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Higher Education Builds America: Leverage Your Learning for Success

By Michele Spires, Assistant Vice President, National Service and Defense Solutions, American Council on Education

As a veteran, your service has already strengthened our nation, and your pursuit of higher education is only amplifying that impact. By earning a college degree, certificate, or license, you are not just advancing your own aspirations; you are contributing to America’s innovation, security, and resilience. The leadership and discipline you’ve honed during your military career are assets that can propel you toward success while enriching our country’s workforce and communities.

Through tools like Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), you can transform the skills and knowledge gained during your service into academic progress. CPL ensures that your experiences are recognized, saving you valuable time and resources as you transition into a new chapter--one where you continue to lead and inspire.

Higher Education: A Pillar of National Strength

America’s strength lies in its people, and education is the foundation of that strength. Higher education empowers individuals to drive economic growth, enhance national security, and uphold the values of democracy. Veterans embody these ideals through their commitment to lifelong learning and leadership.

By pursuing higher education, you not only achieve your personal goals but also serve as a beacon of excellence for others. Your pursuit demonstrates the transformative power of education and underscores the vital role veterans play in shaping a brighter, more resilient future for our nation.  

Why is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Important to You?

CPL—also referred to as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or Recognition of Learning (RoL)—is a tool that allows you to earn college credit for the knowledge and skills you already have. It’s all about recognizing the value of your experiences and turning them into tangible educational progress. Here’s how CPL can work for you:

  • Save Time: Get a head start on your degree or credential by reducing the number of courses you need to take.
  • Cut Costs: Fewer courses mean less tuition, fewer books, and lower fees—saving you money in the process.
  • Advance Your Career: CPL translates your expertise into credentials that can help with commissioning programs, career transitions, or a standout résumé.
  • Expand Your Options: With more than 2,300 colleges and universities accepting CPL and ACE credit recommendations, you’re in the driver’s seat to choose the institution that fits your goals.

This is your opportunity to build on what you already know and position yourself for success in the next phase of your journey.

Taking the Next Steps

1. Define Your Goals: Embarking on your educational journey is an exciting step, but it’s also a process with many moving parts. Defining your goals is like setting a compass—it provides direction, but it’s okay if the path isn’t perfectly clear right now. Are you aiming to transition to a new career, earn a promotion, or take on a leadership role? Maybe you’re exploring different options to see what fits best. Remember, this is your journey, and it’s perfectly fine to take it one step at a time.

Think of your goals as steppingstones. Short-term goals, like completing a certification or prerequisite course, can lead to long-term achievements, such as earning a degree or advancing in your career. Each milestone builds on the last, and every step forward is progress.

  • Embrace the Process: Defining your goals doesn’t mean having all the answers right away. It’s about starting where you are and adjusting as you go. Your aspirations may evolve, and that’s a natural part of the journey.
  • Connect and Explore: Reach out to trusted resources like the Student Veterans of America (SVA) Success Hub. They offer personalized guidance from people who understand your experience and can help you navigate the next steps.
  • Use Trusted Tools: Consider using tools like CareerPathDecide to explore potential career paths and align your educational goals with your professional aspirations. These tools can provide clarity and direction as you map out your next steps.
  • Ask for Input: Talk to mentors, colleagues, or peers who have walked similar paths. Their experiences can provide valuable insights and help you see opportunities you might not have considered.

Remember, your journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re taking your first step or your hundredth, every move you make brings you closer to realizing your potential. Take your time, explore your options, and trust the process—you’ve got this!

2. Evaluate Your Military Training and Broader Learning Portfolio: Your military service has given you valuable experience, but your learning doesn’t stop there. Take a close look at everything you’ve accomplished to ensure you’re getting the credit you deserve.

  • Review Your Military Transcripts: Your Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript documents your professional military education, training, and occupations. Many of these have been evaluated for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE).
  • Include National Examinations: Have you taken CLEP or DSST exams? These can translate into college credit, saving you time and money.
  • Highlight Professional Certificates and Licenses: Certifications in IT, project management, healthcare, or aviation, for example, may also qualify for credit. Don’t leave these out!
  • Leverage Workplace and Apprenticeship Programs: If you’ve completed training through employers, industry programs, or apprenticeships, these achievements can also boost your credit portfolio.

Take the time to audit your transcripts and records for accuracy. Use tools like ACE Military Guide and National Guide to identify credit recommendations for your training and workplace learning. This step ensures you’re not taking redundant courses, saving you time and money while aligning your experiences with your educational goals.

3. Learn About Your Support Network: You’re not alone on this journey. Starting college or pursuing a credential might feel intimidating, but you’ve already faced challenges and proven your resilience. Surround yourself with support to stay motivated and informed.

  • Share Your Journey: Let your family, friends, and colleagues know about your goals so they can cheer you on and provide encouragement.
  • Find Your Community: Look for veteran services on campus, connect with local veteran organizations, or engage with groups like the Student Veterans of America (SVA). Fellow veterans can offer invaluable insights, share their experiences, and help you navigate the transition into higher education.
  • Learn About Institutions That Fit Your Needs: Take the time to research colleges and universities that align with your goals, values, and aspirations. While recommendations from others can be helpful, don’t rely solely on word of mouth. Visit campuses (in person or virtually), speak with admissions advisors, and ask detailed questions about their veteran support services, credit transfer policies, and available programs. Learning as much as you can about your options ensures you make the best decision for your future.

By taking the time to learn about your support network and the right institutions, you’ll be better equipped to approach your educational journey with confidence and purpose.

Why Higher Education Matters to You—and the Nation

By pursuing education, you’re doing more than investing in your future, you’re playing a pivotal role in strengthening America. Veterans like you bring leadership, discipline, and unique perspectives to the classroom and beyond, enriching our nation’s workforce and communities.

Your commitment to education supports:

  • America’s Economic Growth: Building the skills and innovation that drive industries forward.
  • National Security: Equipping yourself for roles that require critical thinking and strategic problem-solving.
  • Democracy: Fostering a well-informed and engaged citizenry that ensures a stronger future.

You’ve already demonstrated your dedication to service—your pursuit of higher education continues that legacy by contributing to the strength, security, and ideals of our nation.

 

Inspire, Build, and Lead

Your journey continues with every step you take. By embracing higher education and leveraging Credit for Prior Learning, you not only achieve personal success but also contribute to the strength and resilience of the nation. As John F. Kennedy once said:

“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which fulfilled can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.”

You’ve already demonstrated what it means to serve with dedication. Now it’s time to show the world what you can achieve in the next chapter of your life. You’ve got this!