Turning the page: ASU’s Earned Admission program paves the way for second chances

Students across the nation celebrate significant milestones – college decision day and commencement – each semester.

But not everyone gets to make a decision. Sometimes a decision has already been made for them. Historically exclusive college admissions processes have meant college is not an option for all. Not everyone can envision themselves walking across a stage on graduation day. 

That’s why in 2021, Arizona State University launched its Earned Admission program. Since then, more than 5,000 individuals have earned their way into a four-year degree program at ASU. In fact, the ASU Spring 2024 commencement saw a 75% increase in EA graduates.

Through the Universal Learner Courses, learners take first-year college courses online from ASU’s leading faculty to earn credits – and admission into college. Learners earn those credits for a fraction of the cost and pay only if they pass.

Each learner has a story to tell – a reason why they believed higher education was out of reach for them, and a reason why their dreams are now closer than ever.

Meet Alexander

Second chances can be hard to come by. Kids who grow up in tumultuous environments can make mistakes that incite long-term consequences, but some individuals refuse to be defined by their past.

For Alexander, a student pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy through ASU Online, rewriting his future has taken resilience, opportunity and access.

Alexander’s journey was far from easy. As a teenager, he got involved in illegal activities and ended up incarcerated. With determination and hard work, Alexander earned his GED and was able to turn his life around. 

In prison, Alexander discovered books, igniting a passion for learning. Over time, that spark grew into a desire to attend college as a philosophy major and eventually become a lawyer. 

“While incarcerated, I dreamed of having a chance to go to college, so I explored pathways to get into school,” he said. “My goal was to practice self-determination. Now, I’m living my dream. I’m going to college, and my goal of going to law school is a reality. It’s all possible because of ASU.”

Once he was released from prison, Alexander found it difficult to adjust to a new life as a formerly incarcerated person. But ASU’s Earned Admission program offered a path forward. 

“When I first came across the program,” he says, “I jumped at the opportunity because I know how hard opportunities are to come by. It’s very rare for someone to be given a chance at success or a chance at a future, let alone a second chance. And ASU offers a chance to people who have never had one.”

Coming out of incarceration, Alexander found learning basic computer skills daunting. However, the program’s self-paced learning approach proved to be a game-changer, and he was able to master computer skills while keeping up with classwork. A clear pathway with outlined goals and expectations made it easy for Alexander to stay on track. His hard work paid off, and he completed the EA program with straight A’s, newfound skills and confidence. 

The Earned Admission program illustrates the mission of ASU’s Learning Enterprise — the pillar of ASU that advances universal access to learning at every stage of life. 

“At ASU and in our charter, we measure ourselves not by who we exclude, but by who we include and how they succeed,” says Maria Anguiano, executive vice president of Learning Enterprise. “Alexander’s story shows how Earned Admission provides a flexible on-ramp to higher education.”

Finding a new purpose and passion

Transitioning into college-level work via the Earned Admission program ultimately became a life-changing experience for Alexander.

Taking the first steps into college was challenging as it involved exploring something he had never done before, but with the support and advice of enthusiastic professors, he excelled. He deeply appreciated their guidance and ultimately felt well-prepared to succeed. 

According to Alexander, education helps you invest in yourself and become a more well-rounded person. It cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills that, combined with life skills, help you succeed in both personal and professional pursuits. 

“Education inspires hope,” he says, “and a sense of purpose, allowing us to realize that anything is possible and inspiring us to push a little harder.”

Alexander has completed two years at ASU through ASU Online. When he graduates, he plans to go to law school and hopes to someday clerk for a judge and work in a public defender’s office. The ability to pursue his bachelor’s degree through flexible online courses taught by ASU’s world-class faculty has helped ease the transition from EA to undergraduate experience. Success coaches and comprehensive support are available to him 24/7.

“Through our online programs, we aim to offer students like Alexander access to the education they might not otherwise have available,” said Casey Evans, chief operating officer for EdPlus at ASU. “With the student at the center of everything we do, ASU Online was strategically designed to provide students high-caliber educational experiences through the digital immersion modality, allowing more students the opportunity to achieve degree completion, regardless of their geographic location or life circumstances.”

Eventually, Alexander wants to go into private practice to help kids who are left behind, a common thread he noticed in incarcerated individuals like himself. He dreams of finding those kids, advocating for them, giving them a voice and helping the disenfranchised. The specific degree, philosophy (morality, politics and law),” is getting him one big step closer to fulfilling his aspirations.

“The Earned Admission pathway creates hope,” says Alexander. “ASU does not tell people ‘You can’t’ but instead tells them ‘You can!’”

Article originally published on ASU News.