---
title: Member Matters February 2026
description: A monthly lookback at some of the good work the CAEL membership community has done in the world of adult learning.
---

[CAEL Pathways Blog ](https://www.cael.org/resouces/pathways-blog)

# [Member Matters February 2026](https://www.cael.org/resouces/pathways-blog/member-matters-february-2026)

 Written by [Carlo Bertolini](https://www.cael.org/resouces/pathways-blog/author/carlo-bertolini) | Feb 27, 2026

A Monthly Lookback at Some of the Good Work in the CAEL Membership Community

#### Extended Pathways

FoundationCCC, the official nonprofit partner to the **California Community Colleges, **provided an update on the Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education (CBE) Project. The multi-year, systemwide effort involves several pilot colleges and focuses on scaling direct-assessment CBE to “modernize and expand equitable pathways to degree completion across California’s community colleges” ([FoundationCCC](https://foundationccc.org/leading-statewide-innovation/))

**South Louisiana Community College **and **Loyola University New Orleans** have completed a 2+2 articulation agreement. The pact ensures a seamless transition for SoLAcc students transferring to complete a bachelor of applied science at Loyola, where they enjoy a 50% discount on their first Loyola course, online adult learning ([SoLAcc](https://www.solacc.edu/about-us/news/1821431/loyolatransfer)).

CPL opportunities** **at** Athens State University** are on the rise thanks to an agreement between Athens State University and several community colleges in North Alabama ([WAFF](https://www.waff.com/2026/01/12/athens-state-students-are-converting-work-experience-into-credit/)).

**The Community College of Vermont **marked 50 years of offering a prior learning assessment program, which, on average, is saving students more than $8,000 in tuition an 1,000 classroom hours ([CCV](https://www.mynbc5.com/article/program-experience-college-credit/70177047)).

#### Proactive Partnerships

GTI Energy **and McNeese State University** are collaborating to create a post-baccalaureate certificate in LNG engineering to help incumbent, new, and future workers in the sector qualify to meeting rising workforce demand in Southwest Louisiana and along the U.S. Gulf Coast ([McNeese State University](https://www.mcneese.edu/news/mcneese-and-gti-energy-partner-to-offer-lng-post-baccalaureate-certificate/)).

**James Madison University **has launched "Bridge2AI," a program aimed at bringing AI opportunities to adult learners in underserved and rural communities Bridge2I features mentorships and real-world experience ([JMU](https://www.jmu.edu/coe/jcare/bridge2ai/index.shtml)).

**Indiana State University **and** myFootpath** are partnering to help Comebackers return to complete a credential. The collaboration will draw upon myFootpath’s student data analysis and individualized coaching, supporting the university’s “[commitment] to expanding access and opportunity for adult and returning learners” ([myFootpath](https://www.prweb.com/releases/myfootpath-partners-with-indiana-state-university-to-reengage-and-support-students-302664107.html)).

Workforce development leaders, educators, and industry partners gathered at **Luzerne County Community College** for a workshop the college hosted with Amazon Web Services to support Northeastern Pennsylvania residents in advancing along career pathways in cloud computing and AI ([WOLF](https://fox56.com/news/local/lccc-hosts-aws-workshop-focused-on-building-nepas-tech-workforce)).

Rocket Community Fund is supporting the Detroit Regional Chamber with a $1 million grant. The funding, awarded to the Chamber’s TalentEd initiative, is designed to remove "life barriers"—including food, housing, and transportation insecurity—hindering adult learners in completing credentials ([Detroit Regional Chamber](https://www.detroitchamber.com/rocket-community-fund-announces-1m-grant-with-detroit-regional-chamber-to-help-college-students-overcome-barriers-to-completing/)).

**Lincoln Land Community College **is partnering with financial services organizations to offer a community-centered digital literacy series through its Academy of Lifelong Learning ([Lincoln Land Community College](https://www.llcc.edu/news/llcc-offering-free-three-part-series-cryptocurrency)).

#### In Their Own Words

In a recently published white paper, **University of Phoenix **shared research results indicating that 92% of HR managers view credential programs that accept CPL are just as credible as traditional ones ([University of Phoenix](https://www.phoenix.edu/press-release/credit-for-prior-learning-white-paper.html)).

[View full post](https://www.cael.org/resouces/pathways-blog/member-matters-february-2026)

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