Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the annual conference of the Association for Continuing Higher Education. This organization is dedicated to the success of students who don’t follow the direct path from high school to college to degree. These are folks who…

• tried college but couldn’t finish.
• put their education on hold to raise children.
• joined the armed services.
• got laid off (or quit, or want to quit) and need workforce training.
• don't have a college credential for a million other reasons.

The excitement at this conference was infectious. These professionals, who have devoted their careers to students who aren’t 18- to 22-year-old undergrads, clearly see themselves as the misfits of higher education. But they’re having their moment as continuing education now represents 40 percent or more of college enrollment. These numbers will surely grow as colleges, businesses, and states are all focused on getting working adults back into the classroom to boost economic prosperity and reduce inequities. I left Charleston plenty buzzed, but one talk really got me excited, despite its seemingly mundane topic: Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

Read on to see how the self-reflection in students’ Credit for Prior Learning portfolios can enhance their college experience.