When Training Hours Turn Into College Credit:
Advancing Equity with Credit for Prior Learning
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Consider this common scenario: A youth worker completes state-mandated training, a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) certification, and over 400 hours working directly with youth. But when they apply to college, none of this required learning counts. This highlights a systemic disconnect: while youth work develops essential skills, higher education controls the credentials, and the two systems are not (yet) connected.
The result is an unnecessary barrier to advancement, requiring workers to spend additional time and money earning credentials that may overlap significantly with knowledge they have already gained through training and experience. This paper examines the role of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) in advancing equity, strengthening career pathways, and supporting greater economic mobility for youth workers. Published Aug 20, 2025 |
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