Building New Pathways for Lifelong Learning Through Certificates
Partnering to Equip Leaders for Today’s Challenges
What if the next generation of university impact isn't only measured by the degrees awarded, but also by the leaders equipped, organizations strengthened, and communities transformed? This question already exemplifies the mission and practice of BGU. It is also a relevant and crucial question to be considered as the landscape for higher education continues to change.
Education and training needs and opportunities continue to evolve in our current world. On one hand, learners increasingly need education that is flexible, focused, practical, and immediately applicable. On the other hand, universities are looking for ways to serve professionals and organizations beyond traditional degree programs. Certificates, or non-degree, non-traditional training programs, provide an opportunity for universities to meet learners where they are without requiring them to commit to a full degree.
The unique and long-lasting impact of BGU on alumni, faculty, students, and communities has allowed for the development of several unique certificate partnerships that align with BGU’s mission and the changing needs of both learners and educators. BGU certificate partnerships create the environment for both the university and the partner organization to do what they do best for the communities they serve. The result of a certificate partnership with BGU is a co-branded certificate that provides meaning and value for the participants. Cohorts are formed from a denomination, nonprofit, business, or ministry network. The certificate participants are then prepared for the transformational leadership that is needed to positively engage the world today. The added bonus is that participants often spark an interest into further education, and the connection with a BGU creates a pathway into additional university programs.
Truly, certificate partnerships are win-win for the university and the partner organization and are deeply aligned with BGU’s mission, vision, and values. Here are two stories of thriving certificate partnerships.
The Rural Community Chaplaincy Certificate Program was developed in a partnership with Empower Chaplaincy. Empower Chaplaincy is the organization that was formed by a BGU graduate out of his dissertation focused on the mission to train pastors and lay leaders as chaplains in rural areas of the United States. Rural pastors face multiple challenges in their communities that can be very overwhelming. This certificate program equips them through assignments that explore personal assessment, community assessment, and spiritual leadership to engage their communities and these challenges with new vision.The participants previously may not have considered higher education, but now many are considering further education and degrees. The Rural Community Chaplaincy Certificate Program is preparing to launch the fourth cohort this September.
The City Leaders Collective is a network and organization co-founded by BGU faculty and individuals who grew into leadership under Ray Bakke, BGU’s urban leadership forefather. The City Leaders Collective Certificate Program gathers city leaders for a 12-month journey that equips and launches participants into city movements. In addition to the training and coaching included in the certificate program, the participants are enveloped into a larger community of city leaders across North America. When the participants complete the City Leaders Collective Certificate Program, they are empowered to influence their communities through the education they received.
The world is rapidly changing. BGU exists to equip transformational leaders to lead through the immense challenges many organizations and communities are facing. Certificates and certificate partnerships can become a bridge between higher education and communities that need specialized leadership development. Universities and organizations don't have to work alone to expand their impact. Partnerships can connect academic expertise with real-world needs. The opportunity isn't simply to create more programs—it is to create meaningful educational pathways that equip people to transform their organizations and communities.
Dr. Kathy Pierburg
Certificate Program Director