For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: September 2, 2020
Life experiences could result in college credits
Fennimore -Those work experiences and weekend volunteer missions could turn into valuable college credits. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) gives students opportunities to earn college credits for college-level knowledge they have already acquired. That knowledge can come in the form of military training and experience, work or volunteer experience, apprenticeships, professional development, transfer credits, national certification/licensure, AP tests, and more. Students have the ability to produce portfolios documenting their past learning experiences or taking challenge exams to prove their competency level as they relate to a Southwest Tech course.
“What we’re looking for are the competencies for the course,” said Louise Bradley, CPL/Testing specialist, at Southwest Tech. “Depending on the course, that is going to determine which option we use for the assessment.”
Louise Bradley
Earning CPL saves students time and money throughout his or her college experience and gives each student a head start on their educational journey. There are costs for the challenge exams and portfolios, however, if approved, the student will see the advantages.
Students who earn CPL are found to perform better academically as well. According to Bradley, students who earn CPL are twice as likely to complete their associate’s degree.
“It’s a great opportunity, especially for adults who are returning to college to look at their work life, their volunteer life and the things that they’ve done that can really relate to whatever program they want to go into,” said Bradley. “I don’t think people realize that the skills they have could relate to credit and help them get their degree.”
CPL has been available since 2014 and students have taken advantage of the opportunity. Between 400-500 CPL credits were approved each of the last two academic years.
Students are encouraged to speak with their advisor or with Bradley about their options for CPL. Anyone with questions can email cpl@swtc.edu. More information can be found at www.swtc.edu/cpl.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |