Member Matters November 2025

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

Education benefits and the benefits of education

American College of Education has released a white paper on capturing the ROI of higher education. While seeking to broaden the ROI lens to account for outcomes other than earnings, the publication includes a finding that ACE students enjoy a $19.20 return, in the form of future earnings, for every dollar they pay to ACE (American College of Education).

A partnership between Bowling Green State University and Universal Orlando Resort allows workers to benefit from a tuition benefit program while receiving co-op credit for their current jobs (BGSU).

Davenport University and Amway have established an agreement that provides scholarships to Amway employees and their family members as well as discounts on certificates and certifications (Davenport University).

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, offers its own employees digital badges through Credly. UNLV has granted more than 700 of the badges, offered free of charge in eligible programs, since launching the Talent Badge program in 2023 (UNLV).

Hands-on Learning

This year, Mercy University has made experiential learning mandatory for students while offering them ample opportunities to meet the requirement, including internships, clinical rotations, volunteer work, student teaching, co-ops, and more, for which they can earn up to nine credits. The opportunities complement one-on-one coaching and career navigation support through lessons and employer introductions (Westchester Magazine).

Employers and other workforce development partners gathered at OneSpartanburg to celebrate the collaborators' commitment to hosting more than 600 work-based learning opportunities next summer (The Woodruff Times).

Echoing CAEL's research showing that CPL is underutilized, a new University of Phoenix survey conducted by The Harris Poll finds that 45% of employed Americans do not believe work experience can count toward a degree. That proportion jumps to 57% among workers who do not have a college degree. The university recommends that institutions "establish a credit mobility culture that sets policies, processes, and support in place for working adult learners to consider the value and potential of their earned college credit and lived experience" (University of Phoenix).

Lorain County Community College has combined several studies into a new multicraft industrial maintenance program that includes a stackable pair of certificates, an associate degree, and hands-on learning experiences in high-demand occupations (cleveland.com).

SUNY Oneonta's Extended and Community Learning Center recently marked the completion of its manufacturing bootcamp microcredential. The accelerated program covers 100 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of hands-on learning at local manufacturing facilities, two days of interview and resume writing practice, and prepares students for employment and registered apprenticeship opportunities (SUNY Oneonta).

Eight Eastern Kentucky high schools are partnering with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to help students navigate career pathways in behavioral health. The pilot program will offer dual credit, CTE programs, and stackable credentials that support both employment and additional education (Kentucky Today).

Awards and Other Achievements 

Howard Community College has been honored with the FamilyU Seal, presented by Generation Hope to higher education institutions "actively investing in student-parent success" (Howard Community College).

Oakland University has received a "gold rating for veteran-friendliness" from  the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. The gold designation requires satisfying at least six of seven criteria; for the ninth consecutive year, the university met all seven (OU).

A longtime dental assistant who is pursuing her degree in dental hygiene at Luzerne County Community College has received the Dr. Paul Sable Scholarship from Alpha Sigma Lambda, "the premier national honor society for adult learners" (LCCC).

The vice provost of colleges, assessment, and curriculum at University of Phoenix has been appointed one of three co-chairs of the UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation (University of Phoenix).