The economic downturn has inspired many working adults to consider a career change. While some of these individuals are choosing to leave because their current fields are suffering, others are seeking a more fulfilling trade.

Whatever their reasons for looking for a new job, these individuals have many options to gain the educational qualifications they will need to launch their careers. In fact, many campus-based and online schools are increasing their efforts to ease the learning process for these individuals.

For instance, a group of 10 two-year degree providers from West Virginia recently submitted a request for additional funding to the state's lawmakers, CBS affiliate Channel 59 reports.

Representatives told the legislators that they could use a $6 million grant to maintain need-based financial aid programs - many of which are awarded to nontraditional degree seekers. Furthermore, officials from the schools asked for $4 million to launch new technical degree programs in fast-growing fields, such as homeland security, medical assistance, nursing, baking and pastry arts, wind technology and accounting.

During the 2007-2008 school year, approximately 47 percent of all undergraduate degree candidates received tuition assistance from the government, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.