Kansas, USA, June 2025 – In an inspiring partnership, educational consultancy the ESSDACK Learning Centers and global empowerment platform Alison are empowering underserved learners in Kansas with the opportunity to rebuild their lives through free, career-focused education. Many of these learners are emerging from backgrounds marked by poverty, homelessness, substance abuse recovery, or the justice system.
At the ESSDACK Learning Centers, participants are accessing an extensive catalogue of over 5,500+ free online courses on Alison’s free LMS to build essential skills in sectors like healthcare, construction, hospitality, logistics, and public service. The initiative has already proven impactful, with more than 80% of participants reporting significant improvements in their employability and job opportunities.
One such success story is that of Jessica V., a single mother who was struggling with a precarious career path before finding stability, with the support of the ESSDACK Learning Centers and Alison. “I went from working multiple minimum-wage jobs to holding a stable career that supports my family,” she said. “This changed everything.”
The average starting salary for graduates equipped with micro-credentials earned via Alison’s Free LMS platform has reportedly increased to $34,736, nearly $8,000 more than previous regional averages. Graduates have secured roles as Certified Nursing Assistants, Welders, Logistics coordinators, and even in the U.S. Military, many of them achieving sustainable employment for the first time.
Mark Calvin, Site Director at the Learning Cafe, shared his pride in the program’s success: “We’re not just offering courses, we’re offering a way out. These learners are gaining confidence, dignity, and control over their futures. It’s more than education; it’s transformation.”
Ciaran Cannon, VP of Global Affairs at Alison, said: “We’re proud to partner with Essdack Learning Centers because we believe that free, accessible education is the key to unlocking human potential and transforming lives. At Alison, we are committed to breaking down barriers so every learner can build a brighter future.”
ESSDACK Learning Centers and Alison are committed to expanding the reach of this initiative by increasing course availability, gathering learner testimonials, and refining programming based on outcome data. Together, they aim to create a scalable model for communities worldwide, addressing barriers to employment with accessible, career-aligned education.
ENDS
About ESSDACK Learning Centers:
ESSDACK (Educational Service and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas) Learning Centers provide training and educational support to underserved individuals and communities across the Midwest. ESSDACK Learning Centers’ mission is to empower individuals by offering innovative, life-changing learning experiences that help them break free from barriers to success.
About Alison:
Founded in 2007 as the world’s first MOOC, Alison has developed into the largest free online learning platform globally, serving over 45 million learners. Its mission is to make education accessible to all, empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to transform their lives and careers. Alison provides over 5,500 free, CPD-accredited courses in areas such as business, IT, healthcare, sustainability, and soft skills. The platform enables learners to gain in-demand competencies without the time or cost commitments typically associated with higher education programmes. In addition to serving individual learners, Alison now offers a free Learning Management System (LMS) for businesses, enabling employers to manage employee upskilling in-house. This development allows organisations to deliver training more efficiently without the need to send staff off-site or invest in costly tuition programmes.
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