RWU School of Continuing Studieswill detail programs, discounts for Pawtucket residents, businesses
Aug. 15 informational session to explain partnership aimed at meeting city’s educational, workforce development needs
PROVIDENCE, R.I., August 3, 2017 – On Aug. 15, Pawtucket residents and businesses can find out about the reduced tuition rates and workforce development programs now available through an innovative partnership between the City of Pawtucket and the Roger Williams University School of Continuing Studies.
Based at RWU’s Providence campus, the School of Continuing Studies signed a memorandum of understanding with Pawtucket and Central Falls, aiming to provide customized educational and certificate programming for the two cities, plus dual enrollment opportunities for middle and high school students that align with each city’s economic development goals.
The City of Pawtucket will host RWU’s School of Continuing Studies during a free informational session between 6 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, 175 Main St., Pawtucket. The public is welcome, and the media are invited to cover the event.
“Pawtucket’s partnership with Roger Williams University is an unprecedented opportunity for residents to further their education and prepare them with the essential skills for our growing job market,” Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien said. “Our middle and high school students also have the opportunity to enroll in classes to earn college credits and experience higher education before they even graduate.”
“Roger Williams University is committed to building the university the world needs now, and the School of Continuing Studies in particular is focused on meeting people where they are on their educational and career journeys,” RWU President Donald J. Farish said. “So we hope this new partnership with Pawtucket and Central Falls will serve as a model for future engagement with Rhode Island’s urban communities.”
The informational session will detail the discounts available to Pawtucket residents who enroll in educational programs offered by the School of Continuing Studies. For example, three-credit classroom courses that usually cost $999 will cost Pawtucket and Central Falls residents $750.
The session will provide residents with the opportunity to learn more about RWU’s new downtown Providence campus and its portfolio of degree programs, career pathways and dual enrollment opportunities for middle and high school students. For instance:
• SCS offers 17 bachelor’s degree programs, 13 associate’s degree programs, 12 certificate programs and five career pathway programs
• SCS does not require SAT scores
• SCS offers career pathway programs that support unemployed and under-employed individuals
• 90 percent of SCS programs are also offered online
• Personal and life experiences may equate to college credit through a credit documentation process
Also, small business owners and employers are welcome to attend, particularly if they have tuition reimbursement policies and/or are seeking incumbent worker training opportunities.
“While other universities have partnered with single community groups or municipal departments, Roger Williams University is taking a more inclusive and ambitious approach, partnering with entire cities,” RWU School of Continuing Studies Dean Jamie Scurry said. “It is crucial that we work collaboratively to bolster each city’s economic development efforts and to support the needs of multicultural communities with personalized educational opportunities.”
To register for the Aug. 15 event, go to: https://scs.rwu.edu/register
For more information about the RWU School of Continuing Studies, contact the admissions team at: scs@rwu.edu or (401) 254-3838.
About RWU: With campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I., Roger Williams University is a forward-thinking private university committed to strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning. At RWU, small classes, direct access to faculty and guaranteed opportunity for real-world projects ensure that its nearly 4,000 undergraduates – along with hundreds of law students, graduate students and adult learners – graduate with the ability to think critically along with the practical skills that today’s employers demand. Roger Williams is leading the way in American higher education, confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families – increasing costs, rising debt and job readiness.
Contact: Edward Fitzpatrick
Director of Media and Public Relations
Roger Williams University
efitzpatrick@rwu.edu
(401) 254-3198