Work-Based Learning Initiative

About the Initiative

The WBL initiative is a three-year pilot funded by the Strada Education Foundation and guided by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Foundation with a focus on preparing students for the workforce. Commonwealth University is one of five PASSHE universities leading this initiative, alongside Cheney, East Stroudsburg, Shippensburg and Slippery Rock.

The work out of Commonwealth University is a three-prong approach across:

• Academics
• Workforce Development
• Career and Professional Development

Commonwealth University has been working with CAEL to identify the skills and competency alignments between industry recognized credentials and academic course(s). The identification of 40+ direct industry recognized credential alignments across multiple disciplines including:

• Healthcare
• Business
• Human Services
• Social Work
• Engineering
• NACE/Career Readiness
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Teamwork
  • Technology
  • Career & Self-Development

Every campus has a career center, but at Commonwealth University, we leverage key stakeholders as part of a unique career community that provides students with opportunities for alumni and employer connections, career experiences, and financial support for professional development opportunities.

• Career Intensive Boot Camp
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Employer Engagement
• Career Experiences
• Professional Development Opportunities

Benefits

• Integration of WBL into every phase of a student's academic career improves their practical abilities and prepares for obstacles they may face in their careers
• Student Employment and paid experiences improve their economic mobility and build their resumes simultaneously
• Ensure that workforce demands are met by education
• Early career preparation through CU Professional Boot Camp develops professional skills and awareness of workplace standards

Outcomes of this Work

• Adult learners with the identified credentials can explore receiving credit for prior learning
• Value add to those students that need to step in and out of education (earning credits and credentials)
• Build resume and portfolios for all students

What's Next?

Promoting where micro credentials and workforce skills exist in order to provide a badge for the credential and/or skillset

• Badging will be managed out of Workforce Development
• Work with Academic Affairs, Registrar, Marketing and Communications to promote information and explore a way for students to capture and track their accomplishments on a type of learning experience record or tag

This project establishes Commonwealth University as an "anchor university" in work-based learning, supporting both students and employers in the region and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.