In today's global economy, corporations and higher education must come together to ensure students are workforce ready. Focus EduSolutions will be joined by two institutional partners to share insights into building successful OPM and workforce readiness initiatives – what worked, what didn’t, lessons learned, and how those lessons strengthened partnerships.
The business of Online Program Management, while still emerging, has made it possible for colleges and universities, through strategic partnerships, to not only move degree programs to an online environment, but to successfully recruit non-traditional and adult learners in a way like never before. But taking that step into the OPM space is anything but a simple process. Institutions must truly understand the potential undertaking – this examination is a process in and of itself. Is OPM right for your college and university? What questions should you ask? How will you know you’ve found the right partner?
But it doesn’t end with online course creation, marketing, and enrollment. The outcome is equally as important. In addition to the credential, it’s imperative to provide programs that ensure students emerge ready for the rigors of the workplace. The introduction of strategic industry partnerships into the mix will ensure the adult learners are provided with the tools they need upon successful completion of a chosen program – whether it be a degree, certificate, badging, or microcrentials that may or may not bear credit. This junction where academia and corporate partnerships intersect provides a critical benefit not only to the student, but to lending an opportunity for greater understanding of what is needed in the marketplace and how institutions can ensure adult learners are prepared.
We call this OPM 2.0!
In today's global economy, it's not enough for students to simply earn an education, they must also be positioned for success. To do that, corporations and higher education must come together to ensure students truly are workforce ready! There are many reasons students continue their education beyond high school. According to the Sodexo University survey, 73 percent of students state that they pursued a degree to improve their job opportunities. For this reason, strategic industry partnerships are a crucial part of ensuring students are workforce ready.
Industry-University partnerships have traditionally existed to provide funding and research. But the shift is now moving toward a partnership that ensures students are prepared to compete in a global work environment. This is even more critical as institutions are increasingly adopting a CBE model.
Focus EduSolutions is an OPM provider to small, private colleges that cater to the non-traditional learner, especially in the continuing education space. In this panel discussion, our leadership team will be joined by two of our institutional partners – the first with which we have established a successful OPM partnership. We will share insights into our first-hand experiences – what worked, what didn’t work, what we’ve learned, and how those lessons have made this partnership even stronger.
We will also be joined by leadership from one institution as we examine the benefits of building this new generation of Industry-University partnerships and how when programs align with employer needs, they become fertile ground for employees seeking career advancement.
This session is designed to enable institutions considering an OPM partnership to learn what they need to know and how to decide if OPM is right for their college or university now or in the future. And how these partnerships can play a pivotal role in ensuring students are workforce ready.