City Official Fast Tracks Degree With Working Scholars Program
October 18, 2018

Expanding Flexible Completion Pathways 

As part of a national strategy embedded in our strategic commitments, ACE is helping post-traditional learners achieve success by expanding flexible completion pathways through innovative learning. 

ACE’s Center for Education Attainment and Innovation (CEAI) serves these learners by supporting extra-institutional training providers—military, government, and community-based nonprofit and corporate organizations—and promoting work-based learning practices and policies to provide affordable, high-quality, flexible completion pathways. Flexible completion pathways recognize that learning is fluid, ongoing and occurs in multiple contexts. These pathways incorporate validated learning experiences into formal workforce and postsecondary credentials. 

The interview below is the second in a series highlighting post-traditional students who have used ACE credit recommendations as part of a flexible completion pathway.


Post-traditional Learner Spotlight: Lisa Gauthier

Lisa Gauthier, vice mayor of East Palo Alto (CA), is pursuing her bachelor’s degree through Working Scholars, a community-funded initiative that helps post-traditional learners complete postsecondary credentials. 

Working Scholars helps busy adults earn a free bachelor’s degree entirely online. All costs of the degree are covered by the local business community, philanthropic organizations, grants, donations, and other sources. Students take their courses through Study.com, where the courses, providing chunks of learning through short video lessons, have recommendations from ACE's College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT®). The courses are then accepted by Thomas Edison State University

The Working Scholars program is currently offered in four California cities: Mountain View, Gilroy, East Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale. There are plans to expand the program to other cities in the California. 

From our conversation with Lisa Gauthier:

Q: Can you tell me about your education and career goals? 

A: I have two associate degrees in marketing management and business administration from De Anza College and am working toward a bachelor’s degree through the Working Scholars program. Once I reach my goal of earning a bachelor’s degree, I want to continue my studies and eventually earn my master’s. 

I am currently vice mayor of East Palo Alto and I’m on track to become mayor next year. As I work with youth in the community, I know I have to lead by example, which has really motivated me to pursue higher education. After joining Working Scholars, I actually became a government affairs manager for Study.com to help bring this innovative program to even more cities. 

Q: What motivated you to seek further postsecondary education and credentials? 

 A: I always knew I wanted to go back to school to earn my bachelor’s but could never afford it. Traditional college was out of reach financially, especially because my daughters’ college education came first. Plus, the time commitment involved in being an elected official meant I simply didn’t have the time to attend classes on campus. When I heard about the Working Scholars program, which would let me earn a college degree at no cost while working on courses during my own time, I knew it was the perfect way to finally reach my goal. 

Q: What obstacles have you encountered in trying to meet those goals?

A: Finding the time and money to take courses has been an obstacle. In addition to my full-time job, I often have meetings in the afternoons and evenings to fulfill my commitment of vice mayor of East Palo Alto. I knew I had to find a flexible way to earn a degree that could still work with my hectic schedule, which is why Working Scholars has been so great. I can access the short lessons on my phone and squeeze learning in to short time periods, like my lunch break or in between meetings. 

It can also be challenging to be disciplined enough to make learning a priority. I've learned to say "no" to that weekend lunch date or evening movie every once in a while, so I can really focus on getting through my courses. Math courses can also be challenging for me, but the format of the lessons has really made it easier for me to grasp those complex concepts. I love the fact that I can go back and re-watch the lessons as many times as I need to, or read over the text transcript. 

Q: What are some examples of support you’ve received from employers, college, and/or community to remove obstacles and help you reach your goals?

A: The Working Scholars community as a whole is such a great support system. I often attend meet-ups with fellow scholars, where we can talk through challenges, obstacles and help motivate one another. We also have access to Study.com success coaches who map out a course plan for us and really help make sure we progress through our courses. 

Plus, learning has become a bonding experience with my family and they’ve helped me stay on track with my progress. My daughters often help me with my courses at night and motivate me to progress through the program. Seeing my experience has even motivated my son to start thinking about going back to school.

Q: What do you suggest employers, colleges, and other organizations could do to remove some of the obstacles and expand more flexible college and career pathways?

A: Employers, colleges, and community organizations should figure out ways to partner to provide adult learners with flexible ways to earn a college degree. By working together, they can have a greater impact and can help community members develop the skills needed to succeed and advance in their fields. Providing flexible credential and career pathways benefits everyone involved.

Q: What recommendations do you have for other working learners who are navigating college? What do they need to consider in order to be savvy education consumers?

A: You have to be ready to make the time to earn a degree. It’s not always easy to stay home to study when you know friends and family are out to dinner, but it’s necessary in order to reach your goal. Just keep reminding yourself about why you’re doing this, and it will help keep you motivated. You also shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It can be challenging to balance getting a degree with work and other responsibilities. Let your support system be there for you.