Lifelong learning is defined as continuously gaining knowledge or skills to achieve educational, life, or career goals.
The Kent State University Lifelong Learning Initiative promotes and supports impactful learning experiences that complement and extend beyond those provided through the university’s degree programs. Lifelong learning embraces a variety of teaching modalities and encompasses both for-credit and non-credit realms of education. Kent State’s goal is to become a champion of lifelong learning experiences relevant in every phase of life through a broad range of learning opportunities to benefit individuals and communities.
Explore Our Initiative and Programs
Kent State’s professional education initiative offers and supports professional development to help lifelong learners gain the skills and competencies needed for job and career success. Our programs, services, certificates, and micro-credentials help individuals thrive in today’s workplace and assist employers to recruit, develop and retain talent. Developed by combining several existing units within the university, the professional education programs group both facilitates the work of other units and directly offers professional training. The combined units are:
The micro-credential initiative for Kent State University supports the development and implementation of both credit and non-credit micro-credentials designed to enable learners to gain specific, demonstrable skills and competencies. Micro-credentials are short, focused credentials designed to provide in-demand skills, know-how, and experience. Stackable micro-credentials can also provide a pathway to a badge, certificate, or even a degree.
Pre-College programs at Kent State University range from art and technology camps for youth to College Credit Plus and Tech Prep courses for eligible middle and high school students. Our pre-college programs allow K-12 students to explore interests, build skills, and earn college credit.
Summer sessions, senior guest program, and prison education and reentry are examples of Kent State’s commitment to strengthen individuals, families, and communities by offering Kent State courses to all learners. Kent State strives to be a transformative, community-engaged leader in educational programming for senior citizens, justice-involved learners, and all lifelong learners. The special programs initiative supports cohorts of learners who need specialized support.
Kent State University is a credentialed training provider of educational courses for Ohio's TechCred Program, which launched in September 2019 to give employers the chance to upskill current and future employees in today’s tech-infused economy. Through TechCred, businesses can identify the specific qualifications they need and employees they want to upskill toward a more advanced position.