The University of Illinois Springfield is offering veterans and active military members the chance to earn college credit by applying skills and experience acquired throughout their military careers in a unique online program.
The program, titled Prior Learning Assessment, is the first and only of its kind in the nation, and allows veterans and active military members to earn up to 16 total credit hours. Participants also develop a portfolio complete with a compilation of reflections, assessments, and discussions on past experiences.
Officials say members from all five branches of the military have participated in this unique course. Director and developer of the program, Kevin Beeson, explained the incentive behind the program. "They deserve to come back here and get a great education, and get college credit and a pat on the back for what they've done for this country."
The program is already gaining traction nationwide with other universities.
The story was featured by WAND-TV on April 21, 2015.
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