By Catherine Stroh
Cedar Crest College proudly announces the launch of Advance at Cedar Crest, a professional learning initiative designed for working adults—career starters, career changers, and seasoned professionals—as well as the employers who depend on them. Built in response to today’s rapidly evolving workforce demands, Advance offers short-term, skills-focused training aligned directly with high-priority occupations across the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
Cedar Crest has a long history of serving working professionals, helping them balance ambition with responsibility. However, between rapid technological change, transformation in healthcare, and evolving business models, the labor market has shifted and reshaped what employers need, and how quickly they need it. Advance at Cedar Crest is meeting that moment, delivering unique training aligned directly with high priority occupations in the fields of Business, Healthcare, and Technology.
Designed specifically for busy working adults, Advance delivers on-demand learning that fits any schedule through courses that are all short-term, flexible, online, and modular. Whether someone is reskilling, upskilling, or preparing for a new career path, Advance offers learning that delivers immediate workplace value while opening doors for continued growth.
“At Cedar Crest, we believe leadership is cultivated over a lifetime,” says President Elizabeth Meade. “Advance at Cedar Crest reflects our deep commitment to meeting learners where they are—whether they are just beginning their journey, seeking new skills, or pivoting toward new opportunities. By responding thoughtfully to the workforce priorities of the Lehigh Valley, we are creating pathways that honor our historic mission while equipping today’s professionals for tomorrow’s challenges.”
President Meade’s words reflect a regional reality. The Lehigh Valley is experiencing rapid economic growth, yet employers face rising competition for skilled talent. In fact, 89% report difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified workers, according to the 2022 Lehigh Valley Talent Study. Advance at Cedar Crest was launched to help strengthen that talent pipeline—supporting both individual ambition and regional prosperity in a thriving economy.
At the heart of Advance are three intentionally designed pathways, each aligned with fields that are in high demand across the region.
In Business, learners build practical, employer-valued skills in operations, accounting, project coordination, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Courses such as Business Foundations, Business Process Improvement, and Financial Analysis prepare participants for workforce entry or advancement into supervisory and analytical roles.
In Healthcare, one of the region’s largest and fastest-growing employment sectors, learners prepare for roles in hospitals, clinics, and community care settings. With an emphasis on administrative, clinical-support, and health services management skills, courses include Mental Health Support, Medical Front Office Administration, Medical Billing & Coding, and more.
And in Technology, participants develop essential digital and IT capabilities, from technical support fundamentals to cybersecurity and data-informed decision-making. Offerings such as Cybersecurity, Data Analytics & Business Intelligence, and Cloud Computing equip professionals for today’s technology-driven workplaces.
Beyond individual working professionals, Advance also offers customized, flexible training for employers seeking to strengthen their teams. Select Spanish-language programming expands access and reduces barriers, reflecting Cedar Crest’s enduring commitment to inclusive, high-quality, personalized learning.
Whether someone hopes to gain new skills quickly or build expertise over time, Cedar Crest is here every step of the way. Advance at Cedar Crest is more than a collection of course offerings; it is a pathway forward, shaped by the needs of the region.
Advance at Cedar Crest is enrolling now. For more information, visit cedarcrest.edu/advance.