In particular, reskilling talent for the future is becoming more critical to business success. According to a report by McKinsey Global Institute, automation could take away 15 percent of all global work hours from humans by 2030, leaving around 400 million workers displaced.

Other reports indicate that half of the work done by humans globally can be automated, with up to 30 percent automated by 2030. This statistic may vary from country to country depending on factors such as speed of automation, but it is becoming increasingly clear that employers will need to keep pace with fast technology shifts in order to survive the evolving marketplace.

Skill needs are changing fast

To succeed, employers will need to identify critical skill gaps in their workforce. There are several approaches companies can use to weigh their current skills against future demand. One method, employed by our partner Faethm, uses artificial intelligence to help companies clearly understand the future of their talent needs. By collecting a diverse cross-section of employer data, Faethm analyzes various data points against multiple dynamic forces shaping an industry’s labor market—from technological disruption to economic shocks. This allows the organization to understand which jobs can be automated, which can be contracted, and which need to be performed in-house.

This latter category (jobs that need to be performed in-house) is typically the one targeted by employers for reskilling. In fact, filling skill gaps has become a top priority for many human resource departments, even more so than acquisition of new talent, as companies have found that reskilling is no longer a trend, but a survival strategy. To sustain a company’s growth, employees need to receive the right training in the right areas so they can adjust to coming technology shifts and remain competitive.

Employees value companies that offer these types of training opportunities as it allows them to develop their careers, improve job security and increase financial compensation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over one million workers are projected to be displaced in the next decade due to advancing technology. These workers may be reskilled to new viable and desirable growing roles at an average cost of $24,800 per displaced worker. While this may seem like a steep price, there’s an even steeper price to inaction.

How to keep up

The latest Global CEO Survey found that CEOs who have embraced upskilling and reskilling see the rewards through gains such as higher workforce productivity and innovation. Employers also understand that the money they put into workforce training is a financial and social investment. The focus on reskilling employees for jobs of the future is instrumental in improving social mobility, which is a key factor in reducing inequality. A new report found that a 10% improvement in global social mobility would boost economic growth by nearly 5% over the next decade.

While most companies understand the need to reskill, they struggle with either not knowing how to identify skill gaps or how to go about launching an effective learning program to address their skill gaps. According to McKinsey, reskilling efforts need to be practical with a real connection from the training to the new job. Many companies don’t know how to connect the dots between workers’ current skills and the skills they’ll need in the future. In this case, it can be beneficial to seek outside expertise and hire the right people to oversee reskilling efforts.

Pearson Workforce Skills division offers just the solution – in a two-step process. First, using Faethm’s expertise and technology, we conduct a skills gap analysis to provide organizations with better insights into what future needs are most in-demand for their industry. This helps organizations to identify competencies lacking and create an overall strategic skills roadmap to address the skills gap. Second, Pearson Accelerated Pathways targets individualized learning plans that connect employees with the proper educational pathways to gain the skills needed for the organization’s future success.

By helping organizations address critical skill gaps by first identifying market needs and then by providing training adjacent to the skill needs, we’re able to comprehensively help companies future-proof their workforce and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. Ready to survive and thrive in the age of digital disruption? We can help you keep your workforce prepared. Reach out to learn more!

We’ve all seen the stories about college dropouts who go on to achieve great success in life.

Kanye West titled his debut album after his college dropout experience and went on to gain fame and success doing what he loves. Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard twice—only to become one of the world’s richest people. And what about Oprah Winfrey? She dropped out of Tennessee State University to pursue a career in media. That turned out pretty well!

Sounds great, right? Just take a few college courses, find your passion, drop out to pursue it and become rich and famous!

Unfortunately, for most of us, that type of success story is far more of a fantasy than a reality. In the real world, college dropouts end up earning 35% less per year than college graduates; that’s an average of $21,000 less per year. Even worse, college dropouts are twice as likely to live in poverty compared with those who completed college.

Here’s the good news: Our team helps college dropouts complete their degrees. We work to understand the reasons why students left college in the first place and then provide an alternative path to degree completion.

Check out some of the top reasons why students drop out of college, and how we help them finish.

1. Financial concerns

Here’s a troubling statistic: 89% of students from the first generation in low-earning families tend to drop out of college. Not only have college costs skyrocketed in recent decades, but many students have to work fulltime jobs not just to support themselves, but also to support families. Finding the money or taking out hefty student loans can be a major hindrance to completing a degree. In addition, acquiring student loans or other large-sum financing can be cumbersome and overwhelming.

At Accelerated Pathways, we help students finish their degrees affordably. Not only do our college courses cost 36% less than the national average, but we let students pay as they go. That means no taking out large student loans in advance or dealing with years of debt. We work with any student budget and even offer discounted course package plans. And unlike many of our competitors, the courses you take through Accelerated Pathways are regionally accredited and guaranteed to transfer, so you don’t have to worry about whether your hard-earned investment in college credit will count toward your degree.

