Wallace State, Athens State create tuition savings pathway to a bachelor’s degree

ATHENS – Wallace State Community College and Athens State University have joined forces to create a tuition savings pathway that gives students the opportunity to receive a tuition discount at both institutions as they earn their undergraduate degree.

Wallace State recently launched the Powerful Partnerships program, which creates mutually beneficial relationships between Wallace State and area businesses, offering companies enhanced access to the college’s resources while helping equip students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s job market.

Organizations that partner with the program will receive benefits for their employees and immediate families that include a 10% tuition discount on up to 6 credit hours for degree or certificate seeking students and ProSkills workforce training per semester.

Membership in the Powerful Partnerships program also gives employees and their families access to Athens State’s Learning Partnership program upon their transfer to the university. This includes a 10% tuition discount on all classes at Athens State, waived application fee, and complimentary evaluation of previously earned educational credits and training/professional certifications/portfolio for consideration of transfer credit.

These benefits extend to the parents, spouse, and children of the learning partner employee/member as well.

“Our partnership with Athens State University through the reciprocal Learning and Powerful Partnerships initiative reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers to higher education and empowering students and employees to achieve their academic and career aspirations,” said Suzanne Harbin, vice president for Advancement and Innovation at Wallace State. “These collaborations deliver meaningful tuition savings for families and employers while fostering a culture of lifelong learning across North Alabama.”

The following companies have signed agreements with both institutions:

• YKTA
• Marshall Medical Center
• Morgan County Commission
• R.E. Garrison
• Blount County Board of Education
• REHAU Automotive

“As an upper-division institution that only offers junior and senior level courses, the ability to work collaboratively with Wallace State through their Powerful Partnerships program will provide a four-year pathway for employees and their families of both Athens State Learning Partners as well as those of Wallace State,” said Dr. Keith Ferguson, vice president for University Advancement at Athens State. “In order to meet the significant demands of employers across the state, partnerships such as this one allows both institutions to bridge the educational gaps necessary to get Alabamians trained and credentialed workers employed in their field of study.”

For more information about Wallace State’s Powerful Partnerships program, contact Bethany Campbell at [email protected] or 256-352-8372.

For more information about Athens State’s Learning Partnership program, contact Brandy Conway at [email protected] or 256-233-8190.