What students already know may help them get closer to where they want to go.
Nash Community College is joining community colleges across North Carolina in celebrating the inaugural Credit for Prior Learning Awareness Week, Sept. 21-25, highlighting opportunities for students to potentially earn college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside the traditional classroom.
Credit for Prior Learning, commonly referred to as CPL, recognizes that learning can happen in many places. For some students, professional experience, military training, industry credentials, examinations or other documented learning may demonstrate college-level knowledge that aligns with academic coursework.
For adult learners returning to college after years in the workforce, veterans transitioning from military service and other students bringing significant experience into the classroom, CPL can provide an opportunity to build upon what they already know rather than starting over.
“Students come to NCC from many different backgrounds and at many different stages of life, and they often bring valuable knowledge and experience with them,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “Credit for Prior Learning recognizes that education does not happen exclusively inside a classroom. When appropriate, we want to acknowledge what students have already learned and help them build upon that foundation as they work toward their next credential, career or educational goal.”
NCC considers curriculum credit for nontraditional and prior learning when appropriate documentation is provided and the learning is applicable to a student’s educational program.
“Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) recognizes college-level knowledge and skills students have gained through prior education, work experience, military training, industry credentials, testing, or other documented learning,” said June Kearny, associate vice president of Instruction at NCC. “Eligible prior learning may be evaluated for college credit toward a student’s credential at Nash Community College. The CPL process and requirements can be found in the College’s Credit for Prior Learning Handbook.”
The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) launched Credit for Prior Learning Awareness Week as a statewide celebration of the knowledge, skills and experiences students bring with them to college. Institutions across North Carolina’s higher education sectors are participating in the initiative.
Throughout the week, the system will also host virtual events and training opportunities focused on CPL, including introductory information, military learning, discipline-specific applications, adult learner success and implementation practices.
The observance complements NCC’s broader efforts to increase access and remove barriers for adult learners. Recognizing applicable prior learning can help eligible students make progress toward a credential while acknowledging the value of experiences they bring with them to college.
Students interested in learning whether previous education, training or experience may qualify for college credit are encouraged to speak with an academic adviser or the appropriate academic department about available options and eligibility requirements.
For information about statewide Credit for Prior Learning Awareness Week events and resources, visit the NCCCS’ Credit for Prior Learning Awareness Week webpage.
