American Council on Education Launches Landmark Credit for Prior Learning Initiative with Support from Lilly Endowment
ACE has launched Today’s Military Learners, a comprehensive national strategy designed to enhance postsecondary education opportunities for military learners—1.6 million strong, including active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and their families.
This initiative is supported by a $500,000 grant from Lilly Endowment. The program aims to expand the use of credit for prior learning (CPL) to empower military learners, helping them achieve their educational and career goals.
“We at Lilly Endowment are deeply appreciative of all that members of the military, veterans and their families do and have done in service to our country,” said Ted Maple, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for education. “We are pleased to support this new strategy to help advance their educational attainment through the recognition of the competencies they have developed through their military experiences.”
The initiative builds on ACE’s long-standing history of evaluating military training for college credit under its exclusive contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. It will continue as a collaborative effort between higher education institutions, employers, and military organizations to ensure military learners can successfully transition into civilian life and pursue the American dream they’ve worked to protect.
CPL allows military learners to receive college credit for their in-service experiences and training, accelerating credential completion while saving time and money. The grant will fund a two-year, five-phase project that aims to deliver several key outcomes:
- Expanding CPL knowledge: The initiative will use ACE’s Military Guide and data from two state systems to refine CPL best practices.
- Faculty engagement: Faculty training will ensure they are equipped to support CPL initiatives and provide qualitative insights to improve institutional readiness.
- Increasing CPL access: Institutions will adapt their processes to emphasize CPL, track transfer credits, and evaluate long-term outcomes.
- Improving information for learners: Targeted outreach and resources will raise awareness among military learners about CPL opportunities.
- Supporting military transitions: Collaborations with employers and veteran organizations will assist military learners in smoothly transitioning into postsecondary education and civilian careers.
The initiative is expected to drive long-term, systemic change, benefiting both military learners and higher education institutions. By expanding CPL adoption, institutions will better track and evaluate the effectiveness of CPL in facilitating credit transfers, reducing time to degree completion, and improving student outcomes. Furthermore, partnerships with employers will ensure that credential attainment aligns with workforce needs, easing transitions from military service to meaningful careers.
“This grant is pivotal in how higher education continues to build America—by supporting our national security, driving equity, and ensuring access and success for all learners,” said Derrick Anderson, senior vice president of Education Futures, ACE. “By recognizing the power of prior learning and forging more efficient pathways to achievement, we are equipping military learners with the tools to reach their goals and fortifying the workforce that drives our nation forward.”
For more information about ACE’s Credit for Prior Learning, click here.