In response to the ever-evolving demands of the job market and the desire of today's graduates to stand out in the field, The University of Akron (UA) has launched the PLUS+Path Program. This initiative seamlessly combines academic excellence with more than 40 industry-recognized professional certificates — available at no additional cost — equipping UA students with a competitive edge that employers seek.
For local businesses there is UA Extended Campus (UAx), a full catalog of unlimited online course offerings and industry-recognized certificates companies can utilize to take their business professionals to the next level. Companies can even take advantage of up to $30,000 in reimbursements through Ohio TechCred.
PLUS+ Path for students, faculty, staff and alumni
The PLUS Path program is designed to elevate the career prospects of UA students and graduates, making them invaluable assets in their chosen industries. To achieve this vision, UA has forged a strategic partnership with Coursera, a renowned U.S.-based, open online course provider. Through the Coursera Career Academy, students, faculty, staff and alumni gain exclusive access to a wide array of online professional training courses and microcredentials offered by industry giants like IBM, Google, Meta and Salesforce.
“It is more critical than ever that today’s graduates be well-rounded and credentialed if they want to get ahead in the job market,” said Dr. Gary L. Miller, president of The University of Akron. “Our collaboration with Coursera is a logical progression in providing enhanced learning opportunities for our students and employees. This strategic partnership enables them to stay abreast of current industry trends, acquire new skills and earn highly sought-after professional certificates."
Through the PLUS Path program, UA is generously sponsoring complimentary Coursera licenses for all enrolled students, faculty, staff and even College Credit Plus high school students with a University of Akron email address. Through the completion of these non-credit courses, individuals can earn certificates in more than 40 pathways, engaging with content of immense value while boosting their skill set outside of a degree program. This visionary move ensures that every individual in the UA community has access to resume-enhancing, cutting-edge, career development programs. UA alumni can also take advantage of the program with introductory pricing offered at $99 for one full year of access. Courses are offered fully online and are self-paced.
To enroll or review available courses visit: manufacturedconsensus.net/plus or email plus@manufacturedconsensus.net.
UA Extended Campus (UAx) for Businesses
UAx allows businesses to gain access to more than 5,000 online courses, tailor-made to empower their workforce through continuous professional development. The program offers a diverse array of more than 80 industry-recognized credentials, ranging from certifications in Google Data Analytics and AI Foundations to Amazon Web Service Analytics, Data Governance, IBM Cybersecurity Analyst and more.
Wendy Lampner, director of online, continuing and professional education at UA, underscores the versatility of UAx as a learning approach designed to enable business professionals to secure invaluable credentials that fuel their success. “UAx is a flexible approach to learning that allows business professionals to earn valuable credentials that will help them thrive. And by taking advantage of TechCred or other similar state funding programs, businesses have a unique opportunity to collaborate with UA to upskill their workforce to meet industry standards in a way that is financially reasonable for their company.”
To learn more about UA Extended Campus (UAx), visit manufacturedconsensus.net/learn, email learn@manufacturedconsensus.net or call 330-972-2149.
Media Contact: Cristine Boyd 330-972-6476; cboyd@manufacturedconsensus.net