---
title: "The Alternative Credential Journey: New Research on Learners’ Lived Experiences & Institutional Impact"
description: "The Alternative Credential Journey: New Research on Learners’ Lived Experiences & Institutional Impact"
---

[CAEL Webinars ](https://www.cael.org/webinars)

# [The Alternative Credential Journey: New Research on Learners’ Lived Experiences & Institutional Impact](https://www.cael.org/webinars/the-alternative-credential)

 Written by [CAEL](https://www.cael.org/webinars/author/cael) | Jul 19, 2024

 

Resources from the Webinar:

- Today's Disengaged Learner is Tomorrow's Adult Learner (2021): [https://partnerships.straighterline.com/content_upcea-whitepaper-1](https://partnerships.straighterline.com/content_upcea-whitepaper-1) 
- Disengaged Learners & Return Paths to Higher Education (2023): [https://info.straighterline.com/disengaged-learners-research](https://info.straighterline.com/disengaged-learners-research)

 

New empirical research conducted by StraighterLine and UPCEA investigates Some College, No Credential learners’ interest in pursuing degree completion programs, and the impact alternative credentials have on that interest. The study dives into learners’ original reasons for choosing postsecondary education, their career stagnation and current goals for expanding workforce skills, and how alternative credentials and credit for prior learning can attract learners. The findings can inform institutional leaders in terms of their decision-making for alternative credential programs, trends among non-credit seeking adult learners, and the stackability of credit and non-credit offerings.

Presenters:

Dr. Amy Smith, Chief Learning Officer, StraighterLine

Amy is an academic innovator devoted to increasing access to higher education for all learners. Her career spans many of the biggest institutions in the world of online higher education. She’s held senior leadership positions at University of Phoenix, Capella University, and Colorado State University (CSU) Online, which is ranked #11 in undergraduate education by U.S. News and World Report.

 

 

[View full post](https://www.cael.org/webinars/the-alternative-credential)

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