2. Don’t have time

Many students leave college because they couldn’t find a healthy school-work-life balance. The time spent on class lectures, projects, tests and studying prove to be too much. College is a multiyear commitment, and many students drop out because they just don’t have that kind of time to complete their degrees. Life gets in the way. Work gets in the way. Health gets in the way. Even distance gets in the way for students who attend traditional college campuses. In fact, students who live far away from their college campuses are responsible for 4% of college dropouts.

At Accelerated Pathways, we let students study whenever, wherever! With our self-paced online courses, there’s no need to worry about class schedules, deadlines or even semesters. You can start courses anytime—even on weekends—and learn whenever it’s convenient for your schedule. All you need is a laptop and internet. In addition, we’re experts at finding degree programs that accept prior college credit. That can be a huge time (and cost) saver for students who already knocked out some of their college requirements.

3. College social life

Did you know that 13% of college students drop out because of the social dynamics at college? Campus life can put a lot of pressure on students to fit into new social norms. For some, this can feel like re-living high school drama all over… or worse… feeling like it’s impossible to live up to your peers academically. Many non-traditional college students who return to college after years away are older than the general student population. This can also contribute to feelings of being an outsider who doesn't fit into the college social scene.

We offer an alternative! At Accelerated Pathways, social interaction is online and on your terms. You get to collaborate with teachers, classmates and academic counselors in ways that suit your learning and social style. This lets you put your education—not social dynamics—front and center. You’ll never be forced into an awkward situation that makes you feel distracted from your studies, scared to ask a question or socially uneasy about your learning experience.

4. Lack of support

College is a huge commitment and requires lots of self-dedication and self-determination. While it’s important to nurture your own drive and motivation, it’s also important to have support from friends and/or family. Even the most driven person will sometimes want to give up when the pressure of academia seems overwhelming. Sadly, not everyone gets the type of backing they need. Lack of adequate support from family contributes to 9% of college dropouts. Without supportive people to help push you toward your goals, it can be that much harder to accomplish them.

At Accelerated Pathways, we support you the whole way! While our team can’t replace family, we provide every student with world-class coaching. Our academic counselors are experts at keeping you engaged, prepared for your next steps and encouraged the whole way—even when the going gets tough. We find workarounds when you need a mental health break, and we even help you celebrate your successes. We love our students, and they share the love back! Just see what our students are saying about us.

5. Academic disqualification

College coursework can be challenging, and many students may be unprepared or ill-equipped for the challenges of university academics. In fact, 28% of students who drop out of college are unable to meet the set academic requirements. Feelings of frustration with understanding new concepts plus pressure to complete projects and homework under deadlines only add to this stress. Technical or higher-level courses, in particular, can cause students to feel like the content is moving much too fast to absorb. This can lead to terrible feelings of exasperation and anxiety.

We hate those feelings! That’s why we offer self-paced courses that let students learn in a stress-free environment. By having the ability to move at your own pace, instead of the pace of an instructor or advanced students, you can really absorb the content in your own way. This takes a huge burden off of those who want to return to college after a long time away or those who are learning unfamiliar concepts and difficult material for the first time. No more feeling like things are moving too fast or you can’t ask the questions you need. Plus, our counselors are here to support you and make sure you have the necessary resources every step of the way!

According to Imed Bouchrika, Chief Data Scientist at Research.com, “Finishing a college degree is a proven, first step towards a bright and successful future, as statistics often present a strong correlation between higher education and job security.”

We’re sure you’ve had some very good and specific reasons for leaving college in the past. We’d love to learn what your obstacles were and help you overcome them. Our team is great at finding the right degree program to maximize your prior college credit, motivate you to learn and get you to the finish line. Let us provide you with a comparison of the best degree options to fit your learning style, schedule and budget. Reach out today for a free consultation!

Before the pandemic created a mass push to digital classrooms, online learning had already been on an upward trajectory. Over the last two decades, online learning has grown significantly in both work and education spaces, proving its value as an accessible, affordable way to gain new skills.

Students are choosing online degree programs now more than ever as the benefits become clearer. Check out these reasons why online college is a great choice.

1. Online degrees are as valuable as traditional degrees

When online degree programs were first offered decades ago, many viewed them as inferior to in-person learning. Some employers and hiring managers even preferred applicants with traditional college degrees over those with online college degrees. However, the growth of online learning, especially at established facilities, has helped to legitimate online degrees and remove the stigma previously associated with them.

In today’s economy, nearly all new college graduates entering the job market have at least partially completed their degrees online. In 2018, an estimated 34% of the 16.6 million undergraduate students in the United States were enrolled in at least one online course according to the National Center for Education Statistics, and that number has grown to practically 100% since then.

