Credit for Prior Learning expanding its benefits to City College, community colleges state-wide – City Times

Spencer Sheridan Lewis, a former Coast Guard officer, returned to school to earn a degree in something she was passionate about – film. 

When she enrolled at San Diego City College, she submitted proof of her military experience as part of the Credit for Prior Learning program.

Lewis was able to translate her service into college credits, accelerating her path toward earning her degree. 

“It helped me get one step closer to getting my undergrad,” she said.

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The Credit for Prior Learning program, which accelerates the academic journey of working adults and veterans, is expanding its benefits to 250,000 students across all 116 community colleges in California, including San Diego City College.

The CPL program helps shorten the path to a degree by offering college credits through exams, industry certificates, Joint Service Transcripts like Lewis’ or portfolio submissions for those who have gained prior knowledge and skills through out-of-school experience at no cost, according to CPL’s Fact Check Sheet.

“My goal for the past year and a half is that I’ve been going around increasing awareness on CPL,” said Angela Merkens, City College’s CPL coordinator, at a recent College Council meeting. 

Merkens reported that the program is pushing to expand CPL through its Mapping Articulated Pathways initiative. 

MAP is used to increase access to the completion and transferability of the degree students are trying to obtain. 

According to MAP, 76 of the 116 community colleges throughout California currently use the MAP Initiative.

Using the MAP initiative, the CPL program has already served over 42,000 students and saved students $269 million statewide. 

“You’re losing money (by not) using your resources,” Lewis said.

According to Higher Learning Advocates, students saved between $1,500-10,200, increased the likelihood of completing a credential by 17%, and shortened the completion time for a bachelor’s degree by over six months.

“(Students in the CPL program) graduate faster,” Merkins said, at the council meeting. “They save money. They feel appreciated and they belong, and it goes right along with our mission.”

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office wants at least 250,000 students to have credit for prior learning by 2030, as part of its Vision 2030 plan.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed putting an additional $37 million into the CPL program.

The San Diego Community College District has been recognized as the district with the most enrolled CPL students among participating campuses statewide, according to MAP, City College has the most, with a little over 6,000.

To see the current list of courses approved by City, check out City College’s Credit for Prior Learning page.

Crow Ruiz contributed to this report.

This story was edited by Crow Ruiz and Nadia Lavin.