The professional world moves fast, and staying current with in-demand skills isn't just a good idea, it’s a necessity. At the University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS), our mission is to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by connecting learners with the skills Minnesota employers need most. But for many working professionals, the biggest hurdle to continuous learning isn't a lack of motivation: it's the cost. When you combine the expense of courses and fees with the everyday demands of life, a professional development certificate can feel out of reach.
Now, thanks in part to a generous endowment from UMN alumna Karin L. Larson, which helped launch the program, CCAPS is able to offer noncredit scholarships designed to remove these financial barriers. The awards, which range from $500 to $5,000, do not need to be repaid and are intended to provide the support learners need to invest in their professional growth.
Impact in Action
For Amanda Vang, the opportunity to advance her career came unexpectedly. As a new HR generalist, she received an email about the Human Resource Generalist Certificate program and was immediately intrigued. What truly made it possible, however, was the scholarship.
"I know I wouldn't be able to attend the classes if I hadn't been awarded the scholarship," says Amanda. "Financially, I wouldn't have been able to do this on my own." The scholarship removed the financial stress, allowing her to focus entirely on gaining the knowledge she needed to excel in her new role.
Ryan Sternberg, a seasoned professional navigating a highly competitive job market, said the scholarships were a lifeline. Nearing the end of a contract position, he decided to pursue professional development to fill a resume gap and demonstrate his commitment to lifelong learning. He applied for a scholarship and was awarded funding to complete the Agile Certificate. "I did not have the $4,000 to enroll because I was in between jobs and really counting every nickel," he shares. “The scholarship was the sole reason I was able to enroll in and complete the program. I would not have pursued it otherwise."
The momentum he built during his coursework helped him land a new job in his field, and he was later awarded a second scholarship to continue his learning in business analysis. As Ryan puts it, "It shows that, even at a mid-to-late career stage, I'm still able to learn new skills and have an innate curiosity and a desire to learn more."
Data and compliance coordinator Dionne Miller told us that, for her, the scholarship was about being intentional in her growth. She was seeking an opportunity to build skills that would support an inclusive culture in her workplace. The scholarship removed the financial barrier and allowed her to be "present and focused on the true intent of its purpose." For her, it was the difference between postponing her goals or moving forward.
"Without it, I likely would’ve had to delay or forgo this opportunity entirely," Dionne says. She told us the skills she gained in her courses—confidently presenting ideas, navigating team dynamics—are already helping her improve communication and project coordination in her role.
A Commitment to Learner Success
These are just three of the many learners who have benefited from the generous support of our scholarship fund. CCAPS is on track to award the full yearly grant amount of $100,000, and the impact on our learners is clear.
As enrollment advisor Shanta Bhoelai notes, “When they find out about the scholarship, I think they’re a lot more excited and even more committed to completing the full certificate. It’s definitely a relief for them, especially because the application is pretty simple, compared to others.”
As Amanda, Ryan, and Dionne can attest, investing in yourself can open new doors and create a ripple effect of confidence and success. The scholarships aren’t just financial aid; they are a vote of confidence in a learner's potential.
Ready to see where your career can go with the right support? Apply for the CCAPS scholarship for professional development programs today!
Monique Dubos is a writer and content strategist with the U of M College of Continuing and Professionals Studies, where she covers the College’s noncredit professional development programs. Her previous beats included CCAPS's construction management, healthcare management, and IT infrastructure programs. She has also written for the Institute on the Environment, the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program, and various publications. Connect with her via LinkedIn.
