Today, the Maryland Higher Education Commission formally approved the IAM/Empire State College (ESC) Partnership. The IAM/Empire State College Partnership allows members to pursue or complete a Baccalaureate Degree through a combination of prior learning, existing college credits, and coursework at the Winpisinger Center.
“This announcement represents the culmination of a great deal of work by the staff of the Winpisinger Center and leadership at Empire State College, SUNY – and more critically, it opens the door to an affordable, high quality college degree for the membership,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Robert Roach, Jr.
The first residency or “Port of Entry” week is confirmed for the week of September 20 – 25, 2015. Classes will begin online several weeks before. The last date to register for classes is September 4, 2015. The “Port of Entry” week is where members begin the process of earning their Baccalaureate Degree. The “Port of Entry” week consist of three classes: Educational Planning, College Writing, and Readings in Labor & Public Affairs.
Nearly 40 Winpisinger Center programs have been approved for college credit. Additionally, members may apply apprenticeship training, military training, and prior work or other life experiences with online classes at ESC in order to complete their degree. Members are able to transfer credits from other colleges or universities they may have attended. Empire State College is a fully accredited College and serve students in the United States, Canada, and abroad. The Partnership Program has a limited residency requirement – a maximum of three week long sessions at the Winpisinger Center; other required classes can be taken online.
If you are interested in learning about or enrolling in the Program, click here to complete and submit a short interest form. Education Rep. Rhonda Rogers is the Winpisinger Center’s primary point of contact for the Partnership; or more information about the Program how to apply to the College she can be reached at rrogers@iamaw.org or by phone at 301-373-8819.
