Although there is no one-size-fits-all way to engage baby boomers, community colleges are developing new strategies to help older students find careers in education, health care, and social services.

A new report, “Pathways to Encore Careers,” describes what 10 community colleges are doing to prepare older students for encore careers. Among other findings, the report says community colleges should:

Meet demands for flexible schedules and provide opportunities for networking. Study the specific needs of over-50 students and prepare to shift strategies quickly. Streamline application processes and remove unnecessary academic requirements. Present “real-life examples” of students who have succeeded. Create partnerships with local employers. Connect students with mentors their own age. Each of the 10 colleges received seed grants from the MetLife Foundation and Civic Ventures to study innovative programs and services for older students.

“As you might expect …,” writes Judy Goggin, a vice president at Civic Ventures, “all the colleges report that boomers want continuing education on their terms.” —Eric Hoover