Edison State Community College recently welcomed Congressman Warren Davidson to its Troy location for a roundtable discussion. The discussion highlighted the expansion of the EMT/Paramedic program at Edison State at Troy, the continued success and growth of the College, its innovative partnerships, and its newly launched 25&UP Finish Fast tuition waiver.
“In the current climate of higher education with things not really moving forward, Edison State is the exception,” said Edison State President Dr. Doreen Larson. “One of the reasons we’re the exception is the partnerships we’ve established. These partnerships go very deep and break the mold in a lot of ways.”
“We went into the COVID situation already growing as an institution,” Larson continued. “One of the measures of success we had was an increase in our funding from the state because of our students’ success. Our trustees then wanted to reinvest those dollars into the community in a way that would make a difference with the workforce.”
To achieve that goal, Edison State launched its 25&UP Finish Fast tuition waiver, which helps students change career paths or upskill in their current positions in an accelerated format while having 100% of their tuition costs waived.
Edison State student Erica Lunsford is completing the Graphic Design Short-Term Technical Certificate by taking advantage of the tuition waiver. Lunsford works full-time at a local church and recently took over a position where she’s creating in-house flyers and other design work.
“I work full-time, but my income goes to all my other expenses, so having to pay for school was going to be a challenge,” Lunsford said. With the help of the waiver, she can gain the skills needed for her new position. “It’s going to make me better at my job, which is exciting.”
Davidson thanked Edison State for its 25&UP Finish Fast tuition waiver initiative. “Almost everyone will say the biggest limit to our growth right now is people. This program is a way to address that need.”
Bill Chan, Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Franklin University, highlighted the new Pathway Portal created in partnership with Edison State. The tool shows students how the classes they take while completing their associate degree will transfer to a bachelor’s program at Franklin.
“We work very hard to identify articulation and provide information to students so they know the courses they’re taking toward an associate degree will transfer,” said Chan. “The Pathway Portal we’ve created together is so innovative, and we haven’t found any other system like this in the state yet.”
“It’s pretty neat that Franklin has partnered with Edison State so students can continue their education and get a bachelor’s degree as well,” Davidson added.
Edison State at Troy recently expanded its space to accommodate the growth of the EMT/Paramedic program, which prepares students for an in-demand job. Upon completion, students can provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients.
Photo: Congressman Warren Davidson provides remarks during a roundtable discussion at Edison State at Troy highlighting the success and growth of the College.