In addition, students who earn degrees online are found to be more adept at remote work conditions, which are also becoming prevalent across workspaces. Students who earned online degrees are accustomed to similar remote technology for video conferencing, messaging, information sharing and collaboration, so they’re often better at adapting and contributing to remote teamwork.

2. Online colleges match you with the right career

Many employers are finding that online learning can better prepare employees for the workforce because it matches them with curriculum that fits their goals, preferences and skillsets. Traditional colleges typically categorize students by demographics like age and gender, which may be more convenient to the university system, but it doesn’t necessarily serve students well. In fact, a study conducted by the Parthenon Group and the Lumina Foundation found that this traditional way of segmenting students has led to higher dropout rates, lower student satisfaction and less success after college.

In contrast, online colleges have the flexibility to create new ways of categorizing and understanding student needs. They’re able to categorize students in ways that focus on students' motivations and desired skills rather than their inherent traits. This can be helpful in identifying the right kind of learning for each student. Study.com found that student segments at online colleges can look more like this:

• Career Accelerators – Typically older and already established in a career but looking to advance.

• Aspiring Academics – Recent high school graduates who are focused on academic achievements.

• Career Starters – Practical thinkers who look at college as a stepping-stone to a particular career.

• Industry Switchers – Those who have started down a career path but want to pursue a different field.

By identifying each student’s root causes and motivations for learning, online colleges have become better able to provide students with the learning they desire. Not only does this motivate the student to perform well in their studies, but it also creates better real-world outcomes when graduates enter the workforce.

3. Online learning offers greater accessibility

There are a number of ways that online learning offers greater accessibility to a wider range of students. First, online students are not bound by geography. That means greater opportunity to study what you want, where you want. It also means not having to worry about transportation or other means for accessing a campus. This is especially helpful for working adults seeking a degree. Online learning affords them more control over their schedule, particularly with self-paced course options.

Second, online learning has opened up a new world of opportunity for disabled students. With online learning, students with physical disabilities no longer have to travel long distances and burden themselves with accessibility challenges and availability of facilities. They also have easier access to educational materials online, which removes the hassle of navigating libraries and other campus buildings. Online learning is not just helpful for mobile-impaired students, it is also beneficial for visual and hearing-impaired students who can apply a wider range of accessibility options and tools online.

4. Online degrees cost less

If you attend a traditional college, you’ll end up paying expensive fees in addition to tuition to support the campus and related facilities, such as athletics. You’re also likely to spend far more on room and board, transportation and costs for campus life when you attend a traditional college. Books alone can add up to a substantial sum, as they’re not included in traditional college tuition.

With online college, students can save tens of thousands of dollars on earning their degree while still gaining a high-quality education. With the rising cost of higher education, online college has become an affordable option for those who want to avoid decades of student loan debt. Most online degree programs are structured to accommodate working students with flexible courses as well as flexible payment plans.

At Accelerated Pathways, we offer pay-as-you-go, self-paced courses with no hidden fees and books included! Whether you're looking to save money, graduate quickly or make school fit into your busy lifestyle, we provide online degree programs that match your goals. Best of all, our courses are regionally accredited and guaranteed to transfer to your degree.

Ready to get started on a major that you’ll love? Reach out today!

Did you know that dual enrollment is quickly growing in popularity among high school students?

According to Kent Phillippe, associate vice president of research and student success at the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), “Research shows huge increases in dual enrollment across the country since 2001, continuing to grow even during the pandemic.” Statistics from UC Davis also show more students are participating in dual enrollment over time, with the trend growing from 11% of high school students enrolled in 2015 to over 18% in 2019.

Why the popularity of dual enrollment?

There are plenty of great benefits for students who choose dual enrollment. Earning credit for a course that counts toward both high school and college is like getting a two-for-one special. Not only does the work you put into a dual credit course count toward your high school graduation, but it also knocks out one of your required college classes. And with the development of online degree options and accessible college courses, earning dual credit has become easier than ever.

While the option to enroll in these programs is usually excluded to junior and senior high school students with certain grade requirements, those who qualify find dual enrollment beneficial for a few key reasons.

Main benefits of dual enrollment

1. Save time and money on a college degree

Dual enrollment courses are typically offered at a discount compared with regular college courses, depending on where you live, because the tuition may be partly covered by your state or school district. In addition, by earning both high school and college credit simultaneously, you can complete college earlier in life and be on your way to building a career.

2. Gain college-level experience

According to the CSM Director at the College of Southern Maryland, “All the numbers, nationwide … show that students who participate in dual enrollment have a higher GPA when they start college full time.” Dual enrollment gives you the chance to learn what’s expected of you at the college course level, thereby allowing you to be more prepared for college level academics than other students when you fully transition over.

3. Improve chances of college graduation

A study from the Community College Research Center (CCRC) found that 88 percent of community college dual enrollment students continued onto college after high school. The Montana University System found that dual enrollment students have higher high school graduation rates, higher rates of college enrollment, higher rates of persistence to degree, better academic performance and higher rates of degree attainment than their peers who did not participate.

