UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State and the Greater Valley Susquehanna Chamber of Commerce are partnering to help professionals in central Pennsylvania advance their careers.
A new educational agreement, announced Tuesday, Oct. 6, will bring online learning to the employees who work at the more than 800 businesses that are members of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce. Through the partnership, employees can receive a tuition reduction when they take courses through Penn State World Campus, the University’s online campus.
Employees can apply for admission starting in Penn State’s spring 2016 semester.
The agreement is through the Penn State World Campus Corporate Alliance Program. World Campus has more than 30 corporate education partners, and the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce is the first partner of its kind.
“Through the Corporate Alliance program, Penn State World Campus is providing easy access to a Penn State education to the employees of major organizations,” said Craig Weidemann, vice president for Outreach and vice provost for Online Education. “We are excited to welcome the Greater Susquehanna Chamber of Commerce as a Corporate Alliance partner, and to provide access to the World Campus to their membership.”
The chamber of commerce seeks to foster economic development in Snyder, Union, Northumberland and Montour counties. Members include large organizations and businesses, such as Geisinger Medical Center and Weis Markets, and small and entrepreneurial businesses, school districts, universities, restaurants and non-profit organizations.
The partnership is a way that the chamber of commerce can add value for its members so they can invest in the futures of their employees, said President Bob Garrett.
“Today’s fast-paced world requires companies, particularly small and entrepreneurial businesses like those that make up the core of our membership, to provide targeted educational benefits for their employees,” Garrett said. “Thanks to Penn State World Campus, our chamber is now part of a strategic partnership that will allow our member businesses and agencies to adapt, profit and grow as the winds of change inevitably come through our valley.”
The employees who enroll in Penn State World Campus can choose from more than 120 undergraduate and graduate online degrees and certificates, including programs in nursing, business, finance and education. Participants will have access to a wide variety of student support services, such as admissions counseling, advising, tutoring and career counseling.
For more information about the partnership, visit the Penn State World Campus website.