New Partnership with Riipen
Charlotte, NC (March 10, 2025) — UNC Charlotte’s School of Professional Studies and University Career Center announces a strategic partnership with Riipen, the leading work-based learning platform for connecting students with professional experiences. This collaboration, supported by CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) and funded by the Truist Foundation, aims to expand access to work-based learning opportunities for adult learners and economic mobility for all.
Through this innovative partnership, UNC Charlotte will complement its curriculum by offering real-world projects that allow students to gain practical experience applying their coursework to employer-sponsored projects. The initiative emphasizes creating equitable access to professional experiences, especially benefiting students who may face barriers to traditional internships.
“Integrating work-based learning projects into the curriculum provides an equitable and accessible avenue for students to develop valuable skills and professional networks from outside the classroom,” said Patrick Madsen, associate dean for advising & experiential learning.
“This collaboration advances our commitment to outcomes-focused academics and ensures our students gain practical experience that will serve them in their future careers,” replied Asher Haines, associate provost of the School of Professional Studies.
Key benefits for UNC Charlotte students include:
- Direct exposure to industry projects within their regular coursework
- Development of career-ready skills through hands-on experience
- Access to professional mentorship and guidance
- Enhanced preparation for careers in traditionally underrepresented fields
- Opportunities to work with local employers on real business challenges
The partnership will leverage Riipen’s platform to connect UNC Charlotte students with industry projects that complement their academic studies. “We are delighted to work with Riipen to enhance our students’ learning experience,” added Madsen. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students for professional success through accessible, hands-on learning experiences.”
Dana Stephenson, Riipen’s CEO and Co-Founder, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Working with UNC Charlotte demonstrates our shared commitment to fostering equity in education by providing students with practical experiences that prepare them for success. Together, we are expanding access to industries such as tech, finance, and healthcare, ensuring students from all backgrounds can thrive in today’s competitive job market.”
This initiative represents UNC Charlotte’s ongoing commitment to innovative education and career preparation, ensuring students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The University continues to expand its offerings of experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for successful careers while supporting the region’s workforce development needs.
For more information about this partnership or UNC Charlotte’s School of Professional Studies, please contact Jeffrey Jones, director of strategic workforce engagement, at jeffrey.jones@charlotte.edu.
About Riipen
Riipen is the world’s leading online work-based learning platform and ecosystem, aiming to end underemployment and close the skills gap. Riipen partners with governments, colleges, universities, and short-cycle training providers to provide authentic, accessible online training for employment-focused skills and technical/professional proficiency. To date, Riipen has successfully and proudly implemented more than 18.4 million learning hours for over 272,000 learning experiences with more than 44,000 employers and 700 academic partnerships, portals, and training providers in 9 countries, in both English and French. Learn more at www.riipen.com.
About the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
UNC Charlotte stands out as a rapidly growing tier-one research institution with award-winning faculty. Our competitive tuition rates and strategic campus locations provide exceptional value while serving as the region’s academic and cultural hub. As a premier tier-one research university, UNC Charlotte leads the UNC system’s growth, accounting for over 50% of total system expansion since 2009. Our award-winning faculty drive academic excellence, contributing to our 76-spot climb in national rankings since 2020—the fastest rise among Carolina universities. Learn more at www.charlotte.edu.
About Build Better Careers
Build Better Careers is a transformative initiative by CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) designed to strengthen financial services career pathways and support economic mobility. By leveraging a $15.7 million grant from the Truist Foundation, Build Better Careers aims to create a robust talent pipeline for the financial services sector, focusing on empowering underserved communities. The program partners with education providers and employers to develop training opportunities that equip learners with essential skills and connect them with meaningful employment. Build Better Careers is committed to fostering inclusive career growth, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can access the education and resources needed to thrive in today’s financial services industry. Learn more at www.cael.org/truist.
Media contacts:
UNC Charlotte School of Professional Studies
Michael Utsman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications
Email: michael.utsman@charlotte.edu
Riipen
Jennifer Lussier, Content Marketing Specialist
Email: jennifer.lussier@riipen.com