Main considerations

With all the great benefits of dual enrollment, there are also some important considerations. Namely, you’ll want to make sure your college credits count toward your degree. There have been horror stories where students made the mistake of taking dual enrollment courses without researching college transfer policies first. You certainly don’t want to find out your college credit was rejected, and your hard work was for nothing. Be sure to do your research beforehand.

The Accelerated Pathways guarantee

At Accelerated Pathways, you don’t have to worry about this. We guarantee college credit transfer! In fact, our academic counselors help you build out a custom degree plan in advance. Dual credit students can take online courses that replace many of their high school classes and are then easily transferred to their future college. In fact, you’re not just earning dual credit, you’re starting your actual bachelor’s degree while still in high school. We help students knock out general education college courses, which are required by every institution and major, and make sure that you hit the ground running at college. Best of all, the courses you take through Accelerated Pathways are regionally accredited and come with a complete transfer guarantee.

How to start dual enrollment

Ready to get a head start on college? Find out why many students are smartly choosing the Accelerated Pathways dual credit program. Our online college courses cost a fraction of most college tuition fees. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy high quality academic courses that let you learn at your own pace. This can be very helpful for students just starting their first college-level academic courses. Find out if you’re a candidate!

Let’s be real… earning a college degree is expensive. And now with the rising cost of living, it can feel like an even steeper uphill battle.

That’s why many have opted to skip college altogether and go straight into the workforce, hoping to eventually work their way up the career ladder. Unfortunately, this can lead to problems in the long run, when a desired promotion or career switch comes with college degree requirements.

Here’s the good news for those already working: Your company may offer some sort of educational benefit. If so, this could be your best bet for gaining an affordable college degree in today’s economy.

What are employer education benefits?

Employer education benefits—also known as tuition reimbursement or educational assistance programs—are benefits provided by an employer to compensate employees for taking courses. Many employers provide education benefits as a way to help their employees learn, advance their careers and improve their job skills.

The benefit gives employees a chance to subsidize their education, however reimbursement can vary by employer. One company may cover the full cost of tuition while another may cap reimbursement at a certain amount. On average, companies typically provide around $6,000 per employee per year, though many companies are beginning to increase their educational benefits as they see the positive net impact it has on their business.

Some educational benefits programs have certain conditions that must be met by employees. For example, you may have to earn a minimum grade in your courses to receive the benefit. You may also be required to pursue a degree major that directly relates to your current role to be compensated. In addition, a certain level of tenure may be required in order to qualify for tuition reimbursement.

Regardless of the requirements, taking advantage of your education benefits can be a smart way to develop professionally. Not only do these benefits programs allow employees to save huge sums of money on earning a degree, but it also gives them a chance to plan their career path and show initiative in the workplace. Best of all, at a time when many are struggling to pay off thousands in student loan debt, employees who take advantage of their education benefits can avoid this hefty commitment.

How do I use my education benefits?

Surprisingly, not many employees take advantage of their education benefits. In fact, many don’t even know they exist. Here’s the best way to learn about your options and not miss your opportunity.

1. Check with your immediate supervisor or human resources department.

This can be as simple as sending an email or just asking in person, “What type of education or tuition assistance programs do we have available?” If your company has an intranet site, you may be able to find this information there, as well.

2. Read up on any requirements or conditions.

Are you qualified to receive the benefit? Does the educational institution you choose need to be accredited? Do you need to pursue a degree major that complements your current role? Be sure to double-check with human resources to get all your questions answered, especially as you get closer to choosing a college, degree and courses.

3. Determine your out-of-pocket expense.

Many education benefits programs only cover the cost of tuition. That may seem all-inclusive, but for some schools, particularly those with a large campus, there may be fees you have to pay in addition to tuition, such as operating expenses, building fees, student activities fees, etc.

One good way to keep expenses low is to take courses through an online program, like Accelerated Pathways, where there are no hefty campus fees and low course costs. Our advisors can also help you to plan your degree major in line with your employer’s requirements, as well as to maximize your tuition reimbursement. For example, if you’re allotted $6,000 per year, we can design your degree to take as many courses per year to maximize your reimbursement.

4. Make sure you want to stay with the company for a while

If you’re unsure whether you want to grow with your current company, then investing in the education benefits program may be a waste of time. Remember, most degrees take years to complete, depending on how many prior college credits you have and how quickly you plan to finish your coursework. In addition, some companies may require you to stay with the company for a certain period of time after reimbursing your education, so be sure to factor this into your plan.

Overall, taking advantage of your company’s education benefits is a great idea. Even if you don’t complete a full degree, you’ll have the opportunity to take professional development courses—practically free! By gaining new skills and earning a degree, you can improve your career path, qualify for higher pay, gain access to more job opportunities, increase your job satisfaction and see more career flexibility. In fact, a study by Accenture and Lumina found that those who participated in their company’s education benefits program were more likely to be promoted and had a 40% wage increase over a three-year period.

