Kentucky Launches Innovative Credit for Prior Learning Initiative
The Kentucky Student Success Collaborative (KYSSC) has launched an innovative initiative to award academic credit for work, military, or life experiences. This move aims to boost college enrollment, retention, and completion among post-traditional learners, as supported by research from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning.
The initiative, known as Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), uses a continuous improvement model guided by national experts Dr. Matt Bergman and Dr. Dallas Kratzer. Students can earn credit through examinations, military training, professional certifications, or a portfolio of relevant work assessed by faculty.
Six institutions are participating in the first cycle of this project: Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Eastern Kentucky University, Gateway Community and Technical College, Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Northern Kentucky University, and Somerset Community College. The initiative seeks to refine and expand CPL opportunities, making these institutions more accessible and affordable.
The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education has set a goal to increase the percentage of working-age Kentuckians with a postsecondary credential to 60% by 2030. CPL is one of several strategies in the adult learner action plan, demonstrating the state's commitment to improving educational attainment through innovative approaches like this initiative.
