It’s no longer unusual for students to take some or all of their college classes online. Technological advancements have helped create convenient new ways to get a college education without ever stepping into a classroom.

Now, Shai Reshef, an entrepreneur from Israel, has decided to take the online education experience to the next level: by making it free.

Reshef has created a new online education institution called the University of the People, scheduled to open in April 2009. His goal is to take advantage of the Internet’s wide availability and ease of use. Reshef believes that students all over the world, at all financial levels should have accessible, affordable education options.

That old adage about a free lunch may be coming to mind right now. But the University of the People truly is tuition-free. Students only pay nominal fees to enroll in the university and to register for examinations, and UoP’s instructors and administrators volunteer their time and expertise. All the required learning materials and tests are accessible online, making a college education available wherever there is an Internet connection to be found.

The university’s enrollment fee will cost between $15 and $50, and exam registration fees would be between $10 and $100. Reshef structured the pricing this way to reach out to poorer students. Therefore, students from poorer countries pay lower fees, while students from wealthier countries pay more.

The UoP is in its most beginning stage of operation, but two programs will be offered when the university opens this April. Students can choose to pursue:

• A bachelor degree in Business Administration
• A bachelor degree in Computer Science

Check out the University of the People at http://www.uopeople.com/. The gates of higher education might be opening up for everyone – no matter their income bracket – very soon!

A recent survey conducted by global professional services firm Towers Perrin indicates that today’s workers are more concerned about keeping their jobs in the face of America’s economic downturn.The survey was conducted between December 3 and December 11, 2008 and targeted U.S.-based employees of midsize and large companies. It found that 82% of U.S. workers have been personally affected by the downturn in the economy. An overwhelming 91% said their companies have been affected as well.  

A survey the firm conducted just four months ago reported that the balance of work and family were workers largest concern. However, within months, those concerns have shifted to job security and maintaining health benefits.

“In an economic downturn, employees want to lock down the things they need to provide stability and security for themselves and their families.  A steady paycheck and set of core benefits, including health care coverage, typically top that list,” said Emmett Seaborn, a Towers Perrin principal.

Other survey findings indicate that more workers are more personally motivated to help their company succeed, probably in recognition of a shared destiny. More of today’s older workers are also considering delaying retirement because of depleting retirement funds.

If you’re looking for a career with increased job security and employment outlook that promises to ride out the economic storm, find out more about the job-based training programs in your area. Often, career schools choose to provide programs that help meet the demands of the marketplace.

Government jobs, like homeland security and law enforcement promise more job security than those in the private sector. Healthcare and education careers also tend to weather financial storms.

 What if you are high school student from a small rural town and you have your heart set on becoming a pediatrician? But you don’t know yet how you will afford community college, much less medical school. How will you get from point A to B to MD? Maybe you are a Hispanic American who nurtures a yen for dentistry even while you are expected to join the family business. Who can help you break out of the mold?

Or, you are an African American who is working your way through school, led by your goal of being a surgeon. Where can you find a mentor?

AHECs to the rescue!

What the heck is an AHEC? It stands for Area Health Education Center. Established by an act of the U.S. Congress in 1971, 54 AHECs now serve their communities through 208 centers in 47 states and the District of Columbia.  They fulfill one purpose: to build the pipeline of health care professionals by connecting students to health career professionals and to communities to improve health care outcomes.

 One of AHECs’ ultimate goals is to recruit more minorities and students from rural areas into the health professions. That’s a fancy way of saying AHECs work to link health care professions students with:

• specialized scholarship opportunities for needy populations
• professional mentors through training programs known as preceptorships
• loan repayment programs in exchange for working in medically underserved areas
• clinical placements
• a broad range of resources available through the Federal Bureau of Health Professions

Because most AHECs operate on a nonprofit basis, they offer their education services free or at very low cost. They measure their success in outcomes that service health professions students, professionals and their communities. You could be part of an AHEC, “Here’s How I Became a Practicing Healthcare Professional” success story yourself!

There’s always a way and AHECs can help. Check it out here: http://www.nationalahec.org/About/Highlights-SuccessStories.asp

Are you feeling ready to start fresh in 2009? If you’re setting goals for what you want to accomplish in the new year, you’re not alone. However, if you’re thinking about trying out a new career this year, it’s probably a good idea to do some research before forging ahead too quickly.  

Luckily for you, this “research” doesn’t have to involve hours spent poring over massive career lists or databases. A website called JobsRated.com has done almost all of the work for you! Using a scoring system based on factors such as work environment, average income, job outlook, physical demands and stress factors, this site created a ranked list of 200 different jobs.  Want to know the big winners and losers? Let’s start with the careers that might be a good choice in 2009. If you’re good at crunching numbers or thinking analytically, you are in luck! Here are the top three winners according to JobsRated.com’s rating system: 

1. Mathematician – uses mathematical theories and formulas to teach or to create solutions to business, educational or industrial challenges
2. Actuary – interprets statistics to determine an individual’s likelihood of suffering accidents, sicknesses, death or loss of property
3. Statistician – interprets and analyzes the results of experiments and surveys

 What careers might be less of a good choice? JobsRated.com determined that these jobs might be some of the worst professions out there: 

1. Lumberjack – fells, cuts and transports the timber that is used to make lumber, paper and other wood products
2. Dairy Farmer – raises cattle for milk production
3. Taxi Driver – drives and operates a vehicle to transport passengers within a municipality

While the jobs ranked on this list may not be right or wrong for every individual, it’s important to consider factors such as these when choosing a new profession. Check out some of the other jobs that made the list and you might find an unexpected career that offers everything you’ve been looking for.

Not interested in healthcare? You can still get the training you need to begin working in a growing field. Find out more about preparing for some of the careers on the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s list of occupations with the largest employment growth. Here’s the complete list of the top 10:

1. Registered nurses

2. Retail salespersons

3. Customer service representatives

4. Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food

5. Office clerks, general

6. Personal and home care aids

7. Home health aids

8. Postsecondary teachers

9. Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners

10. Nursing aides, orderlies and attendants

Thinking of entering a new line of work? Look into healthcare. It’s today’s fastest growing field. And, thanks to America’s aging population, it promises to continue creating employment opportunities for years to come.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare is projected to continue adding jobs through 2016. In fact, the following healthcare careers make up 4 of the top 10 occupations with the largest employment growth:

• Registered nurses
• Personal and home care aids
• Home health aids
• Nursing aides, orderlies and attendants

Because these jobs require various levels of training, you can begin working in the field quickly and then take advantage of opportunities for advancement. You can widen your skill set through on the job experience, advanced training opportunities and by earning healthcare degrees and certifications.