Ready to get started using your employer’s education benefits? We can help! Accelerated Pathways is the perfect college path for working adults. We offer flexible, self-paced online courses that can be taken anytime, anywhere. We’ll help you select a degree plan that fits with your company’s education benefits requirements and allows you to maximize your tuition reimbursement dollars. Get in touch with us today!

This Women’s History Month, in honor of the 2022 International Women’s Day theme of “Break the Bias,” we’re celebrating three incredible women activists who have shaped and transformed our world for the better. Check out the amazing lives and feats of these women who, against all odds, broke biases while uplifting their community and humanity as a whole.

Dolores Huerta (1930-present)

Dolores Huerta is an American labor leader, civil rights activist and co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association – now the United Farm Workers (UFW). Born in 1930 in a small mining town in New Mexico, Dolores was inspired by her father who was a farm worker and miner as well as a union activist who ran for political office and won a seat in the New Mexico legislature in 1938.

Dolores was also inspired by her mother, who was an active participant in community affairs, involved in numerous civic organizations and the church. Her mother encouraged celebration of cultural diversity in the agricultural community where they lived, made up of Mexican, Filipino, African-American, Japanese and Chinese working families.

After graduating from the University of Pacific’s Delta College, Dolores became a teacher and was upset by how many students would come to school hungry and sometimes even with bare feet. This inspired Dolores to begin her lifelong journey of working to correct economic injustice. She joined the Stockton Community Service Organization (CSO) and helped to found the Agricultural Workers Association, setting up voter registration drives and pressing local governments for barrio improvements.

In 1955, the CSO founder introduced Dolores to their Executive Director, César E. Chávez. The two shared a common vision of organizing farm workers and decided to launch the National Farm Workers Association in the spring of 1962. With excellent organizing, lobbying and negotiating skills, Dolores was able to successfully secure Aid For Dependent Families (AFDC) and disability insurance for farm workers in the State of California. She was also instrumental in pushing for the enactment of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, the first law in the United States granting farm workers the right to collectively organize and bargain for better wages and working conditions.

While the farm workers lacked financial capitol, they were able to wield significant economic power through hugely successful boycotts at the ballot box with grassroots campaigning. In 1965, Dolores helped organize the Delano grape strike in California along with Cesar Chavez. Dolores also served as the lead negotiator in the workers' contract that was created after the strike. And as a principal legislative advocate, Dolores became one of the UFW’s most visible spokespersons.

Dolores has gained many awards and honors throughout her life, including The Eleanor Roosevelt Humans Rights Award in l998, Ms. Magazine’s One of the Three Most Important Women of l997, The Kern County Woman of The Year Award from the California State Legislature, The Ohtli Award from the Mexican Government and The Smithsonian Institution – James Smithson Award.

Sojourner Truth (1797-1883)

Sojourner Truth was an American abolitionist and women's rights activist born into slavery in Swartekill, New York. In 1799, New York began to legislate for the abolition of slavery, with emancipation finalized on July 4, 1827. Although Sojourner’s slaveholder had promised to grant her freedom, he changed his mind once emancipation was occurred. In addition, a New York emancipation order did not permit their freedom until they had served as bound servants into their twenties.

Sojourner understood the injustice of her situation and decided to escape slavery with her infant daughter, Sophia, leaving behind her other children in hopes that she’d be able to rescue them upon finding security. She proclaimed, "I did not run off, for I thought that wicked, but I walked off, believing that to be alright."    Sojourner was taken in by Isaac and Maria Van Wagener, who settled her remaining one-year service account with her slaveholder for $20.00. A year later, New York law emancipated all slaves, but her slaveholder had already sold Sojourner’s five-year-old child into slavery in Alabama. The Van Wageners helped Sojourner to sue to recover her son. After going to court in 1828, she became the first black woman to win such a case against a white man.

Inspired by the events and experiencing a spiritual calling to work for justice, Sojourner went on to become an abolitionist and activist across the country. Her best-known speech, delivered in 1851 at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention, became widely known during the Civil War by the title "Ain't I a Woman?" During the Civil War, Sojourner helped recruit black troops for the Union Army. She also tried to secure land grants from the federal government for formerly enslaved people (summarized as the promise of "forty acres and a mule") after the war. Although the effort was unsuccessful, she continued to fight on behalf of women and African Americans until her death.

A memorial bust of Truth was unveiled in 2009 in Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol Visitor's Center. She is the first African American woman to have a statue in the Capitol building. In 2014, Truth was also included in Smithsonian magazine's list of the "100 Most Significant Americans of All Time.

