Serrato Named 2024 MAP Champion of the Year for Transformative Work in Credit for Prior Learning
Arlene Serrato, a dedicated leader in the field of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), has been honored as the 2024 MAP Champion of the Year for her exceptional work advancing equitable access and career attainment for students at Moreno Valley College. Her efforts have helped thousands of students earn college credit for their prior learning, saving them both time and money while significantly impacting their educational journeys.
Serrato’s contributions were highlighted at the 5th Annual Credit for Prior Learning Summit, an event hosted by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the MAP Initiative. The Summit focuses on the role of CPL in improving completion rates, career outcomes, and access to higher education for working adults, veterans, and other non-traditional students.
Samuel Lee, Ed.D., senior advisor to the Chancellor for Credit for Prior Learning, praised Serrato for her outstanding impact:
We are all so grateful for your initiative, hard work, creativity, and progress on behalf of Moreno Valley College students, staff, and faculty. You are an inspiration to many of your colleagues around the state and to the MAP team as well.
I'm sure the 577 students whom you have helped get CPL will be forever grateful for all the time and money you saved them! Your work has saved $3.5 million and will generate a $22.5 million impact on your students. By awarding almost 4,000 units of credit, you are opening up access and forever changing lives—and you’re just getting started.
Serrato’s work in fields such as fire, post, EMT/EMS, and paramedic training is expected to have a lasting impact on thousands of students in the years to come. Through her leadership, she has facilitated significant savings and increased educational opportunities for students, empowering them to complete their degrees and advance their careers.
Being recognized as the 2024 MAP Champion of the Year is an incredible honor. "I love the progress it is making and seeing our students benefit from the MAP initiative," Serrato shared.
The California MAP Initiative, which now includes more than half of the state’s 116 community colleges, continues to scale its efforts to make Credit for Prior Learning more accessible. By mapping industry certifications, military training, and prior learning to college credit, MAP helps students save time and money while enhancing their academic and career prospects.