AIC announces new program with Square One
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| Joan Kagan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Square One, and Gregory T. Schmutte, AIC Vice President of Academic Affairs |
SPRINGFIELD-- American International College is teaming up with Square One in an effort to expand and improve the pool of suitably credentialed candidates for employment at center-based infant, toddler and preschool classrooms.
As part of its workforce development initiative, AIC is offering a new program that offers a unique opportunity to get a head start on careers as infant/toddler and preschool teachers. The intensive two-year program leading to an associate's degree not only gives students hands-on experience in the world of education, but also will assist with admission and financial aid at AIC, as well as create employment opportunities after graduation.
According to Joan Kagan, President and CEO of Square One, "A present challenge at Square One lies in strengthening and developing our present and future workforce. Given that the pool of qualified candidates has steadily decreased, we have an obligation to provide training and education opportunities for local students which will, in turn, increase education attainment in Springfield and raise the standard of living through commensurate wages, strengthening our workforce and the socio-economic health of our community."
"We are very excited to be part of this important partnership with Square One," said Vince Maniaci, President of AIC. "Our hope is that by offering this two year program to students interested in a career in early education, we will not only be putting qualified teachers in the classroom, but will have a positive impact on the economic development of the city. With the education that students will receive at AIC and the training they will get at Square One, graduates of the program will be fully prepared to enter the workforce. It's the perfect combination of education and employment."
Each student will receive a $2,500 AIC/Square One scholarship which is renewable for four years as long as they maintain satisfactory results as a full time student. Students entering the second year of the program will have paid employment or internship opportunities, and at the completion of their second year, Square One will assist students in completing the certification application and help them apply for vacant full time positions at Square One facilities.
American International College
1000 State Street
Springfield MA 01109
(800) 242-3142
inquiry@aic.edu