Hellen Keller (1880-1968)

Hellen Keller was an American author, disability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer born in Alabama. At just 019 months old, Hellen lost her sight and hearing after a bout of illness. She learned to communicate primarily using home signs. Then, at the age of seven, she met her teacher and companion Anne Sullivan.

Anne used unorthodox techniques to teach Hellen reading and writing, like spelling words on her hand to learn the names of objects around her. She also used the Tadoma or tactile lipreading method, in which a deafblind person places their little finger on the speaker's lips and their fingers along the jawline, picking up the vibrations of the speaker's throat, to understand communication.

Hellen’s unusual training and passion for education gained her acceptance into Harvard University, where she became the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. She went on to work for the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) from 1924 until her passing. Hellen spent much of her time touring the United States and abroad, advocating for those with vision loss and other disabilities. Hellen also wrote 14 books and hundreds of essays on topics ranging from animals to leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.

In addition to campaigning for those with disabilities, Hellen also advocated for women's suffrage, labor rights, and world peace. She supported the NAACP and was an original member of the American Civil Liberties Union. In 1933, one of her books was targeted and burned by Nazi youth. Hellen wrote an open letter to the Student Body of Germany condemning censorship and prejudice.

In 1971, Hellen was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame and was one of twelve inaugural inductees to the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame on June 8, 2015.

At Pearson Accelerated Pathways, we host Women’s History Month activities, educational programming, virtual networking opportunities and more. We value the aspirations of those who work every day to break biases and create a world where difference is valued and celebrated. Interested in joining our diverse and welcoming community of educators and learners? Find out more about our college program!

If you’ve ever binged on social media, you’ve probably encountered that strange feeling while scrolling through endless feeds… like everything in the world is chaotic and spiraling out of control! Then you look outside your window. Birds are chirping, cars are passing and the ants have formed a very productive marching line across the sidewalk.

The shift in perception of reality can be difficult to synthesize. And with the news getting crazier by the day, many are looking for ways to just stay calm and sane.

Logging off for mental health

Accomplishing this can be difficult, but studies have found that logging off of social media more often can be an important step. The Happiness Research Institute found that those who avoid social media, even for just one week, improve in mood because they are more present. Logging off of social media provides more time to explore fulfilling goals and activities. One person who did a social media cleanse for over a year said that they realized how many opportunities they lost in the past because they were on their phone.

Many others have described their experiences cutting back or getting off of social media as a net positive. Frequently they list the upsides as being less distracted, having greater productivity, enjoying the moment and even sleeping better. Others have mentioned that they re-learned how to be social in real life. The term “social media” is somewhat of a contradiction, as people staring at their devices rather than interacting face-to-face, in many respects, creates an antisocial society. By bucking the social media trend, many are finding ways to interact and have real-life conversations that tear down the walls (or screens) between them.

Social media can be a tough habit to kick, though. Recent remarks from former Facebook executives suggest that users are being conditioned to use the platform in a more addictive way. To fight the urge to spend more time on social media platforms, it’s important to make an intention choice and replace the habit with something productive. As one blogger recommended, “If you feel you need social media to stay in the loop, seek out alternatives like newsletters or RSS feeds that are relevant. If you have to establish a social media presence professionally, set boundaries, such as logging in once a week to check messages and schedule the following week’s content.”

Replacing scrolling with learning

There are plenty of other good tips for ways to get off social media by people who have done it. Some suggest exercising as a way to clear the mind and strengthen the body. Creating arts or crafts is another good way to log off and tap into your imagination. Some choose to volunteer with helpful organizations as a way to build bonds in their community and make a difference in the world. Others are reading, learning and going back to college as a way to reset balance in their lives.

In fact, gaining an education has been shown to boost mental health overall, as it allows students to connect with others, develop a sense of meaning or purpose, build coping skills and develop goals and hobbies. Education can also improve happiness by providing a sense of accomplishment. Some find that completing assignments and earning a degree gives them a feeling of pride and a boost in morale. Studies of the relationship between education and mental health have shown that higher levels of education can also help graduates gain important structural and economic advantages.

No matter what goals or activities you decide to focus on, limiting social media consumption has positive benefits. In addition to enjoying greater presence in the moment, you can also block off much of the negative criticisms that always seem to come when posting about personal struggles or experiences on social media. Additionally, less time on these platforms provides the space to build a quality of life that makes you feel secure and confident – rather than seeking that validation online.

Ready to redirect your energy away from social media and all the madness in the world right now? Come join a community of learners and problem-solvers! At Pearson Accelerated Pathways, we’re great at helping individuals find the degree path that engages their interests. We understand that learning benefits wellbeing by encouraging interaction, fostering open-mindedness and aiding in discovery.

Why not exercise your brain and work toward life goals right now rather than watching the world seemingly unravel on social media? Get started with us today!

Usually when working adults and parents consider going back to college to gain or finish a degree, they’re faced with an important concern: Can I manage it all? Often, they feel discouraged before even starting – wondering if they can find and maintain a healthy work-life-study balance.

