College reaches out to provide education to bolster economies

Riverland Community College is committed to achieving its preferred future to make Riverland a regional leader in higher education, in workforce and economic development, and excellence in teaching and learning.

As a community college in a rural setting, providing access to education is crucial to the success of the residents, employers and communities of the region we serve. The most democratic of higher education institutions, community colleges assist virtually anyone who can benefit from their services. Unlike selective admissions universities, which generally serve the academically elite and the wealthy, community colleges are open to everyone. This access is especially important to people living in greater Minnesota.

Geography: Those bound by geography report that Riverland is the only viable higher education provider in the region because of time and travel constraints.

Affordability: Community colleges provide a more affordable option than universities and private institutions.

Flexibility: Students balancing work and family need more options. Evening and weekend classes and online learning provide opportunities to access education more conveniently.

Inclusiveness: Our supportive environment assists the traditionally “under-served student,” including ethnic minorities and others who are the first in their families to attend college.
Economic vitality is dependent on workforce development, and the heart of workforce development is education. Statistics reveal that Minnesotans are not replacing themselves, and our workforce is not growing at a rate sufficient to meet current needs.

There are not enough skilled workers to replace the retiring baby boomers, let alone expand the workforce to compete in a global market. Even if we were to educate and train 100 percent of the students graduating from our high schools, there would still not be enough students to fill the positions. Therefore, we must supplement the traditional college student population with a diverse student body and provide education via innovative methods to varied audiences. We must find creative ways to educate and train the entire population.

Across the college, we see examples of how we are providing learning opportunities for not only the traditional 18-22 year-old student but also a community of learners of all ages and in a variety of circumstances.

For the young, Riverland and community education programs developed “Kids’ College,” a summer enrichment program for children entering grades four through six. The classes are designed to stimulate and encourage creativity, develop thinking and problem-solving skills and bring together kids who love to learn.

Teenagers may take advantage of the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, which offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take courses at eligible post-secondary institutions. PSEO students at Riverland simultaneously earn high school and college credits. Some students (where available) also earn college credits in their own high schools by taking concurrent classes — college classes offered at the high school in collaboration with Riverland.

Distance learning affords a flexible opportunity for busy students with hectic schedules. Riverland is accredited to offer all associate degrees, diplomas and certificates through distance delivery. Distance delivery offers courses through the Internet and interactive television. These technologies provide access to quality education and professional development at nontraditional times, in nontraditional places, and with nontraditional formats. Students can balance higher education pursuits with work and family obligations.

The adult learner has always been an integral part of the community college student body. Now, more than ever, we must provide convenient and viable options to access education, including schedules and services geared toward part-time and online learning opportunities.
The growing minority population in our area provides a pool of student candidates. Riverland’s English Language Center helps prepare this population for education and work.

We also assist the student seeking education beyond Riverland. The college has a number of articulation agreements with a variety of four-year institutions. These agreements allow easy transfer of credits for Riverland graduates and exemplify the respect our programs have earned with other colleges and universities.

The Riverland Farm Business Management program helps a very specific type of learner. This program is designed to help organize a farmer’s resources to assist in meeting family and financial goals. Courses explore various topics including economic principles, farm practices, agricultural science, new developments in the field and decision-making skills. Instructors primarily work with clients/students individually.

Riverland Training and Development (RTD) is a resource for business and industry. Its customized-training services include professional development and advanced skill-set training for employees along with organization productivity for companies. Annually, RTD works with more than 400 companies and organizations across the region and serves nearly 5,000 employees and under-prepared workers through workplace education.

Community members may take advantage of our travel/study programs, such as London Dash, French Frolic and the Chicago Art Museum tour, led by Riverland faculty.

Finally, Riverland Generations is a personal education experience designed for the mature learner to inspire learning for living. Generations programming is tailored to the interests of participants ages 55 and over.

Dr. Terrence Leas is the president of Riverland Community College, a regional comprehensive community college and member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Riverland serves approximately 4,000 students annually through credit-based educational opportunities. An additional 4,800 students are annually served in non-credit courses. Facilities are located in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna. Riverland may be found on the Internet at www.riverland.edu.