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Development
News
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This year, UMUC graduated its first Better Opportunities Through
Online Education "class." When the university first joined
forces with Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake to create this
program, the idea was to ensure a brighter economic future for low-income
workers across Maryland by offering them free, high quality, online
professional development. Now, two years later, this innovative
program has not only changed lives, but also led the way for other
states, as a national workforce-development model. But financial
support from generous alumni is still important to underwrite current
program services and expand the partnership. By investing in Better
Opportunities, you can help:
- Pave the way for a more competitive workforce—Better
Opportunities provides individuals who have already proven themselves
academically (by completing Goodwill’s job readiness program)
with the intensive training they need to become valuable—and
skilled—members of the workforce.
- Move highly motivated, yet educationally disadvantaged workers
beyond flipping burgers and into well-paying careers—While
welfare rolls across the country have plummeted, many former recipients
still languish in low-paying jobs. Better Opportunities offers
its graduates a chance to move into well-paying careers by earning
certificates in accounting, management, and computer applications.
Credits earned can also be applied toward UMUC degree programs.
- Bring higher education to life with the flip of a switch,
from the comfort and convenience of home—Better Opportunities
removes financial, scheduling, and transportation barriers by
installing a personal computer in each student’s home, thus making
access to UMUC’s "virtual campus" as easy as turning
on the lights. The program also provides books, tuition, and mentoring
for up to three years. And, upon graduation, students get to keep
their computers.
- Build a sturdier bridge to the digital future—By
combining quality, online learning with Internet access at home,
Better Opportunities makes it possible for whole families to bridge
the digital divide, helping ensure our country’s future as the
world’s e-business leader.
For more information about supporting Better Opportunities, contact
Lisa Seischab, director of major gifts, at 240-684-5115 or via e-mail
at lseischab@umuc.edu.
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