Our goals include: Expanding access to and success in post-secondary education for adults who are not academically ready for post-secondary education Providing online college preparatory materials to ABE programs and community/technical colleges Developing a cadre of ABE and college instructors, trained and experienced in delivering instruction with Academy courses in hybrid and remote learning environments Developing and demonstrating effective strategies for integrating these methods and materials into ABE programs Developing a model college transition program combining Mindquest Academy online courses and classroom instruction housed within community/technical colleges and connected to student support services Building helpful linkages and collaborations among ABE programs, community/technical colleges, and Mindquest Academy that expand post-secondary learning opportunities for at-risk adults

A short history

In 2001 we received a three-year grant from the Bush Foundation in St. Paul to develop a set of online college prep courses for adults who want to go to college but aren’t academically ready to do so. We enlisted the support of ten developmental faculty members from seven community/technical colleges: Minneapolis Community and Technical College, North Hennepin Community College, Normandale Community College, St. Cloud Technical College, Central Lakes College, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College, and Rainy River Community College. These instructors advised us on curriculum development and were the first to try out very early course materials. During this grant period, the Mindquest Academy was part of the Bloomington School District's Adult Basic Education program.

In the fall of 2004, the Minnesota Department of Education/ABE Department took ownership of Mindquest Academy and we affiliated with the Minnesota Literacy Council. We are currently administered through Hamline University with funding from state Adult Basic Education and Perkins funds from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU). From 2004 through 2007, we piloted the courses with teachers from 15 ABE programs, facilitated a teacher training program, revised and improved courses, and developed the College Prep program within North Hennepin Community College and South Central College.

Mindquest Academy courses

Mindquest Academy courses are highly interactive, involving teachers and learners in a text-rich environment. Courses emphasize strengthening critical thinking skills, writing skills, and reading comprehension. They are written at reading levels ranging from eighth to twelfth grade. All courses consist of five modules; these modules may be used separately and/or in combinations to fit individual student needs. Students can complete a course in approximately 30 to 55 hours, depending upon the type of course, student skill level and motivation.

Assignments draw on students' prior experience and knowledge and their interpretation of the text. They ask students to write short answers, paragraphs, and short themes to questions that encourage interpretation, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Assignments also draw on Internet resources to enrich learners' knowledge. Teaching is carried out through e-mail using a communications platform. Teachers use an iterative process to help students improve their work on assignments and develop their skills and knowledge.

Prospective students

Target populations include three main groups: students completing their studies in Adult Basic Education programs, students enrolled in developmental courses in community and technical colleges, and adults not yet enrolled in any educational program but seeking a college education. These target populations comprise adults and young adults who lack the requisite skills, knowledge, and/or self-confidence to enter and succeed in college.