University of Phoenix announced on June 23, 2021, that it was working with the Spark program sponsored by EdCast to provide adult learners and employees of small and mid-sized businesses (SMB) with access to its courses. Those who choose to sign up for the program can complete courses in business, healthcare and technology. As part of the agreement, Spark users will receive a reduction in tuition at the University, whether or not they are part of a degree or certificate program.
What is Spark by EdCast?
Spark by EdCast is an online platform that provides educational opportunities for employees of SMBs to enhance their skills. The platform is mobile-friendly, allowing enrolled students to access course material wherever they go. Spark uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide a personalized learning experience and targeted training.
Traditionally, only large companies have had the financial resources to partner with a major university to offer employees tuition benefits. EdCast leadership felt excited about joining forces with University of Phoenix to offer the same education benefits to employees of SMBs.
Adult learners enrolled in the Spark program will save 15 percent on their higher education costs when working toward a bachelor’s degree program with University of Phoenix. Spark users enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program will receive every sixth course free. This tuition rate applies to some certificate programs as well. All students can have their previous work and life experiences evaluated for potential college credits under the University of Phoenix Prior Learning Assessment program.
Nathan Jones, director of product development for E2B Solutions Strategy at University of Phoenix, also expressed his enthusiasm about the recent partnership. He spoke on behalf of the administrative team when he stated they are excited to collaborate with EdCast’s Spark platform to provide money-saving opportunities to employees of SMBs.
EdCast Founder and CEO Karl Mehta explained the company’s dedication to helping individuals and organizations meet their talent development and upskilling needs. He felt equally enthusiastic as Jones about offering adult learners the chance to follow an education pathway at University of Phoenix that aligns with their career goals. Mehta felt that access to University of Phoenix courses at discounted rates will accelerate skill development for users of the platform and contribute to a faster rate of upward mobility.
EdCast is the recipient of a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer Award. Businesses turn to the company’s Spark platform to find skilled, educated employees who are ready to work. Other programs that operate under the EdCast umbrella include MyGuide Digital Adoption Platform, EdCast Marketplace and the Talent Experience Platform.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix began in 1976 as a single brick-and-mortar, four-year educational facility in Phoenix, Arizona. When online education emerged in the early 1990s, the University was one of the first of its kind to offer degree and certificate programs over the internet.
University of Phoenix has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (http://hlcommission.org) and its predecessor, since 1978. Choosing an accredited school and program is important for students to ensure they receive a quality education. Accrediting organizations are third parties that evaluate schools and programs in several categories to confirm they offer significant value for students.
Students enrolled at University of Phoenix have access to their course material 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The University’s instructors have an average of 26 years of real-world experience in the areas of study they teach. Faculty and staff are accustomed to working with adult learners who also have job and family responsibilities they must meet while attending classes.
The University assigns an academic advisor to every student who checks in with them frequently to see if they need any extra support to complete their courses. Working students who choose an online program complete one course at a time over a period of six weeks. Degree programs start approximately once each month throughout the year.
