Online education provider StraighterLine has acquired Preppy, a platform specializing in career certification training, to expand its educational offerings and address critical workforce gaps in key industries. The acquisition strategically positions StraighterLine to meet increasing demand for professional training, particularly in healthcare and education sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, adding approximately two million new jobs, while early childhood teaching professions are expected to have 106,500 annual job openings.
Matt Hulett, CEO of StraighterLine, emphasized the company's commitment to providing comprehensive educational pathways that empower students to achieve academic and professional success. By integrating Preppy's certification programs, StraighterLine now offers training for medical assistants, dental assistants, pharmacy technicians, and other in-demand career fields. The acquisition expands StraighterLine's existing portfolio, which already includes ChildCare Education Institute and ProSolutions Training. Currently, the company serves over 200,000 individual learners annually, offering high-quality online courses in partnership with colleges, universities, and businesses worldwide.
Grant Aldrich, Preppy's founder, highlighted the strategic alignment between the two organizations, noting their shared commitment to accessible, high-quality education that reduces tuition costs while providing valuable job skills training. This merger comes at a critical time when professionals seek flexible, affordable pathways to career advancement. By combining their resources, StraighterLine and Preppy aim to create more opportunities for individuals looking to upskill, switch careers, or accelerate their professional development. The acquisition represents a significant expansion of StraighterLine's capacity to address workforce shortages through targeted certification programs that align with projected job growth in essential sectors.
