At The University of Akron (UA), students are gaining a distinct advantage in today’s competitive job market through the PLUS+ Path Program. This initiative, designed to enhance the skills and employability of UA students, alumni, faculty and staff, has been met with enthusiasm across the campus community.
Student Success in Action
One such success story is that of student Creed Patterson ‘26, a chemical engineering major from Canton, Ohio. Patterson discovered the PLUS+ Path Program while scrolling through Brightspace, UA’s learning management system. Intrigued by the variety of courses available, he enrolled in a project management course. A few months later, Patterson had not only completed the course, but also gained a deep understanding of the intricacies of project management — a skill set that has proven invaluable in his job at PCC Airfoils.
“I've learned so much about all the nuances of the job, all while working and having time for the other things I do each day,” Patterson said. “I've enjoyed the opportunity a lot and would definitely work on another course when I finish my first.”
Patterson’s experience is just one example of how the PLUS+ Path Program is helping UA students thrive. By offering more than 50 industry-recognized professional certificates through a partnership with Coursera, the program provides students with the tools they need to excel in their chosen fields.
A Strategic Partnership
The PLUS+ Path Program’s collaboration with Coursera, a leading online course provider, is a cornerstone of its success. Through the Coursera Career Academy, UA students, faculty, staff and alumni have access to courses and micro credentials from industry giants like IBM, Google, Meta and Salesforce. These courses are not only convenient and self-paced, but are also aligned with the demands of the current job market.
“It is more critical than ever that today’s graduates be well-rounded and credentialed if they want to get ahead in the job market,” said Wendy Lampner, director of online, continuing and professional education at UA. “Our collaboration with Coursera is a logical progression in providing enhanced learning opportunities for our students and employees.”
UA’s commitment to student success is evident in its decision to sponsor complimentary Coursera licenses for all
enrolled students, faculty, staff and even high school students enrolled in the College Credit Plus program. This investment in the UA community ensures that every individual has the opportunity to enhance their resume and build skills that will set them apart in the workforce.
Impressive Growth and Impact
The impact of the PLUS+ Path Program is evident in its impressive usage statistics. Since 2023, the program has seen 1,474 enrollments, including 114 alumni. Together, these learners have completed more than 4,254 learning hours across 496 courses, with popular skills including data analysis, databases, business communication and Python programming.
UA’s commitment to continually enhancing the program is reflected in the addition of 18 new certificates in the past year, bringing the total to 54. Furthermore, 14 of these certificates have been updated to include essential skills in AI and machine learning,
ensuring that UA students remain at the forefront of industry developments.
Join the PLUS+ Path Program Today
For students like Creed Patterson, the PLUS+ Path Program has been a game-changer, providing the skills and credentials needed to excel in the workforce. With the program’s continued growth and UA’s unwavering commitment to student success, students can continue to get added value from a UA education.
Story by Cristine Boyd
To explore the PLUS+ Path Program, visit uakron.edu/plus.