Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) will host a webinar, Thursday, July 29, as part of its Bridges to Success Equity Webinar series.

Thursday’s webinar is the latest in a series of monthly presentations given by educators and advocates aimed at promoting equity throughout Missouri’s colleges and universities. Jeanna Caldwell, MDHEWD’s manager of apprenticeship and work-based learning, will give a virtual presentation on how work-based learning can help close equity gaps in higher education.

Work-based learning allows trainees to earn wages while learning a new skill and earning a professional certification or industry-recognized credential. Employers can receive reimbursement for the cost of any training received.

MDHEWD’s Office of Postsecondary Policy recently published a corresponding white paper, which focuses on competency-based learning, a model of curriculum that prioritizes learning outcomes and skill mastery over seat time.

“Understanding and embracing non-traditional learning models will help us better serve a wider swath of students in Missouri,” said Dr. Mara Woody, assistant commissioner for the office of postsecondary policy. “Many students from groups that are underrepresented in higher education are self-supporting. By entering a work-based learning program, these students will be able to earn money while acquiring valuable new skills.”

Monthly equity webinars have been offered since September 2020. You can watch previous webinars and read previous white papers at https://dhewd.mo.gov/equity_project.php.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.

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