AMERICUS—The University System of Georgia yesterday announced that Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), along with Atlanta Metropolitan College, Bainbridge College, Fort Valley State University and Valdosta State University, will comprise a newly created Adult Learning Consortium.

            Each university will receive $25,000 of College Access Challenge Grant funds through the University System to develop a Prior Learning Assessment Program. Consortium member institutions will work together to improve services for adult students returning to college, expand programs that focus on strategic regional workforce needs, test the awarding of credit for learning acquired through life experience and pass on their best practices to the entire University System.

            Approximately two-thirds of adult Georgians do not hold a college degree. This program is part of a larger System initiative to reduce that number. 

            Representatives from Georgia Southwestern who worked on the grant include Lynda Lee Purvis, Academic Affairs; Education Dean Lettie Watford; and Arts and Sciences Assistant Dean Bryan Davis. Davis will serve as the campus contact for the grant. Faculty members, including Chu Chu Wu, Tom Wheeler, Leisa Easom, Liz Kuipers and Davis, will be trained and certified as prior learning assessors. Purvis, Watford, Krista Smith, Gaye Hayes, Polly Conger, Lisa Cooper and Robyn Devane will provide administrative and logistical support for the grant.

            Some of the program’s expected outcomes include distributing information concerning postsecondary degree programs to target population identified through selected institution and increasing applications and enrollment for said target population.

            For more information, contact Bryan Davis at (229) 931-5140 or email bpd@canes.gsw.edu.

- GSW -