Willis Advances Measure to Award College Credit for Work Experience, Skills Training

NORTHLAKE, Ill. – Receiving a college degree could become more attainable for non-traditional students under legislation passed out of committee and onto the House floor this week by state Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison.

“The world is full of learning opportunities that exist outside of the classroom,” Willis said. “Prospective students who have taken time off from pursuing a formal education deserve the opportunity to receive credit for the knowledge and skills they’ve obtained from previous jobs, training and experiences.”

Under the Credit for Prior Learning Act, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Illinois Community Colleges Board would create rules allowing institutions of higher education to award college credit for prior learning experiences. Public colleges and universities would be required to submit their policies for distributing this credit to the Board.

“As a state, we should be doing everything in our power to make obtaining a higher education accessible for people who want to progress and be successful in today’s workforce,” Willis said. “This bill would make college more affordable and less time consuming for non-traditional students, expanding the opportunity of earning a college degree to people who might not have the ability to go back to school otherwise.”

For more information, please contact Willis’ full-time constituent service office at (708) 562-6970 or email RepWillis77@gmail.com.