-founded institution serving more than nontraditional working and military students annually along with through workforce and professional training has disclosed the launch of a new co-learning center designed to endorsement students balancing tuition work and family responsibilities The Nest a nod to Navi NU s peregrine falcon mascot opens May at the university s main campus in San Diego A second Nest will launch later this year in Escondido The typical learner nowadays is an ANDer a learner who is balancing development and work teaching and parenting mentoring and deployment teaching and caring for aging parents stated Dr Mark D Milliron president and CEO of NU This is about flipping the script for the hardworking students that we serve giving online and hybrid students the materials they need to not just persist but thrive and providing ongoing promotion as they chart pathways to career and economic mobility In the modern day nearly of U S undergraduates are over and a multitude of are juggling key family and work obligations About work part-time or full-time while enrolled and nearly one in four are parents At NU the average learner age is About of NU students take all of their classes online and take at least certain courses virtually often combined with on-site clinical training Modeled after a co-working space the Nest is designed to meet the specific requirements of these adult learners Students will have access to academic career and family help in a flexible atmosphere where they can inquiry connect and receive guidance blending the convenience of remote learning with the backing of an in-person area The space includes participant success and writing coaches collaborative inquiry areas access to career advancement workshops mentorship programs and the newly enhanced Veterans Military Locality Center Students can also borrow laptops use shared workspaces high-speed Wi-Fi and access printing services Through partnerships with the Toby Wells YMCA and the Escondido YMCA A Campus for Well-Being the Nest will also offer affordable or free childcare removing a major barrier for trainee parents Additionally the new Harmony Family Clubhouse will provide advocacy and programs for NU parents including workshops enrichment engagements mental physical condition tools and family-friendly events The newly redesigned Veterans Military Area Center will serve as a dedicated hub for military-connected learners offering tailored sponsorship career services wellness materials and community-building It is partially funded by a U S Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Venture VSTAGP with an in-kind match of One of only awarded nationally the grant supports veterans spouses and family members as they transition into civilian careers especially in high-demand fields like cybersecurity IT and teaching NU will host launch events at both Nest locations in the coming months featuring tours workshops and opportunities for students and population members to engage Plans are also underway to expand the Nest model through partnerships with region colleges and organizations in states where large numbers of NU students reside NU s Whole Human Schooling model delivers flexible four- eight- and twelve-week courses in online hybrid and on-site formats designed to meet the evolving necessities of military students working adults and learners at every stage of life For more information about Nest co-learning centers and upcoming launch events visit NU edu
