College, Tech Link for Credits Can Save Money, Puts Prior Learning in Forefront

COURT HOUSE – Excitement about education and saving money sparked the talk between Dr. Nancy Hudanich and Dr. Otto Hernandez March 16 about a recently-signed agreement to benefit students at Cape May County Technical School District.
Hudanich is superintendent of the Technical School District; Hernandez is vice president of Academic Affairs at Atlantic Cape Community College.
A Prior Learning Assessment Articulation Agreement between both institutions is effective July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017, and eligible for renewal. It will award up to 25 college credits to eligible students on completion of their career technical education in both the high school and post-secondary programs at the Technical School.
Students interested in receiving these credits must complete the college’s Application for Prior Learning Assessment and continue their education at Atlantic Cape.
$3,000 Saving Possible
That could save $3,000 (25 credits at $120 each) for a student. It would also mean starting the two-year college with 39 percent of the required 64 credits, on average, toward an associate’s degree.
Reported in the March 16 Herald, the accord between Atlantic Cape and the Technical School district took a great deal of work on parts of both entities. Hudanich noted the Cape Issues group, which meets regularly at the Herald office, had sought to keep the subject in the forefront of local education.
Hernandez said Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) is granted not only for college work, but, in Cape May Tech’s case, students will earn credit for earning certificates in one of 25 programs. Such PLA may be credited for on-the-job training, industrial courses or for military skills.
Part of the reasoning behind the move, Hernandez said, “We are looking for ways to have talented people stay here. This is also a way to incentivize utilization of Atlantic Cape as their first choice for higher education.”
“It gives the student a feeling of success,” said Hudanich.
Asked if the pact would last longer than one year Hernandez replied, “We are just getting started.”
“It works, the incentive is fabulous,” said Hudanich.
Grant Aids Program
Hernandez cited the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant Program, signed into law in 2009, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. He said Atlantic Cape was the lead agency in developing that PLA program locally.
That grant provides funds to expand and improve a college’s ability to deliver education and career training programs that can be completed in two years or less, are suited for workers who are eligible for training under the TAA for Workers program, and prepare program participants for employment in high-wage, high-skill occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
“Prior learning assessment is a big deal. We want to be renowned for it. We will set the standard so that more will come for the prior learning assessment (credit),” Hernandez said.
Tailored for Each Student
Each program is individualized, tailored expressly for the student, said Hudanich.
The program was years in preparation on the Technical School’s part. The 25 eligible courses are in 16 “clusters” Hudanich explained as she pointed to them on a board.
Eligible Programs
Programs eligible for college credit under the agreement: Advertising, Design and Commercial Art; Agri-science and Horticulture; Allied Medical; Automotive Mechanics; Business Services; Commercial Food Production; Communication Arts; Computer and Information Technology; Cosmetology, Cosmetology-Post Secondary; Culinary Arts; Dental Assisting; Diesel Mechanics and Small Engine; Early Childhood Development; Entertainment Production; HVAC and Sustainable Energies; Law Enforcement and Public Safety; Natural Science; Pastry and Baking; Practical Nursing; Pre-Engineering; Registered Apprenticeship; Travel and Tourism; Welding; Welding-Post Secondary.
Hudanich said, “The majority of (Technical School’s) graduates select Atlantic Cape.”
That is largely driven by financial considerations, she said.
“It makes no sense to spend $50,000 on your first two years of college when they can come here,” she said.
Prior Learning Assessment
Available to prospective students, Prior Learning Assessment allows students the opportunity to seek credit for life and professional experience and previously earned credentials. 
Students who can demonstrate college-level knowledge and competencies from experiences outside of a traditional post-secondary education may be awarded up to 25 college credits toward a Technical Studies, Associate in Applied Science degree. 
These competencies can include military training, employer training programs, union apprenticeships, professional certifications and licensures, independent study, or volunteer/community service. 
A separate application is required for admission to this program.
Hernandez cited some first-year graduates who had benefited from the Prior Learning Assessment program, “Wrote and told us how grateful they were.”