This story is one in a series about Davenport saving students time and money

Davenport University is expanding access to its Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program through new philanthropic support and technology designed to help adult learners turn workplace, military and life experiences into college credit.

The university recently received a $15,000 grant from the Old National Bank Foundation to help offset Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) fees for students with financial need. A check presentation was held July 16 on Davenport’s W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus. 

“Workforce development begins by removing barriers that prevent talented individuals from advancing their education and careers,” said Joe Kiser, president of the Old National Bank Foundation. “Davenport University’s Credit for Prior Learning program recognizes the value of learning that takes place beyond the classroom and helps adult learners earn credentials more efficiently. The Old National Bank Foundation is proud to support this effort, which expands opportunity, strengthens the workforce, and helps students achieve their goals.” 

The funding went into effect July 1 and comes as Davenport continues to see significant growth in student participation in CPL programs, which recognize college-level learning gained outside traditional classroom settings.

“Davenport is committed to meeting students where they are and recognizing the valuable knowledge they’ve already gained through work, military service and other life experiences,” said Mathew Devereaux, Ph.D., assistant vice provost for assessment. “Credit for Prior Learning helps students save time and money while accelerating progress toward a degree.”

Davenport offers multiple CPL pathways, including academic credit based on military training evaluated through American Council on Education recommendations, corporate and workplace training, professional certifications and licenses, nationally recognized examinations such as CLEP, DSST and AP, and the university’s Prior Learning Assessment process.

The impact has been substantial. In Academic Year 2016-17, students completed just 12 PLA attempts. By Academic Year 2024-25, that number had grown to 285 attempts. During the past three academic years alone, students saved more than $1.6 million in tuition through the PLA process.

Students who participate in PLA also experience stronger outcomes. Davenport data shows PLA participants have retention rates 14% higher and graduation rates 29% higher than students who do not utilize the program.

One of those students is Davenport alumnus Larry Pethick.

After spending more than 20 years working in marketing, Pethick lost his position when new company leadership required employees to hold bachelor’s degrees. Although he possessed decades of professional experience, he lacked the credentials needed to remain competitive in the job market.

Through Davenport’s Credit for Prior Learning opportunities, Pethick was able to receive academic credit for knowledge he had already gained throughout his career, helping him complete his degree more efficiently than through a traditional path.

Today, he is helping other students benefit from the same opportunity.

After learning that many students struggle to pay the $350 fee associated with Prior Learning Assessment, Pethick made an initial gift to support students with financial need. He later established the Larry Pethick CPL Empowerment Endowed Fund and is working to further grow the fund through a planned estate gift.

“Credit for Prior Learning helped me move forward when I needed it most,” Pethick said. “I want other students to have access to the same opportunity, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

Unlike other CPL options, Prior Learning Assessment carries a fee because faculty subject matter experts design assessments, evaluate learning and mentor students throughout the process. Traditional financial aid and scholarships typically do not cover the cost, creating a barrier for some students.

The new Old National Bank Foundation grant and the Larry Pethick CPL Empowerment Endowed Fund will help remove that barrier and expand access to the program.

To further support students, Davenport recently implemented PantherPath Credit Predictor Pro, a software platform developed by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). The system helps students identify potential CPL opportunities and estimate how much academic credit they may be able to earn from their professional, military and personal experiences before beginning the evaluation process.

As participation continues to grow, university leaders say Credit for Prior Learning remains an important tool for helping adult learners complete degrees faster, reduce educational costs and gain recognition for knowledge they’ve acquired throughout their lives.

“Students arrive with valuable learning already in hand,” Devereaux said. “Our role is to help them translate that learning into academic progress and open new pathways to educational and career success.”