National University opens new hub with career, military and child care services

The big picture: Many colleges nationwide are trying to meet the growing demand for online and hybrid education while also serving more adult learners.

• But students are still looking for in-person support, including better career services.

Driving the news: The Nest's first location opens May 9 at National University's main campus in Kearny Mesa.

• It will provide academic services like writing coaches, collaborative study and work spaces, career development workshops and mentorship programs.
• Students will also have access to affordable or free child care through the YMCA, plus parenting events and resources at the new Sanford Harmony Family Clubhouse on site.

Zoom in: The newly-redesigned Veterans and Military Community Center will offer services partially funded by a federal grant program that helps military-connected individuals transition into civilian careers, particularly in cybersecurity, IT and K-12 education.

What they're saying: "The typical student today is an ANDer: a learner that is balancing education and work, education and parenting, education and deployment, education and caring for aging parents," NU president and CEO Mark Milliron said in a statement.

By the numbers: The nonprofit university serves 50,000 degree-seeking students, plus 80,000 students through workforce and professional programs annually.

• The average age of NU students is 37 years old.
• 80% of students take all of their classes online, and 93% take at least some courses virtually with clinical or hands-on training.

What's next: The university plans to open a second Nest location at the newly renovated YMCA Escondido campus later this year, and expand to other communities or states with large concentrations of NU students.