In this blog we’ll provide six tips on ways to manage your study time as a busy working adult, plus share some advice from learners who’ve found methods to make college work with their schedules.

1. Consider online degree options

Before enrolling in a degree program, you should get a feel for the different options that are available. By comparing several different programs, you can illuminate differences in key factors such as scheduling flexibility, career development opportunities and areas of curriculum specialization or emphasis. In addition, online degree options can be an important consideration for adult learners, as these programs offer a flexible method to balance work, life and school.

Here are a few of the benefits online options provide for busy working adults:

• Online courses let you learn at your own pace. Typically, online courses offer more flexibility, allowing you to log in and contribute to class discussions on your own time. This is especially valuable for those balancing school with family obligations or full-time work. 

• With online learning, you can choose the ideal program for you based on duration, tuition and other key factors, regardless of location. You will also save time commuting to and from classes. 

• Online degree programs tend to be more popular among older or non-traditional students. If you’re concerned about feeling out of place on a college campus, online learning may help you feel more included. 

• Online learning provides the type of flexibility for earning a degree that many have not previously experienced, especially those who earned their bachelor’s degree from a traditional campus with a set semester schedule. Online learning allows you to manage your degree and schoolwork on your terms.

2. Evaluate your schedule in advance

Before you start your school journey, take inventory of your schedule. You’ll likely be busier than you think, so be sure to list all the activities you take part in during a typical week. Calculate how much time you spend on each activity. Figure out how much free time you have and if there is anything you can eliminate. Specifically, consider your current work and family obligations, and then reflect on how you will find the time to read assigned materials, attend classes, log into class forums, complete assignments and study for exams.

The amount of time you’ll need to devote to school can vary widely depending on your chosen major and course load. Ask a representative at your school how much time you should expect to devote each week to your studies. Are you completing classes online, or do you also need to factor in commuting time? Are online classes synchronous (meaning you must attend at specific times) or asynchronous?

It’s also important to discuss your goals and schedule with your job so they can be aware of your schedule constraints and help you develop a plan that is executable. They may also be able to help you attain employer-supplied tuition assistance to complete your degree. If this is the case, it could be beneficial to pace yourself to maximize your benefits. Tuition assistance programs often have a yearly cap of the funds available, so be sure to investigate the policies and calculate the most efficient number of credits for you to complete each year as you’re working toward your degree.

3. Make a plan

What’s your graduation goal? How many credits will you need to complete in each term to reach that goal? Are your classes available each term? Is your program in a cohort format or do you have more flexibility? These are all factors you will need to consider when making a long-range plan. Be sure to meet with your academic advisor to work out a projected completion schedule. 

For shorter-range goals, review your syllabus for each course. Estimate how much time you will need for each of your assignments and allot blocks of time in your schedule. Use whatever tools work best for you—a paper calendar, electronic calendar, checklist, etc. At the same time, don’t forget Parkinson’s Law: Work expands to fill the time available for its completion. If you allow too much time, you may find yourself being inefficient.

At the beginning of each week, look over the assignments due that week and budget your available time to complete them. See if there are any opportunities to work ahead. By doing this, you may be able to create more buffer space in your schedule. It’s important to work in some breaks for long-term sustainability.

If your classes require you to be available at specific times, make sure there aren’t any conflicts with your work schedule or other activities. Consider allocating vacation or PTO for extra time you may need to complete bigger projects. One graduate we spoke with completed her degree while she was working two part-time jobs by finding creative ways to maximize her time. She recalled, “I would get up in the morning, go to the gym and be reading as I was on the elliptical – basically, looking for any pockets of time I could study.”

4. Designate a study space 

Reserving time and a comfortable place to study can be a challenge when you return to school as a working adult. Find a quiet space that you can set apart for studying, whether that’s a home office, a desk in the attic, a peaceful back porch or a favorite table at the local library or coffee shop. Be sure to keep your designated area as clean and clutter-free as possible to minimize study-time distractions. 

As one student recalls, “Some of my classmates who were busy parents would attend courses sitting in their cars because it was the only quiet spot they could find, but they made it work!” It can be difficult to set boundaries with family members, but up-front communication can help to establish your do-not-disturb zone.

5. Develop a support system 

Have a few people in your corner to help, like trusted family members, friends or even fellow classmates and mentors. Being able to count on people to help you manage responsibilities and even tackle household chores, especially during exam time, can be a big plus. More than anything, though, you’ll need people to encourage you and remind you why you’re seeking a college education in the first place. These are the people you can turn to for support, particularly if you start second-guessing yourself. 

6. Brush up on your study skills

If you’ve been out of the classroom for a few years, you may worry that your study skills are a little rusty. This may not actually be the case, as many mature students find that they are better equipped for the classroom after some time away. But if you’re concerned about your study skills, here are a few tips:

• Get to know your professors. Even a few minutes talking with them may give you a better sense of their expectations, plus it helps to have a relationship established with your professors.

