S3E6: Turn Real-World Experience Into College Credit

The episode introduces the concept of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) at California's Community Colleges, where real-life experiences from jobs, internships, military service, and training programs can be translated into college credit. This program benefits non-traditional students by building on existing skills, saving time and money, and avoiding the need to start from scratch.

Dr. Stephanie K. Lewis, Dean at San Bernardino Valley College, explains CPL in detail. She emphasizes that learning outside traditional settings, such as military service or professional work (e.g., water treatment, emergency medical work), can be converted into college credit. She highlights the equitable nature of CPL, validating the experiences of adult learners and veterans, and providing a standardized system for recognizing prior learning across community colleges.

Dr. Lewis clarifies that CPL is also applicable to younger students with non-traditional experiences like 4-H or ROP programs (e.g., becoming a CNA). She discusses the broader impact of CPL, noting that it empowers students by validating their experiences and worth, fostering persistence, and helping them achieve their goals. She also points out that California's CPL program serves as a model for other states.

Matthew McKenzie, a Navy veteran and student at San Bernardino Valley College, shares his personal experience with CPL. He used his extensive IT experience from military service to earn college credit, accelerating his path toward a bachelor's degree in Information Systems Management. Matthew highlights how CPL saved him time and money, boosted his confidence, and encouraged him to pursue his educational and career goals more quickly.

Matthew advises other veterans and military members to 'speak up and ask for help' by contacting a CPL counselor. He stresses the importance of using available benefits and not wasting time. Dr. Lewis reinforces that it's 'never too late' to upskill, educate, and elevate oneself, encouraging individuals to believe in their worth and the value of their experiences.

The hosts conclude by emphasizing that CPL is about recognition and acknowledging that all knowledge has value, regardless of how it was earned. They encourage listeners to visit ican2college.com to learn more about CPL and other programs offered by California Community Colleges that remove barriers and open doors for students.