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Project CLEAR
INNOVATE
Delivering industry-recognized, skill-based education that prepares learners to lead with confidence and creativity.
Delivering industry-recognized, skill-based education that prepares learners to lead with confidence and creativity.
Project CLEAR is a William Woods University (WWU) initiative made possible through a $258,273 grant awarded by the State of Missouri under the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Launched in January 2023, the project is dedicated to cultivating leadership and entrepreneurial capacity to meet the evolving economic and workforce challenges of Missouri and beyond.
Project CLEAR embodies the broader mission of both partnering institutions to strengthen the workforce, education, infrastructure, and communities. It directly supports the department’s strategic goals of fostering equity, expanding educational attainment, and increasing labor force participation through skill development and innovative learning opportunities.
Using academic innovation as its foundation, William Woods University has partnered with Coursera to deliver industry-recognized, skill-based education that prepares learners to lead with confidence and creativity.
Since 2023, more than 858 students, partners, and staff members have completed over 1,840 Coursera courses and certifications, building essential skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology.
The initiative continues to expand in pursuit of academic innovation with new credentials such as the 12-credit-hour Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership and Change and the Community Leadership and Entrepreneurship Certificate (CLEC) — programs designed to bridge education, enterprise, and community impact.
Through experiential learning, our students engage directly with business leaders and scholars from Missouri to markets around the world, transforming knowledge into meaningful impact.
Undergraduate ResearchWilliam Woods University’s Mentor–Mentee Research Program enables students to conduct original research under expert faculty guidance while earning a stipend for their contributions.
Shannon Jones (picture right) completed a mentor–mentee research project titled AI in Accounting and Finance, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping professional perceptions in both fields. Her findings provided valuable insights for the evolving workforce in accounting and finance. Shannon presented her research at the Annual Academic Symposium in April 2024.
Pitch Competition: William Woods University served as the host for Callaway County’s Annual Pitch Competition, in conjunction with the Callaway Chamber of Commerce. Students from both William Woods and Westminster College, local entrepreneurs, and business owners competed for cash prizes to financially stimulate innovative business ideas. The competitors were evaluated based on the originality of their product, its impact, market analysis, and their presentation skills. The Pitch Competition reflected local entrepreneurship, stimulated networking, and ultimately rewarded various novel business endeavors.
William Woods is proud to support the next generation of leaders as they reach state, national, and international forums, gaining exposure, developing connections, and building networks that connect them to the global community.
Jennifer Bigler, a student in the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAORL) program, co-presented her research paper, Global Perspectives on Gender Disparities in the Construction Industry: Challenges, Nuances, and Collaborative Solutions, at an international conference jointly organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and IPER on July 1, 2024.
Her study offered valuable insights for strengthening female labor force participation in the U.S. construction industry.
Outreach and ScaleWilliam Woods University partners with Junior Achievement (JA) Trades to support early career exploration in the trades for middle and high school students. Through this program, students learn what trades careers involve and gain a clear understanding of the earning potential available to them. The pathway encourages students to continue their education at William Woods through options such as the Entrepreneurial Leadership and Change certificate and the BAS degree pathways once their trades training is complete.
Project CLEAR strengthens this partnership by creating experiential learning and community engagement opportunities for William Woods students. Through mentorship roles, hands-on service, and collaboration with JA Trades, our students practice leadership, develop entrepreneurial skills, and learn how to guide others. The program also expands connections with industry leaders, giving William Woods students meaningful access to professionals and entrepreneurs who shape today’s workforce.
