UPDATES FROM THE CEO

October 13, 2022

To Our Unitek Learning Community:

At the Unitek Learning family of schools, we celebrate the power of education, and aim to empower everyone who has a desire to build their knowledge and skills. Many of us have witnessed firsthand how education can change the lives of students and their families, and directly benefit their communities as well as the world at large.

Through our programs and campuses, we have the honor of educating a vast number of first-generation college students, many of whom come from disadvantaged groups that traditionally have access to fewer educational opportunities. Many of these students may have grown up believing higher education wasn’t attainable for them, which makes their educational journey all the more important. Research shows children and family members of first-generation graduates are much more likely to seek out college for themselves. It’s amazing how seeing somebody you relate to succeed can create a ripple effect throughout entire communities.

Higher education is going through a transitional period like never before. Many have begun to question the value of higher education, and there’s been a shift in thinking away from the idea that college is even required to be successful. Students are demanding career outcomes commensurate with the investment they’re making in their education. It’s why a major focus of our programs is on providing positive career outcomes for our students.

Similarly, employers want educational institutions to prepare students for careers in the real world. Employers are starting to participate in the educational process, and offering valuable input on curricula and training methods. There’s been an explosion of employers partnering directly with schools to bring workforce solutions to their organizations, and ensure recent graduates are well-trained and well-prepared.

Academic technologies are also undergoing a revolution, with data analytics making major strides in maximizing student engagement and retention. When many people see the word “data” and assume it’s destined to be impersonal, it’s proven to be quite the opposite. Data analytics allow us to see what’s working and what’s not, and identify ways we can improve the educational experience for students.

As educators, we must continue to find new ways to expand educational opportunities. By partnering with healthcare organizations to bring education programs directly to their locations and people, we can create opportunities for current staff and the surrounding community, and open new doors that can transform lives for the better.

By embracing the shifting tides in higher education, we can better serve our students and create opportunities for more people in more places. Students want to be trained for specific careers, employers want students to be prepared for specific careers—and we have a unique opportunity to deliver this training, address the nursing shortage, and ultimately create a healthier and more equitable world!

Sincerely,

Janis Paulson
CEO
Unitek Learning