Workforce Education and
Lifelong Learning
Learn. Grow. SUCCEED. Impact.
Expanding Impact
The Workforce Education and Lifelong Learning (WELL) Initiative at Western Connecticut State University (WestConn) establishes a structured, comprehensive ecosystem to developing and delivering continuing education and lifelong learning offerings. The WELL provides opportunities for lifelong learning and professional growth, responsive to both regional workforce demands and the personal and professional development needs of a diverse learner population.
Through WELL, WestConn aims to expand its community impact while supporting its mission as a responsive, innovative, and inclusive institution that fosters personal growth, professional development, and regional economic vitality. Through WELL, WestConn aims to serve the diverse educational needs of the community by offering non-credit certificate and micro-credential offerings that enhance workforce skills, support professional growth, and provide pathways into credit-bearing programs.
Objectives
Through WELL, WestConn pursues and seeks to achieve the following key objectives:
1. Enhance Workforce Competency and Skills
– Address regional workforce needs by offering non-credit certificates and micro-credentials aligned with industry standards and needs.
– Support skill enhancement for professionals and job seekers, making them more competitive in the evolving labor market.
2. Promote Lifelong Learning
– Foster a culture of continuous lifelong learning by providing accessible and diverse learning opportunities for individuals at various stages of life and careers.
– Offer programs tailored to personal and professional development, ensuring inclusivity for diverse learner populations.
3. Support Regional Economic Growth
– Align offerings with the specific needs of the local economy.
– Collaborate with industry and community stakeholders to ensure offerings meet current and future workforce requirements.
4. Bridge Non-Credit and Credit-Bearing Programs
– Create pathways into credit-bearing programs that support learners transitioning to degree-based education.
– Strengthen enrollment in credit programs by tapping into non-traditional student markets.
5. Foster Accessibility and Diversity
– Provide flexible learning formats, including online and hybrid programs, to reach a broader audience.
– Address the needs of underrepresented and non-traditional learners, making education more equitable and inclusive.
6. Enhance the University’s Role as a Community Resource
– Strengthen WestConn’s presence as a key partner in regional workforce and community development.
– Position the university as a leader in workforce development, career readiness and lifelong learning, benefiting both individuals and the broader community.
Our Offerings
Foundations of Cybersecurity
The Foundation of Cybersecurity course provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Topics include an exploration of cybersecurity concepts, tools, technologies, and industry best practices. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to develop practical skills, such as risk assessment, incident response, and security controls implementation. Through interactive exercises and simulated scenarios, students will gain confidence in addressing cybersecurity threats and understanding the strategies to safeguard digital assets in diverse organizational contexts.
