Advancing Student Success Through the Saddleback College and United Domestic Workers (UDW) Partnership: A Comprehensive Workforce and Educational Pathway Model for Adult Learners
Submitted By: Chantelle Gil
South Orange County Regional Consortium(SOCRC)
Website: https://www.saddleback.edu/learning-saddleback/adult-education
Type of Practice: Learner Transition
Program Area(s): ABE / ASE, ESL / EL Civics / Citizenship, CTE / Workforce Prep / Pre-apprenticeship, Adults with Disabilities
Region: Orange County
Consortia Involved: South Orange County Regional Consortium (SOCRC)
The Program of Practice
Program Overview: The Saddleback College and United Domestic Workers (UDW) Career Pathways Demonstration Project is a partnership that expands access to education, workforce training, and career advancement opportunities for caregivers, home care workers, and other adult learners. The program serves many first-generation college students, English learners, low-income workers, and adults balancing employment and family responsibilities. Through coordinated outreach, education planning, case management, and financial support, participants are connected to pathways including Academic ESL, AESL for the Workplace, Community Health Worker, Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, and other healthcare programs. The program aligns with CAEP priorities related to equity, learner transition, workforce development, and economic mobility while addressing regional healthcare workforce needs.
Problem of Practice:
Many adult learners working as caregivers are interested in advancing their education and careers but face significant barriers to enrollment and completion. Common challenges include financial hardship, language barriers, limited knowledge of college systems, lack of transportation or technology, and competing work and family responsibilities. Discussions with UDW members and workforce partners revealed that many individuals wanted to pursue healthcare careers but lacked the support necessary to successfully enter and navigate college pathways. The need was clear: create a model that not only recruits students but also supports them from enrollment through completion and career advancement.
The Response
Saddleback College and UDW developed a comprehensive support model that combines education, workforce preparation, and wraparound services, and has become a leader apart of the statewide UDW Demonstration Project supporting Vision 2030 and adult learner success. UDW members receive individualized educational planning, career pathway guidance, and coordinated case management. Students participate in orientations and are connected to noncredit and workforce training opportunities that align with regional labor market needs. The UDW partnership helps remove barriers by providing support for tuition, books, technology, parking, and other educational expenses. Ongoing communication, coaching, and follow-up help students persist in their studies and successfully transition from adult education into workforce training, college programs, and employment opportunities.
The Unique Features of the Program
This partnership is unique because it combines the strengths of a labor organization, community-based support services, and a community college into a single student-centered model. Rather than acting only as a referral source, UDW serves as an active educational partner that supports students throughout their educational journey. The program focuses on healthcare career pathways while providing comprehensive wraparound support that addresses academic, financial, and personal barriers. The model is designed specifically for working adults and caregivers and can be replicated by other adult education programs throughout California.
The Saddleback College and UDW partnership is highly replicable because it leverages existing adult education programs, community partnerships, and student support services. The model can be adapted by other CAEP agencies through partnerships with labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce boards, and social service agencies. Key components such as coordinated outreach, case management, wraparound support, learner transition planning, and workforce-aligned pathways can be implemented in a variety of regions and settings. The model demonstrates how collaboration between education and community partners can increase access, persistence, completion, and career advancement for adult learners.
The Outcome
The partnership has demonstrated strong results and significant promise for long-term impact. In the first year of the partnership, more than 100 UDW members participated in orientations and outreach activities, resulting in approximately 90 students enrolling at Saddleback College -- the highest enrollment in the state at one college for the UDW Demonstration Project. Students have enrolled in academic ESL, AESL for the Workplace, Community Health Worker, CNA, Phlebotomy, and other workforce-focused programs. The program has successfully supported learner transitions from community-based workforce programs into college and career pathways. Students report that personalized guidance, financial assistance, and coordinated support services were critical to their success. The partnership has expanded educational access for low-income adults, English learners, first-generation college students, and working caregivers while creating pathways toward higher-wage healthcare careers.