This piece was originally published on snhu.edu. Leading educators team up to help learners upskill and prepare for the post-COVID workforce.
By Lauren Keane, Assistant Vice President, Communications
Manchester, N.H. (March 9, 2021) – Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Kenzie Academy, an Indiana-based national leader in online technology training offering high-quality programs in Software Engineering and UX Design. Working together, Kenzie and SNHU plan to expand access to alternative credentials, creating a new, diverse pipeline of talent and closing the opportunity gap for underserved students.
“SNHU and Kenzie are a natural fit because we share a mission to help bring higher education to learners who have often been left behind by traditional higher education,” said Paul LeBlanc, President and CEO, SNHU. “We have long known that alternative credentials are critical to helping people upskill, prepare for the future of work, and be lifelong learners. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to displace workers, these shorter bursts of learning at affordable price points will be critical for learners to advance their careers and improve their lives in the new economy.”
Recent research from Strada Education Network found that nearly two thirds of Americans have expressed a preference or interest in non-degree and skills training options, and many are looking for high-value programs that allow them to advance their career. To meet this consumer and workforce demand, SNHU and Kenzie will work together to help bring more accelerated training programs focused on in-demand fields and jobs to more students nationwide.
Kenzie Academy was founded in 2017 and is a national leader in online technology training. With its affordable financing options making education accessible for all, Kenzie Academy has been able to bring high quality offerings to professionals across America and place them in rewarding careers in technology.“I am proud of the Kenzie Academy team and everything we have built over the past four years,” said Chok Ooi, Founder, Kenzie Academy. “In joining with SNHU, we can accelerate our mission and expand access to our high quality and affordable alternative degree programs to more students across the country.”
With the acquisition, Kenzie Academy will become a nonprofit, operating as a division of SNHU, offering online, accelerated training programs.
“At SNHU, we have long aspired to offer shorter-term and job-focused microcredentials, and we are thrilled to work with Kenzie to expand these program offerings,” said LeBlanc. “The non-degree market has seen major growth in everything from boot camps to certifications and more, and our hope is that these new offerings will help thousands of learners get back into the workforce or into better jobs by providing just the right learning, at just the right time.”
Why did SNHU acquire Kenzie Academy?
In the video below, SNHU President, Paul LeBlanc, explains why SNHU decided to acquire Kenzie Academy and expand access to microcredentials.
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