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“Healthcare has always been an in-demand profession here in Northwest Ohio, as our hospital systems annually rank among our largest employers,” said Greg Guzmán, president of Herzing University’s Toledo campus. “But the implementation of the Affordable Care Act means more people with health insurance coverage who will seek treatment, plus our aging regional baby-boomer population will combine to only further increase the need for healthcare workers in the years ahead.”
For the first time in January, high school students across the region will take college-level courses at Herzing University-Toledo through its Transitions program. Nine high school students are set to take a free college course in either computer networking or psychology during the evening. The students are a mix from Toledo Public Schools (TPS), charter schools, and home-schooling. Once completed, the students can use those college credits either at Herzing University-Toledo or another school following high school graduation.
Herzing University-Toledo also is actively engaged in active talks with other institutions of higher learning, seeking the expansion of the P.A.C.E. (Partnership for Affordable College Education) program in 2014. The collaboration offers students the best of both worlds: the cost efficiencies of a community college education combined with the career-focused recognition of Herzing University. Northwest State Community College became the first P.A.C.E. program partner last summer.
The cost of higher education, the challenges of a work-school-family balance, and other potential obstacles are discouraging many students from pursuing a college education. This initiative looks to remove some of those barriers, making students’ dreams to better their lives through education a reality.
“While many colleges and universities are usually in competition to enroll students, we recognize that collaborations should be happening instead to make higher education more affordable and accessible,” said Guzmán. “The P.A.C.E. program is all about the student—which is the way it should be.”
Herzing University-Toledo will continue to offer weekend GED classes in partnership with the Penta Career Center Adult Education Dept. Saturday GED classes will run 9 a.m. to noon, while the Sunday GED classes will operate 1 to 4 p.m. Those classes will resume the weekend of Jan. 11 and 12 following a holiday break. Those interested in learning about obtaining a GED should contact the Penta Career Center Adult Education program at 419.661.6555 to register.
“Education is the whole reason why we exist, so assisting with GED courses for teens and adults is a worthwhile mission—especially if it makes completing high school more attainable and accessible for a hard-to-reach community of people who may be working,” said Guzmán. “A weekend program of GED courses supplements the great work Penta does in the community at local libraries, The Source, and other locations.”
Classes begin Monday Jan. 6, 2014 at Herzing University-Toledo, but there is still time to enroll. Anyone interested in learning more can call 419.776.0300, stop by the campus at 5212 Hill Ave., or visit www.herzing.edu/toledo.
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