Turning Credentials Into Credit

Jobs for America's Graduates – Kansas is redefining how students demonstrate their skills, and Cloud County Community College is helping ensure those achievements are recognized and rewarded. 

When JAG-K launched their new Competency to Credential learning model in partnership with JMG and GenUS, they were confident that they had found something that could benefit students across the entire state. The learning model takes what JAG-K has already been teaching for the last thirteen years and elevates it to a new level – students are now earning verifiable digital credentials that showcase exactly what they know and can do. 

"When we were talking about our competency to credential framework or the verified digital badges that you all are working on this year, Cloud dug into it," said JAG-K President & CEO Chuck Knapp during the closing ceremony of region 1's LDC in late October.  "Their vice president for academic affairs looked through it and determined that those credentials are at such a high level of rigor that Cloud County Community College could actually grant college credit for those credentials. That's a big deal." 

This led to an important partnership – CCCC, along with four other Kansas community colleges, will recognize two credentials earned by JAG-K students and award credit for prior learning. 

Dr. Brandon Galm, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Cloud County Community College, and Chuck Knapp, President & CEO, JAG-K

"Credit for prior learning can help a student jump-start their higher education plans by giving them course credit for the rigorous work they’ve already completed elsewhere," explained Brandon Galm, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Cloud County Community College. " It also reduces financial barriers for students who are able to earn this credit at no cost at Cloud, compared to the cost of taking the course traditionally." 

While these credentials are being recognized for credit at multiple community colleges throughout the state, CCCC spearheaded the movement. 

"JAG-K students come to Cloud with built-in professionalism, work ethic, and confident attitudes that help them not only succeed in their courses, but also in building a positive and supportive environment for their peers," added Galm while explaining why CCCC looks forward to having JAG-K students in their classrooms. 

This isn't CCCC's first time supporting JAG-K and its students.  

JAG-K Day at Cloud is a favorite event for the region's programs. Additionally, they frequently host Region 1's Leadership Development Conference. Both events provide opportunities for students to tour campus, learn about life as a college student, and learn about the programs offered at CCCC. 



"Cloud County Community College has been a great partner to us for as long as JAG-K has been in Concordia," explained Knapp. "They want to make sure that our students have success in high school and beyond." 

Additionally, CCCC is making sure to share the love with other Community Colleges in Kansas.  

Dr. Galm didn't just keep the findings to himself – He took what he knew about JAG-K's competency to credential framework and his plan to award prior credit to the Kansas Association of Community Colleges. Now, our students can earn prior credit at four other community colleges in Kansas: Pratt Community College, Hutchinson Community College, Allen County Community College, and Butler Community College. This list is always growing, and it all started with CCCC. 

JAG-K is thankful for Cloud County Community College and their commitment to support the success of JAG-K students. 

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Kansas’ 121 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,700 students in 54 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. 

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include but are not limited to; AT&T, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart. 

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org, or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.