Galway based Alison, the world’s largest free online learning platform for workplace skills, has proudly announced a major milestone: the graduation of its one millionth learner in the United States of America. The announcement marks a significant moment in Alison’s mission to provide accessible, CPD accredited, skills-based learning for all, and highlights its expanding footprint across the U.S.A.
Founded in 2007, Alison (www.alison.com) has grown into a global education pioneer, offering over 5,500 free online courses across a range of industries – from IT and business to healthcare, education, and more. With over 45 million registered learners worldwide, the U.S. represents one of its largest and fastest-growing learner bases.
“Reaching one million graduates in the United States is not just a numerical milestone, it’s a powerful validation of our mission,” said Ciaran Cannon, VP of Global Affairs with Alison. “Millions of Americans are seeking affordable, flexible, and practical education options. At Alison, we’re meeting that need at minimal cost, without barriers, and with a deep commitment to lifelong learning. Last week alone, we had over 7,000 graduates across the US, people who availed of a powerful opportunity to gain a life changing skill. We’re with them every step of the way to a rewarding career.”
One of those million graduates, Morgan Ballou from Oklahoma, tells her powerful story of Alison offering her life changing opportunities. “There are no words. Alison is amazing. It’s the only, to my knowledge, online learning platform where you can truly learn leading edge workplace skills, for free. And it’s not like they nickel and dime you. Having dropped out of high school, Alison was one of the online platforms that helped me leverage and earn my way into a top tier college.
“I’ve done several certificate courses and two diploma courses, a Diploma in Legal Studies and another in Psychology. The variety, the diversity, the option to earn a diploma, the peer learning. It’s free. It’s convenient, you can do it at your own pace. Online learning with Alison has changed my life.”
Alison’s free learning platform also enables training providers, policymakers, and employers to maximise limited budgets while equipping job seekers with essential skills. Its globally recognised certifications help learners stand out in competitive job markets without incurring tuition fees. In 2024 alone, Alison delivered 4.1 million hours of free learning in the U.S., valued at $422m.
“As economic landscapes shift, and technology transforms work, the demand for continuous upskilling is exploding. Alison is not just part of that conversation, we’re leading it, making high-quality education free and accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time. When people register with Alison for the first time, they do so in the knowledge that we have the tools and learning pathways to take them wherever they need to go. We’re currently translating all of our 5,500 courses into Spanish, a move that will allow us to support the 40 million Americans who speak that language on a daily basis”, said Mike Feerick, Founder and CEO of Alison.
With growing partnerships across states and sectors, Alison is poised to further its impact in the U.S., supporting individuals, employers, educators and communities with low-cost solutions for professional growth and lifelong learning.
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