CMU社区支持Russell Stover员工
CMU President Tim Foster announced employees of the Montrose Russell Stover factory are eligible for two semesters of free tuition at CMU and the university’s community college subdivision WCCC. 这是CMU首次提供免学费服务, 也是学校支持社区的一部分.
Over the last decade pp电子极速糖果 has continuously supported regional economic development efforts. 从启动 科罗拉多农村启动计划 为未来的劳动力提供教育, CMU is at the forefront of economic enhancement initiatives. The no-cost tuition program for employees of Russell Stover demonstrates CMU also provides educational support not just on the forefront, 但当社区面临挑战时也是如此.
“Preparing the future workforce is an obvious part of our mission at CMU,” said President Tim Foster. “To fulfill our mission we must also focus on the less obvious efforts by supporting people who need help transitioning and recovering from significant economic disruptions. CMU and Western Colorado Community College will help employees at Russell Stover as they explore what’s next for their lives.”
The offer of free tuition for two semesters was initiated through an open letter to Russell Stover employees. Foster communicated that a series of support workshops will be offered to Stover employees interested, 但他们可能不确定如何注册. CMU offers robust services to first-generation students as well as adult learners. 许多课程都是在网上或晚上和周末提供的. This flexibility helps accommodate those who may have family, community or other obligations.
“Some people may decide to pursue a four year or advanced degree, but there are many other options available under this free tuition program,” said Vice President of Western Colorado Community College Brigitte Sundermann. WCCC提供许多两年制副学士学位, certificates or even single courses where people can quickly learn a new skill.”
周一, 2月17日, 2020 WCCC deployed the Sturm-ANB Bank Mobile Learning Lab to visit the Russell Stover Montrose factory to begin showing employees what programs the college can offer.
“Mechatronics is just one area we showcased today,” said Sundermann. “We just want people to know there is opportunity for nearly every diverse interest that people may have.”
CMU and WCCC will make additional workshops and information available based on the areas of interest expressed by Russell Stover employees. The Montrose-based manufacturer employs around 400 people and has operated in the area for almost five decades. The offering of free tuition is a result of the outsized potential impact the announcement may have on the community.
CMU Professor of Economics Nathan Perry has reported positive economic news for Montrose in CMU’s 2019 quarterly county economic research reports. Perry won’t speculate on specific impacts due to the pending layoffs, but believes the loss of a large employer is always difficult news. He believes the potential for retraining and increasing skills is an important option to have on the table.
"These layoffs will put a dent in the strong three years Montrose has experienced, but the good news is that the labor market is strong in Montrose, and I think if the economy stays strong despite the layoffs, Montrose can still have positive employment growth for 2020. Some workers may want to retrain and that’s where CMU comes in. There are benefits to enhancing workforce skills and those that choose to retrain may come out stronger. An educated workforce creates more resiliency to economic shocks."
Sandy Head is the Executive Director of the Montrose Economic Development Corporation. She was pleased to see CMU come to the table with assistance.
“The overture and efforts made by CMU in the case of Montrose demonstrates the kind of pull-togetherness that
科罗拉多州西部以. 听到这个消息我很高兴，”海德说. “这是CMU非常慷慨的提议. They are setting an example that free tuition might be something that could be looked at when it comes to the state supporting rural and distressed communities experiencing unexpected changes and challenges such as this one.”
Russell Stover shared with CMU leaders that after sharing the news of no cost tuition with employees they received “overwhelming positive comments,” and the opportunity “sparked much conversation about the future.”
CMU plans to work with the Montrose Workforce Center and other community leaders to schedule information workshops and enrollment trainings. For more information Russell Stover employees are encouraged to call the CMU 蒙特罗斯校区 at 970.249.7009.
