This is a news story about my mom. . .

This is a news story about a program my mom started at the University of Utah.

Thinking about returning to college? Well, you are not alone.

The current economy has forced a number of people to head back to the classroom for a career change.

In fact, it appears the demographic may be shifting just it bit. College isn’t just for the 20-year-old frat boys anymore. Many adults are hanging up their professional hats in search of that elusive graduation cap and gown.

Sandy McLelland stopped going to the University of Utah after just one year of classes. After she got married and had a family, she decided to go back and get her degree. “Someone helped me come back and I thought now since I’ve come back and got my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. Now I have a lot to offer as professional experience.”

Now, Sandy is a college advisor at the University of Utah. Two-years ago she started a program called “Returning to the U,” to try and inspire others, like her, to go after that college degree. “What they’re finding out is they’re starting to compete with t hose individuals who have a degree so many students are coming back saying ‘I don’t care what it’s in, I just need a Bachelor’s degree because the competition is a little stiffer out there.”

McLelland says the program is successful. In two years she has worked with nearly 400 students who are on their way to being university graduates.

She is also working with those who had not option, but to return to school. Many of those lost their jobs and are now looking for professions that have some stability such as nursing and engineering.