Online college set to offer degree programs to union members

Online college set to offer degree programs to union members

The National Labor College, an accredited online education institution designed for union members, has recently announced plans to develop a subsidiary school that will offer degree options to members of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

Tentatively named the College for Working Families, the new school will provide programs that meet the special needs of union members and their families.

"This new online education venture demonstrates our strong commitment to playing a significant role in ensuring that quality education for America's workers and their families remains affordable and accessible," said Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO.

"We believe this is one of the best ways to retain and grow good jobs in this country," he added.

Trumka also announced that the board of directors approved the selection of the Penn Foster Education Group to develop and operate the online college. The AFL-CIO currently has over 11 million members that will now have access to distance learning services.

Universities that offer online degree programs may be attractive to busy adults who would like to acquire new skills but do not have the time to do so in a traditional setting.