Vermont Business Magazine Working adult students will have more choices and greater flexibility when pursuing higher education, thanks to a grant from the Northfield Savings Bank Foundation (NSBF) that is allowing the Community College of Vermont (CCV) to expand Flex, an innovative course delivery model which allows students to work through online classes at their own pace.
CCV was selected for the two-year, $200,000 NSBF grant to further develop and promote the Flex model. Funding will also support a Flex coordinator position, which will work closely with Vermont employers whose workforce stands to benefit from access to flexible classes and credentials.
“Now, more than ever, access to credentials that boost job prospects are critical for unemployed and underemployed Vermonters,” said Yael Friedman, president and chair of the NSBF Board of Directors. “The Northfield Savings Bank Foundation is proud to support this pivotal program for the community and we look forward to seeing the results of our investment for years to come.”
Initial development of CCV’s Flex program was made possible over the past two years through philanthropic support from the J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation. Flex courses and digital credentials can help Vermonters who are unemployed or underemployed gain valuable skills in a shorter period of time. They also allow working professionals to upskill with less time and financial investment.
“We know that for many working adults, fitting a college class into an already full schedule can seem difficult if not impossible,” said Joyce Judy, president of CCV. “With Flex, we’re providing a way for these students to see that continuing their education can be far more flexible, and beneficial, than they may have imagined. We’re grateful to Northfield Savings Bank for recognizing the potential of this program to open doors for Vermonters and their families.”
CCV is Vermont’s second-largest college, serving over 10,000 students each year. With 12 locations and extensive online learning options, our students don’t have to travel far from their communities to access our degree and certificate programs, workforce, secondary and continuing education opportunities, and academic and veterans support services. www.ccv.edu.
The Northfield Savings Bank Foundation (NSBF) was established in 2000 through Northfield Savings Bank (NSB) as part of NSB’s long-standing commitment to donate 10 percent of its yearly earnings to the local community. The Foundation supports Vermont-based efforts focused around improving residents’ well-being and self-sufficiency in areas such as financial literacy, education and at-risk youth.
Northfield Savings Bank contributed more than $650,000 in 2019 through NSBF and NSB’s Community Giving program as part of its pledge to give back to the areas it serves. Over more than 150 years, assets have grown to over $1 billion, and NSB is the largest independent bank headquartered in Vermont. NSB is a full-service bank offering a full range of community banking, commercial banking, mortgage banking, and investment services to consumer and commercial customers. Northfield Savings Bank operates 13 branches throughout central Vermont and Chittenden County stretching from Bethel to Greater Burlington. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. www.nsbvt.com
Source: MONTPELIER, Vt. — CCV 6.23.2020