The American College of Financial Services and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) in Wisconsin have finalized what officials at both institutions are applauding as an innovative model for academic partnerships.
The articulation agreement, which goes into effect immediately, will allow qualified WCTC students to seamlessly transfer their credits toward The American College's highly regarded financial services certification programs. But what makes this arrangement even more significant is that it creates a framework for WCTC instructors to teach a specific set of The American College's courses.
"We are breaking new ground here in terms of how schools partner with one another," said Dr. Robert Johnson, President and CEO of The American College, "specifically in terms of how closely WCTC will mirror our curriculum and content as well as our instructional methods and materials. It's exciting. I believe there is great potential with this innovative paradigm."
Under the agreement, WCTC students will be able to take a number of courses on their own campus toward the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), or Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) certifications. The students would then complete the designation of their choosing through The American College of Financial Services.
WCTC's formal financial planning program is scheduled to launch in August.
"As individuals look to re-engineer their career path, our partnership with The American College will provide another opportunity for individuals to pursue," said WCTC President Kaylen Betzig. "This is a high-growth profession that anticipates a large number of retirements coming up, due to the high number of baby boomers currently working in the field. Our current students can also work toward the CLU® and ChFC® certifications as an 'add-on' to their associate degree, setting them apart from others as they enter the job market."
Recognized as a leader in financial services education, The American College has academic partnerships in the works or already in place with a number of four-year institutions. This is the first with a two-year school.
"One of our goals at The American College of Financial Services is to build academic partnerships that are mutually beneficial to the institutions, the students and the financial services profession," said Dr. Ajamu Loving, Director of Academic Partnerships at The American College. "I am thrilled that this unique collaboration withWaukesha County Technical College will provide even more opportunities for students to learn about financial services and engage in a profession that is desperately seeking diversity in terms of age, thought, and background."
About The American College of Financial Services
The American College of Financial Services is the nation's largest non-profit educational institution devoted to financial services. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has served as a valued business partner to banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and others since 1927. The American College faculty represents some of the financial services profession's foremost thought leaders. For more information, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu.
About Waukesha County Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College, the leader in workforce development, prepares learners for success within the regional and global economy. The College offers more than 175 areas of study including associate degree, technical diploma, apprenticeships and short-term certificate programs; customized training for employers is also available. To learn more, visit www.wctc.edu.
