Partnership delivers educational opportunities to area workforce

A new partnership in the Kansas City metro is delivering higher education opportunities to hundreds of local business men and women in the area workforce.

Columbia College and the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce have launched an innovative partnership designed to help employees at the Chamber’s more than 500-member businesses pursue their educational goals. Employees will receive a discounted tuition for classes taken at the college’s Kansas City location or via its online program.

“Our location has served the Kansas City area for more than 33 years. The opportunity to invest in our community’s workforce is something we are truly passionate about,” says Columbia College-Kansas City Regional Director Cindy Miller. “We are proud to partner with the Blue Springs Chamber and offer quality, affordable educational offerings to its members.”

Columbia College-Kansas City offers six class sessions lasting eight weeks each for students taking classes in person, virtually or online, allowing students to complete their degree quickly. Students can earn an associate degree in 20 months, a bachelor’s degree in 3.5 years, and a master’s degree in just 12 months.

“The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with Columbia College to offer this additional benefit to our members,” Chamber President Lara Vermillion said. “A large percentage of our Chamber members are small businesses, which often are not able to offer educational benefits to their employees. This new program with Columbia College, a discount on tuition, will provide member businesses additional tools they need to best retain existing employees and seek new ones.”