In an effort to bridge the educational attainment gap, Kentucky is focusing on expanding opportunities for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) among military-affiliated students. This initiative is particularly significant given that around 65 percent of the 1.2 million active-duty service members in the U.S. armed forces have not achieved education beyond an associate degree level. CPL programs allow students to earn academic credit for learning gained outside the traditional classroom, such as through military training and experience.
The Voices of Student Success by Inside Higher Ed sheds light on these endeavors, emphasizing the potential of CPL to accelerate degree completion and reduce educational costs for military students. By recognizing and crediting the skills and knowledge they have already acquired, CPL programs enable these individuals to progress more quickly towards their educational goals.
This strategy not only supports military service members but also helps educational institutions to diversify and enrich their student populations. With the majority of military personnel having some form of training or experience that is equivalent to college-level learning, the CPL initiative serves as a vital tool to acknowledge their contributions and facilitate their integration into civilian life and the workforce.
By expanding CPL opportunities, Kentucky aims to set a precedent for other states and institutions to follow. This approach not only values the unique experiences of military-affiliated students but also enhances their career prospects by making higher education more accessible and attainable.