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How LSU partnered with Ziplines Education to drive workforce development and boost enrollments

Ziplines has allowed us to grow and evolve in ways we couldn’t have done on our own. This partnership is truly transforming how we serve our learners and our community.

Kristy Anthony
Director of Professional Development Online at LSU

Meeting workforce needs with flexible, high-impact programs

For over a century, Louisiana State University Online & Continuing Education has been a cornerstone of lifelong learning in Baton Rouge. It has helped individuals advance their personal and professional goals. Recently, LSU Online & Continuing Education faced a new challenge: adapting to the rapidly evolving demands of today’s workforce. With tech-enabled skills becoming a must-have across industries, LSU Online & Continuing Education recognized the need for a partner to bridge the gap between market demands and learner needs.

Challenges LSU Online & Continuing Education faced

  • Gaps in workforce-aligned alternative credentials.
  • Need for rapid program deployment to address state and regional skills demands.
  • Learners seeking shorter, flexible programs in addition to traditional degree pathways.

Partnering with Ziplines Education

In 2023, LSU Online & Continuing Education partnered with Ziplines Education to transform its continuing education portfolio. The partnership with Ziplines addresses key challenges faced by traditional institutions. Learners today demand alternatives to lengthy degree programs. Ziplines’ short, intensive courses—ranging from five to ten weeks—provide practical, immediately applicable skills in areas such as AI prompting and business analytics that are ideal for working adults.

"We chose Ziplines because of their strong focus on learner success and the quality of their programs," said Kristy Anthony, Director of Professional Development Online at LSU Online & Continuing Education. "The dedicated coaches and emphasis on completion rates really stood out to us, as those are not always priorities for other partners. Ziplines’ ability to quickly deliver relevant, high-quality credentials filled critical gaps in our portfolio at the right time."

Success stories: Real impact on learners

The Digital Marketing Certificate quickly became a favorite among learners. Participants have praised its practicality, networking opportunities, and career-ready outcomes. As one learner noted, “If you’re even remotely thinking about doing it, you should do it. It’s the real deal.”

What learners say

92% feel more confident and prepared
77% report a positive impact on their career
80% are applying their new skills

“It’s so rewarding to see learners invest in their careers and feel like they’re getting tangible benefits for their time and money,” said Anthony. 

Future proofing

Looking ahead, LSU Online & Continuing Education plans to expand its Ziplines-supported programs, introducing new offerings to address emerging workforce trends. This forward-thinking approach ensures LSU’s learners remain competitive in an ever-changing job market.

Ziplines’ Solutions

  • Flexible learning experience: Programs reduced barriers for working professionals by combining on-demand online learning with live, facilitated sessions. 
  • Scalable growth: Enable LSU to meet market demands quickly without overburdening internal teams.
  • In-demand skills: Programs are offered in high-growth career and skill areas that are applicable across industries.

Key Outcomes

  • Launched programs in Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, and AI Prompting
  • Increased revenue
  • 75% completion rate

Meeting workforce needs with flexible, high-impact programs

For over a century, Louisiana State University Online & Continuing Education has been a cornerstone of lifelong learning in Baton Rouge. It has helped individuals advance their personal and professional goals. Recently, LSU Online & Continuing Education faced a new challenge: adapting to the rapidly evolving demands of today’s workforce. With tech-enabled skills becoming a must-have across industries, LSU Online & Continuing Education recognized the need for a partner to bridge the gap between market demands and learner needs.

Challenges LSU Online & Continuing Education faced

  • Gaps in workforce-aligned alternative credentials.
  • Need for rapid program deployment to address state and regional skills demands.
  • Learners seeking shorter, flexible programs in addition to traditional degree pathways.

Partnering with Ziplines Education

In 2023, LSU Online & Continuing Education partnered with Ziplines Education to transform its continuing education portfolio. The partnership with Ziplines addresses key challenges faced by traditional institutions. Learners today demand alternatives to lengthy degree programs. Ziplines’ short, intensive courses—ranging from five to ten weeks—provide practical, immediately applicable skills in areas such as AI prompting and business analytics that are ideal for working adults.

"We chose Ziplines because of their strong focus on learner success and the quality of their programs," said Kristy Anthony, Director of Professional Development Online at LSU Online & Continuing Education. "The dedicated coaches and emphasis on completion rates really stood out to us, as those are not always priorities for other partners. Ziplines’ ability to quickly deliver relevant, high-quality credentials filled critical gaps in our portfolio at the right time."

Success stories: Real impact on learners

The Digital Marketing Certificate quickly became a favorite among learners. Participants have praised its practicality, networking opportunities, and career-ready outcomes. As one learner noted, “If you’re even remotely thinking about doing it, you should do it. It’s the real deal.”

What learners say

92% feel more confident and prepared
77% report a positive impact on their career
80% are applying their new skills

“It’s so rewarding to see learners invest in their careers and feel like they’re getting tangible benefits for their time and money,” said Anthony. 

Future proofing

Looking ahead, LSU Online & Continuing Education plans to expand its Ziplines-supported programs, introducing new offerings to address emerging workforce trends. This forward-thinking approach ensures LSU’s learners remain competitive in an ever-changing job market.

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