The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) and the MAP Initiative team from Norco College convened in Newport Beach on August 8-9, 2024, for an executive planning retreat focused on advancing Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and laying the groundwork for Vision 2030. The two-day session gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from the Chancellor's Office, the MAP team, community colleges, partner agencies, and consulting firms, to establish a strategic implementation roadmap aimed at scaling CPL across the California Community College system by 2030.
A key outcome of the planning session was the establishment of an ambitious 2030 CPL goal: to expand CPL opportunities and enhance equitable student access and success for at least 250,000 Californians. This target includes 220,000 working adults and apprentices, and 30,000 veterans, highlighting a commitment to broadening educational opportunities for diverse populations.
A new economic impact study conducted by Beacon Economics underscores the significance of achieving this goal. The study projects a combined economic impact of $32.4 billion, with $3.7 billion in immediate savings and preserved funds, and $28.8 billion in long-term economic benefits over the next 20 years. Read the full report here.
During the retreat, it was also announced that beginning in Fall 2024, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CO), through the MAP Initiative, will extend CPL support, technology, and resources to all 116 colleges in the system. This expansion aims to streamline the CPL process, making it more accessible and efficient for students across the state.
To facilitate the implementation of CPL, the team outlined a simple three-step process for colleges to follow:
- Organize: Establish a CPL team and identify key roles.
- Collect: Gather sample CPL documentation for military and working adults.
- Practice: Meet with the MAP team to begin processing CPL.
A highlight of the retreat was a presentation on the CPL lifecycle, featuring a case study of a student named Rochelle. Norco College’s Janelle Brekke and MAP Customer Success Manager Natalie Powell demonstrated each step of Rochelle’s journey through the CPL process—from discovery to career advancement. Watch Rochelle’s CPL story here.
The planning session also addressed crucial topics such as CPL process improvements, workforce alignment, system integration, continuous improvement, and the integration of AI and other technologies to support CPL. Participants discussed milestones, funding requirements, policy changes, and immediate actions necessary to achieve the Vision 2030 goals.
“The planning retreat highlighted the transformative potential of CPL in increasing equitable college access, completion, and career attainment for California's working adults and veterans,” said a Norco College representative. “By 2030, our aim is to have a robust system in place that recognizes and awards credit for prior learning, supported by streamlined policies, integrated technologies, and strong partnerships across education, industry, and government.”
The retreat exemplified Norco College’s commitment to advancing educational opportunities and supporting statewide initiatives that benefit students, employers, and the broader community.
Norco College is one of California’s fastest-growing colleges, offering a wide range of programs and services designed to help students succeed academically and professionally. Committed to excellence, innovation, and community, Norco College provides a supportive learning environment for all students.