Additional Funds Awarded to MHEC for Streamlining Pathways for Servicemembers in Obtaining a College Degree
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) October 13, 2015 -- The Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) was awarded a $200,000 grant from USA Funds for the Multi-State Collaborative on Military Credit (MCMC) initiative, a 13-state initiative to identify policies and practices to help military service members, veterans, and their families overcome barriers to access, participation, and completion of postsecondary credentials and entrance into the workforce. These additional funds will support veterans in increasing postsecondary degree completion, streamlining pathways for licensure and certification for healthcare professions, supporting services during key educational transitions, and creating networks for supporting communications, technologies, and data collection and analyses.
“One of the best ways we can show our thanks for the service that members of the military have provided us is to support them with a clear path to a rewarding career, recognizing the skills and competencies they gained while in the service,” said Carol D’Amico, USA Funds executive vice president, National Engagement and Philanthropy. “USA Funds is pleased to support this multi-state collaboration to help veterans complete the education and training they need to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.”
Over the next year, MHEC will work with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) to identify bridge programs and career pathways and to develop communication tools that can help the target population for the grant find and access academic programs that recognize and build upon their military education and experiences, particularly in the Allied Health fields. "CAEL is honored to be working with MCMC to ensure that the rich learning gained during military service is recognized for college credit and career credentials,” explained Amy Sherman, associate vice president of innovation and policy. She added, “The 13-state collaboration will open this opportunity to an unprecedented number of veterans."
A leadership team of representatives from MHEC’s 12-state region, the state of Kentucky, and national organizations working with military education will be involved in the year-long initiative. Project staff aims to create inventories of institutions, programs, and practices in each of the thirteen states. These inventories will help make the transition from military service to employment in a healthcare field smoother and more efficient. “Creating these inventories will not only provide servicemembers with a way to access such programs and services, it will also allow MCMC to showcase promising practices and identify barriers to such practices so that more and similar programs can be set in motion across the thirteen states,” said Larry Isaak, MHEC president.
“This grant will help maximize opportunities for Indiana’s student servicemembers and veterans,” said Teresa Lubbers, Indiana commissioner for Higher Education and a MHEC commissioner alternate. “A substantial portion of this funding will help bridge the gap for military medical personnel who are interested in continuing their healthcare careers in the private sector—which also helps fill a top workforce-sector need in Indiana and nationwide.”
The Midwestern Higher Education Compact is a nonprofit regional organization assisting Midwestern states in advancing higher education through interstate cooperation and resource sharing. MHEC seeks to fulfill its interstate mission through programs that expand postsecondary opportunity and success; promote innovative approaches to improving institutional and system productivity; improve affordability to students and states; and enhance connectivity between higher education and the workplace. Member states are: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Learn more at http://www.mhec.org.
USA Funds is a nonprofit corporation that supports Completion With a Purpose, building a more purposeful path for America’s students to and through college and on to rewarding careers and successful lives. USA Funds pursues its nonprofit mission through philanthropic activities and partnerships, policy research, and programs and services that enhance preparation for, access to and success in higher education. Learn more at http://www.usafunds.org.
Mary Roberson, Midwestern Higher Education Compact, http://www.mhec.org, +1 (612) 677-2765, [email protected]
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