Loyola launches new platform to expand workforce development offerings
The initial launch includes online mini-courses in project management, cybersecurity, data analytics, education, human resources management, leadership, marketing, and sustainability. The University hopes to expand its portfolio to include additional offerings for K-12 educators, as well as courses in personal development.
“Aspire will make a Loyola education accessible to all,” said Jack Rice, director of the Center for Continuing Education at Loyola University Maryland. “The platform will allow us to work with Baltimore businesses and organizations that have an ongoing need to develop their teams in a more customized, personalized way, while also supporting individuals anywhere who have the desire and motivation to learn new skills.”
The platform will emphasize a sense of community—allowing those enrolled to connect with other learners, explore career resources, and meet with leaders and coaches.
“At Loyola, we are dedicated to lifelong learning, developing the whole person, and helping our students challenge themselves and achieve their goals,” said Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president. “Offering continuing education opportunities through the Aspire platform builds on our decades long work in professional development, and we hope it will create a significantly expanded, more accessible learning community for people with similar professional goals who are trying to better themselves, their careers, and their communities.”
The platform’s name, Aspire, is a nod to the Jesuit value of magis, meaning “the greater” or “the more”—which members of the Loyola community embrace in their approach to education and to life.
Continuing education courses are open to the public and will range from personal interest workshops at $20 to custom executive education and corporate training packages for $1,000-$3,000+. The majority of offerings will cost between $99 to $199. The University also intends to offer a series of free courses for community members.
For more information on Loyola’s continuing education offerings, visit loyola.edu/aspire. Join the conversation on social media by following @Loyola_Aspire and #EveryLearner.