Community College of Denver Launches Degree Pathway for Stop Outs

DENVER, CO. August 2, 2021 – Community College of Denver (CCD) announced the launch of CCD Academy to provide stop out students who are no longer enrolled in college a more affordable, flexible degree pathway. The new initiative is powered by StraighterLine, a developer of low-cost, competency-based courses to help students earn credits toward their degree.

“This new initiative will help students access low-cost, flexible and high-quality online courses that count fully for credit and give them a flexible option to return to their degree program...” Ruthanne K. Orihuela, Community College of Denver

"A college degree can offer an economic lifeline for displaced workers. But for a growing number of laid-off and furloughed workers, life’s circumstances -- not a lack of aspiration -- got in the way of completing a degree," said Ruthanne K. Orihuela, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs at CCD. "This new initiative will help students access low-cost, flexible and high-quality online courses that count fully for credit and give them a flexible option to return to their degree program — even if they have been away for a couple of years.”

CCD Academy is priced at $150 per month and delivered through StraighterLine’s pathway platform, which has demonstrated increased persistence and success rates for partner institutions. In addition to convenient access to online courses, the subscription price includes e-textbooks, online tutoring and access to support services seven days a week. CCD Academy is open for enrollment.

"Too often, students may just need a short break from higher education but lack the ability to take it,” said Burck Smith, StraighterLine’s founder and CEO. "CCD has recognized that by providing flexible, self-paced online courses, CCD Academy can offer stop-outs a way to start, pause as needed, and continue their education, helping students balance their lives while progressing toward their degree."

Students interested in learning more about CCD Academy can call 888.970.9316.

About Community College of Denver

CCD's educational programs are designed to enrich the social, civic and economic fabric of our community, nation and world. Through innovation, open exploration of ideas and preparation of a well-trained workforce, CCD enriches our democracy and supports a vibrant local economy. Programs and strategies that promote access — as well as the academic and personal success for underserved students — are the foundation of CCD operations. Visit ccd.edu.

About StraighterLine

StraighterLine is a student success company and the category creator for providing scalable solutions to deliver affordable, effective and accelerated learning pathways to formal degree programs and widely recognized industry credentials. The StraighterLine platform supports over 35,000 new students a year, including directly through the straighterline.com website as well as through the company’s growing network of university and employer relationships.