Helping My Brother Work Toward Associates

[Whitepines]

Hi Katelyn,

I'm helping a family member in a similar situation.  I would suggest that your brother earn as many ACE credits as possible through Sophia Pathways.  Right now, they are $79 per month for as many courses as you would like to take.  There's a slim possibility that you may find someone willing to provide a promotional code to enable you to take six months or so of Sophia courses for a one-time payment; please check this thread if you would like to learn more about that.

While taking those courses, he should learn everything he can about the various AA/AS/AAS degree programs available.  If he graduated high school at least two years ago, he should consider this program from Pierpont Community & Technical College.  There is no cornerstone or capstone, and the degree requirements are very flexible.  For example, the English requirement is actually English/Communications, and the Math requirement is Math/Science.  They allow you to transfer up to 48 credits from alternate providers like Onlinedegree, Sophia, Study.com, Straighterline, InstantCert, Saylor, Coopersmith and Davar Academy.  The remaining 12 credits must come from a regionally-accredited, traditional brick-and-mortar college or university.

There are a few programs that will allow him to take online courses and obtain RA credits, either directly or through partner colleges.  ASU's Earned Admissions program is one very well-regarded example.  He might also want to consider TelLearning or Outlier.  Depending upon the schools in your area, he might find a local community college to be a good, low-cost source of RA credits.

The key is to do your research, and you can do most of it right here.

Thank you. This provides a great starting point.

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Can your brother take community college courses? If so, browse local college catalogs and see what they offer. You brought up hospitality and culinary arts. What other interests does he have? What industry is he in right now?

He has taken community college non-credit courses in welding, small engine repair and forklift. With Covid right now, he would prefer to work online. He is in the culinary field, but his job is sort of random. He's also repaired a few cars and a lot of broken equipment and other odd tasks - you know. The good ole other duties as assigned.