It’s Portage Learning.
At least that’s the consensus of the staff and faculty at the online educational institution in Beaver Falls, Pa. It’s the sixth year in a row Portage Learning has been named a Top Workplace in the Pittsburgh region. The awards were presented earlier this month during a ceremony at the Rivers Casino.
“Of course, we’re thrilled to be recognized,” said Steve Michalik, president of Portage Learning. “This award is always extra special because we’re being affirmed by the people who know us best — our team members. That really means a lot.”
Organizations are nominated based solely on employee feedback received through an anonymous survey from Energage, a workplace technology and research company that partners with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to present the annual awards. In February, Portage Learning employees were asked to complete a 25-question survey on such topics as pay and benefits, organizational direction, leadership, and appreciation. Portage ranked third among 51 small businesses that were nominated, and also earned a special award in the category of Employee Appreciation.
“I think this award speaks to our organizational culture,” Steve suggested. “Our leadership team works hard to define our expectations, manage our expectations, and we do our best to model our expectations. But the culture doesn’t exist without the people living it out every day. Every time I walk around our building, I see it in action. We have an amazing team that really cares about each other, the students, and the communities we serve.”
Portage Learning is an online educational institution that offers prerequisite courses to students who prefer the convenience and flexibility of digital instruction rather than traditional classroom settings. The organization partners with Geneva College in Beaver Falls and Bushnell University in Eugene, Oregon, to serve students across the nation. Because of its asynchronous and affordable offerings, Portage maintains a vibrant segment of non-traditional students — more than 60 percent are over the age of 25 and often juggle family and work responsibilities.
Amy Sullivan has been with Portage Learning for eight years and serves as Director of the Student Success department, which delivers specialized coaching to students who might be struggling to complete a course.
“Some of our students may not have any other encouragement in their lives,” she explained. “They need a reassuring voice to say, ‘You can do this.’ We’re here to walk through their journey with them and help in any way we can.”
Zac Rorick is closing in on three years as the institution’s Director of Marketing. To better illustrate employee relationships, he pointed to one of Portage Learning’s core values: We believe all people have dignity and worth, and we love to invest in them.
“We care for each other inside and outside of the workplace,” he emphasized. “We hang out, we help people move into their new homes, and we go to movies together on Friday nights. We not only collaborate and share a common vision for our work, but we really do care about each other as people.”
Team members on hand to accept the Top Workplaces award were:
- Steve Michalik, President
- Renee Correll, Vice President of Operations
- Ryan O’Dowd, Vice President of Technology
- Diana Rice, Vice President of Academics
- Zac Rorick, Director of Marketing
- Anika Cordle, Director of Learning and Organizational Development
- Jared Williams, Senior Director of Finance and Business Administration
- And Brittne Weigand, Social Media Specialist
“We’re extremely passionate about expanding access to education to everyone who needs it,” Steve stressed. “And it’s important to have the right people on board to carry out that mission. Our vision is to tell a million stories over the next decade. And by that I mean, each time a student taps the ‘register’ button, there’s a story behind it.”
He paused.
“This is about more than just helping someone change a career. We really believe we can help people as they work to change their lives and, in the process, build healthier communities.”
It all starts with building a strong and satisfied team to make it happen. And Portage Learning is standing at the head of that class.
Again.
