USM Program May Help Unemployed Earn Degree
August 19, 2009
USM is hosting three public meetings to give the unemployed and underemployed who are interested in pursuing a college degree a chance to find out if they can earn college credit for knowledge and skills gained outside the traditional classroom.
The first of three sessions will be 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, August 27, in Room 113 of the USM Wishcamper Center, Bedford St., Portland. The second session will be 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, in Room 108 of USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College, Westminster Street, Lewiston. The final session will be 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, in Room 113 of the Wishcamper Center, Bedford St., Portland.
Attendees will find out more about earning academic credit for previous work and related experience, known as the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), program. Participants also will have the opportunity to meet with USM faculty and staff to begin an assessment of prior experiences. If the size of the audience does not allow for a full assessment, follow up appointments will be scheduled.
USM’s PLA program is one of the oldest in the country. Each year, about 1,000 students, or 10% of USM’s student body, takes advantage of the program.
“USM is pleased to help individuals save time and money by taking advantage of the PLA program,” said Joyce Lapping, director of Prior Learning Assessment. “We understand the tough economic climate, and our faculty and staff are excited by the opportunity to help Maine people secure a brighter future.”
For more information, contact Joyce Lapping, director of USM’s Prior Learning Assessment, at 780-4867 or e-mail mailto:jlapping@usm.maine.edu.
