Riipen announces a partnership with the University of Memphis' College of Arts & Sciences to enhance work-based learning opportunities on campus.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2024, Vancouver, BC — Riipen, the world’s leading work-based learning platform and ecosystem for connecting learners with practical work experiences, is thrilled to announce its latest partnership with the University of Memphis' College of Arts & Sciences (CAS). This strategic partnership, supported by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and funded by the Truist Foundation, is set to revolutionize how learners access and engage in work-based learning opportunities.

The partnership between Riipen and CAS will empower learners to gain practical experience and develop critical skills that align with industry demands. By leveraging the Riipen platform, the University of Memphis will enhance its ability to prepare all learners for success in the workforce. This partnership, made possible through CAEL's Build Better Careers Program, prioritizes Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC), women, and learners from underserved communities, building career paths in professions and industries historically unavailable to them, such as financial services.

Key benefits of this partnership include:

• Increased access to practical projects: Learners will have opportunities to engage in real-world projects, connecting theory with practice and developing skills valued by employers.
• Curriculum integration: Riipen will work closely with CAS to incorporate industry-relevant projects into the curriculum, offering learners practical experience within their field of study.
• Skill and industry knowledge development: Learners will gain essential skills and insights through hands-on experiences, boosting their confidence and employability.
• Employment experience: The partnership will provide employment experiences to as many learners as possible, leveling the playing field for those who already have part-time jobs and offering alternatives for those who cannot commit to separate internships.
• Mentorship opportunities: The partnership will open doors to mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, providing learners with invaluable support.
• Community impact: Local employers will benefit from fresh insights, ideas, and perspectives on the challenges they face.

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"We are thrilled to partner with the University of Memphis' College of Arts & Sciences to bridge the gap between education and industry. This collaboration, supported by CAEL and funded by the Truist Foundation, is not just about providing practical experience, but also about creating equitable opportunities for BIPOC, women, and underserved communities," shared Dana Stephenson, Riipen’s CEO and Co-Founder. "Together, we are committed to empowering all learners with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today's competitive job market and opening doors to industries that have historically been inaccessible to them."

"Our collaboration with Riipen furthers the College's efforts toward outcomes-focused academics by offering students experiential learning opportunities and enabling them to lay the foundations for future success,” shared Dr. Abby Parrill-Baker, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “Integrating work-based learning projects into existing courses provides an equitable and accessible avenue for students to develop valuable skills and professional networks from inside the classroom."

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the field of academic excellence at CAS. It opens doors for every learner to gain valuable experiences and skills through work-based learning, leading to better employment outcomes. Both Riipen and CAS are eager to embark on this journey and look forward to a future where all learners are better prepared for the demands of the workforce.

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About Riipen

Riipen is the world’s leading online work-based learning platform and ecosystem, aiming to end underemployment and close the skills gap. Riipen partners with governments, colleges, universities, and short-cycle training providers to provide authentic, accessible online training for employment-focused skills and technical/professional proficiency. Riipen has successfully and proudly implemented 16.2 million hours of learning hours for over 242,000 learner experiences with more than 41,000 employers and 680 academic partnerships, portals, and training providers in 9 countries, in both English and French.

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About the University of Memphis College of Arts & Sciences

The College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Memphis is a dynamic hub of excellence in liberal arts and professional education, creative activity, and research across a spectrum from basic to applied. Our diverse community members engage with communities from local to global in scale and discover groundbreaking solutions to worldwide challenges. We empower students to think critically, develop skills valued in today’s workforce, and become lifelong learners who can adapt to a rapidly changing world.

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About Build Better Careers

Build Better Careers is a transformative initiative by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) designed to strengthen financial services career pathways and support economic mobility. By leveraging a $15.7 million grant from the Truist Foundation, Build Better Careers aims to create a robust talent pipeline for the financial services sector, focusing on empowering underserved communities. The program partners with education providers and employers to develop training opportunities that equip learners with essential skills and connect them with meaningful employment. Build Better Careers is committed to fostering inclusive career growth, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can access the education and resources needed to thrive in today's financial services industry.

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Media contacts: 

Riipen

Jennifer Lussier, Content Marketing Specialist

Email: jennifer.lussier@riipen.com

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The University of Memphis College of Arts & Sciences

Kira McNeil, Manager of Marketing and Communications

Email: kmcneil1@memphis.edu

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