Initiative part of ARC’s efforts to develop workforce and boost retention rates

Albany, N.Y. (June 20, 2011) – Excelsior College has signed an educational partnership with The Arc of Rensselaer County, which allows ARC employees, their spouses and domestic partners to pursue college degrees at reduced tuition rates. Three hundred local employees will benefit from the agreement.

For Excelsior College President Dr. John F. Ebersole, the agreement with ARC, an association providing services to children and adults with disabilities, is particularly significant.

“The Arc of Rensselaer County is an organization whose employees work to support the assimilation of disabled adults into our community,” said Ebersole. “They’re individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others in need. As an institution with a mission to serve the underserved, we are especially appreciative and encouraged about this relationship.”

The Arc of Rensselaer County provides services to children and adults with disabilities. ARC is comprised of it clients, their families, professionals, and community members who are dedicated to integrating persons with disabilities into the community. Under the agreement, ARC employees can pursue degree programs in any of Excelsior’s four schools: Business & Technology, Liberal Arts, Health Sciences, and Nursing.

Excelsior’s flexible distance-learning allows adult learners to continue lifelong learning while maintaining employment, family, and social responsibilities.

This is the fifth educational agreement Excelsior has formed this year, including New York State Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Grid, and the Capital EAP.

For more information on the ARC educational agreement, visit our Arc of Rensselaer County partnership page.