Skip to main content

Pocan Applauds U.S. Department of Education for Approving Federal Financial Aid for UW Flexible Option Program

September 2, 2014

Madison, WI — U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, applauded the U.S. Department of Education for approving the University of Wisconsin System application to award federal financial aid for a competency-based UW Flexible Option program. In August, Rep. Pocan requested Secretary of Education Arne Duncan approve the University of Wisconsin's application for Federal Title IV aid for the UW Flexible Option program.

"I applaud the U.S. Department of Education's decision, which represents a major accomplishment for the UW System and a great opportunity for many adult learners looking to advance their careers," said Representative Mark Pocan. "I'm proud to support the University of Wisconsin in this endeavor and I believe UW's successes in competency-based education can be replicated across the country."

The University of Wisconsin has been developing the UW Flexible Option at multiple UW institutions to convert existing degree programs and curricula in to competency-based delivery models. The University of Wisconsin is the first public higher education system in the country to award federal aid to students enrolled in competency-based education. Rep. Pocan also worked closely with members on both sides of the aisle to advance H.R. 3136, the Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act, which the House passed 414-0 in July.

Issues:Education