PEWL is Now the Office of Innovative Learning Solutions (ILS)

This powerhouse unit, now with a new name, develops, implements, and manages transformative learning programs for city, state, and non-profit organizations

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) is proud to announce that the Office of Professional Education and Workplace Learning (PEWL) has been renamed the Office of Innovative Learning Solutions (ILS).

This change was made to better align the division's name with the outstanding work it does to support its partnerships.

Launched by CUNY SPS in 2006, this exceptional division is comprised of more than 200 professionals who collaborate with a variety of agencies and organizations to help them achieve their goals and improve the lives of New Yorkers. The unit currently has 14 programs in partnership with city, state, and non-profit organizations with a budget of $48 million. In Fiscal Year 2024, ILS trained and served over 39,000 people.

"The Office of Innovative Learning Solutions (formerly PEWL) is one of the most unique units within the City University of New York," said CUNY SPS Dean Dr. Lisa R. Braverman. "This unit not only partners with agencies and organizations to develop transformative training outcomes, but also provides employees with professional development through a variety of impactful programs. ILS is successful due to its commitment to customer service, client collaboration, and the rewarding partnerships that result in meaningful relationships. I am very proud of their work. Partnering with ILS will always be a win."

Current ILS programs and partners include:

• Anti-Bias Trauma-Informed Training (NYC Department of Social Services)
• ACS Workforce Institute (NYC Administration for Children's Services)
• The Coastal Storm Plan (NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services [DCAS] and NYC Emergency)
• Department of Correction On-the-Job Training (NYC Department of Correction)
• Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Staff Learning and Development Program (NYC DSS Office of Policy, Procedures and Training)
• Energy Management Institute (DCAS Division of Energy Management [DEM])
• Family Development Credential Program (NYC Department of Youth and Community Development)
• Financial Independence Now (NYC DHS)
• Managing for Innovation (The Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity (NYC Opportunity)
• Office of Child Support Services/CUNY Training Program (NYC Human Resources Administration Office of Child Support Services [OCSS])
• The Academy for Community Behavioral Health (The Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health [OCMH] and NYC Opportunity)
• Training Technology, eLearning and Direct Training Services Program (New York State Office of Children and Family Services)
• Unlocking Employment: How to Partner with Job Seekers Impacted by the Legal System (NYC Opportunity)

“Our unit was created with the belief that a great urban university should address and support the needs of the city and its residents, in addition to offering dynamic degree programs," said ILS Executive Director Amy Perez. "The ultimate goal of ILS is to support all New Yorkers and the city itself. As we enter Fiscal Year 2025, we look forward to further advancing the work and initiatives of our partners.”

Perez said that when ILS begins a partnership, the team first assesses organizational needs to understand the work, culture, and goals to drive the development of learning solutions.

Here's an example of an ILS work project:

The Department of Social Services (DSS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), and Department of Homeless Services (DHS) staff used to attend Right to Know (RTK)/Workplace Violence Prevention (WVP) training in person. However, staff needed flexibility to complete the training within a designated timeframe.

ILS quickly realized DSS HRA DHS needed to provide staff 24/7 access to training and devised a solution to convert the in-person training into an eLearning. This redesign included a training content update, knowledge checks, enhanced learner engagement, and a course layout change from one course that had to be completed in one session to three modules that could be completed based on staff’s availability.

The solution was successful. It allowed 6,800 staff to complete this training within two weeks and eliminated vendor costs. In addition, it achieved staff time and cost savings since workers no longer had to travel to attend class in person.

ILS’ areas of expertise are comprehensive and include designing, implementing, and scaling up learning programs tailored to meet our stakeholders’ needs; process mapping and the development of policies/procedures to support new workflows; building learning management systems and supportive technology; offering robust program evaluation; providing expert project management; and creating and supporting asynchronous, in-person, and virtual instructor-led training platforms.

About the Office of Innovative Learning Solutions

The Office of Innovative Learning Solutions (ILS) was established in 2006 by the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) with the belief that a great urban university should pay attention to the needs of the city. ILS’ mission is to enhance organizational effectiveness and elevate individual careers through the design and implementation of transformative learning programs. In FY24, the unit managed 14 programs in partnership with city, state, and non-profit organizations with a $48 million budget and trained more than 39,000 people.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu