Riipen announces partnership with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's School of Professional Studies and University Career Center through CAEL's Build Better Careers program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver, BC (March 10, 2025) — Riipen, the leading work-based learning platform for connecting students with professional experiences, announces a strategic partnership with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's School of Professional Studies and University Career Center. This collaboration, supported by CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) and funded by the Truist Foundation, aims to expand access to work-based learning opportunities for adult learners and economic mobility for all.

Through this partnership, UNC Charlotte students will engage in real-world projects integrated directly into their curriculum, developing industry-relevant skills while maintaining their academic focus. The initiative particularly emphasizes creating equitable access to professional experiences for students who may face barriers to traditional internships.

Key benefits include:

• Integration of industry projects into existing coursework.
• Development of career-ready skills through hands-on experience.
• Access to professional mentorship and guidance.
• Opportunities for local employers to benefit from student insights.
• Enhanced pathways to careers in traditionally underrepresented fields.

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"We are thrilled to partner with UNC Charlotte to bridge the gap between education and industry," said Dana Stephenson, Riipen's CEO and Co-Founder. This collaboration ensures students not only gain the skills employers seek but also break into high-demand industries that have historically lacked diversity, creating a more inclusive workforce for the future."

Patrick Madsen, associate dean for advising & experiential learning, emphasized the alignment with institutional goals: "Our collaboration with Riipen advances our commitment to outcomes-focused academics by offering students experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom, enabling them to build professional networks and develop valuable skills."

The partnership represents a significant step forward in UNC Charlotte's mission to prepare students for professional success through accessible, hands-on learning experiences that complement their academic studies.

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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. To date, Riipen has successfully and proudly implemented more than 18.4 million learning hours for over 272,000 learning experiences with more than 44,000 employers and 700 academic partnerships, portals, and training providers in 9 countries, in both English and French. Learn more at www.riipen.com.

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About the University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte stands out as a rapidly growing tier-one research institution with award-winning faculty. Our competitive tuition rates and strategic campus locations provide exceptional value while serving as the region's academic and cultural hub. As a premier tier-one research university, UNC Charlotte leads the UNC system's growth, accounting for over 50% of total system expansion since 2009. Our award-winning faculty drive academic excellence, contributing to our 76-spot climb in national rankings since 2020—the fastest rise among Carolina universities. Learn more at www.charlotte.edu.

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About Build Better Careers

Build Better Careers is a transformative initiative by CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) 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. Learn more at www.cael.org/truist.

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Media contacts: 

Riipen

Jennifer Lussier, Content Marketing Specialist

Email: jennifer.lussier@riipen.com

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The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Buffie Stephens, Director of Media Relations

Email: BuffieStephens@charlotte.edu

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