WASHINGTON (October 21, 2019) — Julie Peller, executive director of Higher Learning Advocates, made the following statement to express support for the Advancing Competency-Based Education Act introduced by Senator Maggie Hassan and Congressman Joe Neguse:

“Today’s students take multiple pathways to and through higher learning. High-quality competency-based education (CBE) programs meet today’s students—who are more diverse than any previous generation—where they are. Thirty-seven percent of today’s students are older than 25. More than half are working while in college, and 24 percent are parenting. These students need a flexible postsecondary education option that allows them to learn at their own personalized pace.

The Advancing Competency-Based Education Act—introduced by Senator Hassan and Representative Neguse—will create a CBE demonstration program to serve students’ needs by offering flexibility, ensuring students’ success by tracking outcomes, and allowing courses to be aligned with career pathways. Higher Learning Advocates commends Senator Hassan and Congressman Neguse for their commitment to the success of today’s students.”

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Higher Learning Advocates is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to shift federal policy from higher education to higher learning—education and training beyond high school that leads to a degree, credential, or employment. While more students are participating in higher education than ever before, there is a vast and growing disconnect between federal policy and the needs of today’s students, employers, and communities. We are working toward federal policies that create transparent pathways to success, incentivize innovation, protect students and taxpayers, and improve outcomes.