UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State World Campus has launched an educational partnership that will help former and current NFL players get their college degrees online.
The new partnership will open access to Penn State’s online programs and educational services through Penn State World Campus to the players who are members of the NFLPA, the league’s players union. The partnership is between World Campus and the Professional Athletes Foundation, a philanthropic arm of the NFLPA that was created to help players transition out of their football careers by providing financial, educational and career resources.
The partnership is through the World Campus’ Corporate Alliance program. World Campus has more than 30 corporate education partners.
World Campus provides students with admissions and advising counseling. Players who have credits from another university will work with staff to determine how to complete their degree at Penn State online or through another university. Staff will also work with players who want to start a new undergraduate or graduate degree from among the more than 125 online academic programs in fields including business, health care, liberal arts and sciences.
“The Corporate Alliance program is another way that Penn State World Campus is expanding access to a Penn State education for corporations and organizations,” said Craig Weidemann, vice president for Outreach and vice provost for Online Education. “Penn State is excited to welcome the NFL Players Association as a partner, and the University is committed to helping these players complete their college degrees so they can be successful in their careers off the field.”
In addition to admissions and advising, World Campus students will have access to other academic services such as tutoring and career counseling. Academic services include a free, optional online course called Transitions that eases students into online learning, while increasing computer, study and research skills.
“A college degree is necessary to compete in the job market, and Penn State World Campus will help our members take this important step,” said Andre Collins, a former Penn State Nittany Lion linebacker and executive director of the Professional Athletes Foundation. “The resources and preparation for learning online will help our members be successful.”
Graduates from the World Campus receive the same nationally recognized degrees as the students who attend a Penn State campus and can become part of Penn State’s worldwide alumni network of more than 170,000 active members.
For more information about the degrees and programs available, visit the Penn State World Campus website.