• Check out online tutorials. Many educators provide free videos on YouTube and other digital content platforms with advice on essay writing, note-taking and studying for exams.  

• Take a study skills class. Often, colleges and public libraries offer seminars that help older students learn about the latest study tools and techniques available to them.

Just remember, it’s never too late to learn. In fact, the percentage of students over 25 who pursue higher education is set to increase over the next ten years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. With the right commitment and attitude, school can be both fulfilling and invigorating – no matter when you return.

At Accelerated Pathways, we’re experts at helping busy adults earn a college degree at their own pace. We help you evaluate different degree programs by creating a custom College Options Report based on your specific goals, schedule and budget. Ready to find the right degree program that matches your schedule, lifestyle and career goals? Get a free academic advising session today!

At Accelerated Pathways, we love to share the success of our students. Learners come to us from many different starting points on their educational journeys, and we pride ourselves on finding the right path for each individual to succeed.

Today, we’re recognizing the achievements of Webster Rose, an associate degree graduate from our academic partner Pima Community College. Webster has not only been a supportive friend and inspiring mentor to other students, but he’s also gone above and beyond in his coursework and projects. At this year’s Instructional Technology Council Annual Conference, Webster will be presented with the Outstanding e-Learning Student Award!

We sat down with Webster to learn more. Originally from Jamaica, he re-located to Tampa, Florida in recent years and began working full-time at Humana. Webster smartly decided to use his company’s tuition reimbursement benefits to pursue a degree in Health Information Technology through Accelerated Pathways. Between working full-time and studying part-time, we wanted to know how he not only managed everything—but excelled.

Check out what he had to say!

What was the most challenging part of starting school?

The most challenging part was my expectations of online courses. I hadn’t been in school for 10 years. At first, I wasn’t sure how much time I’d be spending on studying or how to manage the course content, especially since I’m taking accelerated online courses. I began to realize how much discipline I’d need to complete all the assignments and projects. It takes a lot of focus and attention to detail to be successful, so resetting my expectation around that was initially the most challenging part.

Was Accelerated Pathways different from your other school experiences?

Yes, of course, especially since I haven’t done an online program before. In Jamaica, everything was taught in a classroom, so I had never experienced online courses. I knew for a fact that time management and prioritization were very important. I work a full-time job managing 21 employees, so finding the time to study was a bigger challenge compared with my previous school experiences.

What time management techniques worked for you?

I had to ensure that I knew what was needed from me each week. Since I’m a family person with a career, life is already very busy. I made sure to understand exactly what was due so I could set time aside to complete all assignments. At end of the day, I knew my goal, and I was sure to allot enough time to get it done. Prioritizing and managing my daily tasks were key to being successful at school.

What would you tell a new student in this program?

I’d advise each student to change their mindset and outlook. Understand that there will be moments you feel like giving up, so you have to have an “I can do this” attitude. Even the most disciplined student gets overwhelmed at times, especially when juggling day-to-day tasks. So be sure to reach out to all your resources such as teachers, classmates, academic coaches, friends, family—whoever can help you manage and de-stress. Your support group can help you achieve your goals and be successful in the end.

Did you meet any other Accelerated Pathways students in your courses?

Yes, and one was actually another co-worker of mine who I didn’t even know was taking the program. We bonded while going through classes together. I also met Humana workers from other areas going through the same Accelerated Pathways program. We’d all communicate and touch base to support and motivate each other. If there was anything anyone needed, we could give each other advice and help.

It’s also been amazing getting to know other individuals in Pima courses who are from Arizona, where the school is located. I’m in Tampa, but I’m flying out there for graduation and can’t wait to meet them and the teachers in person. They’ve been very supportive and built a community that I’ve been so happy to be a part of during my entire three years in the program.

It sounds like you really made the program fit into your life.

Yes, it took a lot of perseverance, and I had to make a lot of changes. I’m a social butterfly and really had to cut back on traveling, long conversations on the phone, hanging out with friends and partying. One thing I had to realize was that I must be adaptable to change. And though I’ve made these changes to my life to be successful in the program, they don’t have to be permanent. As I always share with my direct reports at work, success begins with you. You have to believe in it and go for it!

You have a wonderful mindset! Thank you for sharing, Webster.

Thank you for having me!

Ready to be our next student success story? At Pearson Accelerated Pathways, we love matching students to the right degree program. For associate degree seekers, we partner with Pima Community College, one of five community colleges selected across the country by Harvard to participate in workforce projects. As an innovative leader in the workforce economic development space, Pima offers a broad range of high-quality degree programs that prepare students with the skills most needed by today’s employers. Check out their academic programs.

Ready to start your educational journey? Reach out to us to discover the best degree pathway for you!