University News
WIU-QC, BHC Sign 2+2
October 1, 2009
MOLINE, IL -- Quad Cities residents interested in early childhood education can now complete classes at Black Hawk College (BHC) and transfer immediately to Western Illinois University-Quad Cities (WIU-QC) as part of new dual enrollment program between the two schools.
The 2+2 agreement between BHC and WIU-QC, which was signed today (Oct. 1), allows students in the Associate in Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood degree program the opportunity to complete general education and related courses at BHC and then complete a seamless transfer to the WIU-QC campus to complete a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
"This latest partnership with Black Hawk College provides yet another option for individuals who wish to purse a degree in early childhood education. We look forward to continuing to work with Black Hawk College to provide additional agreements that benefit students in the region," said WIU President Al Goldfarb.
"Articulation agreements maximize the use of public dollars and provide higher education opportunities close to home. It is essential that four-year universities and community colleges work cooperatively to ensure a seamless transition for students," BHC Interim President Gene Gardner said.
According to Vice President of Quad Cities, Planning and Technology Joe Rives, the 2+2 program is a partnership that allows students to complete their freshman and sophomore year at Black Hawk, earn the appropriate associate degree and transfer to Western to complete a baccalaureate degree.
"We are excited to participate with Black Hawk College to offer another 2 + 2 program to students. By following Western's Higher Values in Higher Education Strategic Plan, we are further enhancing our student-centered partnerships with Black Hawk College. This latest agreement gives students even more chances to succeed by providing a high quality, affordable public higher education close to home," Rives added.
WIU is currently reviewing the possibility of extending partnerships to other programs at Black Hawk and other community college partners, which will give students in the Quad Cities region access to more educational opportunities, noted WIU Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Ronald Williams.
"Western Illinois University-Quad Cities has enjoyed a tremendous partnership with Black Hawk College over the years, and this latest degree completion agreement between the two institutions continues our commitment to our community college partners and the region," Williams added.
Students completing the early childhood education degree program are certified to work and teach in programs and classrooms for children from birth through third grade. In addition to teaching in state-funded pre-kindergarten, early special education and kindergarten through grade three classrooms, candidates are employed in early intervention programs, childcare centers, Head Start programs and private preschools.
"We are grateful to the administration of Black Hawk College for working with us to make it possible for Quad Cities students to take advantage of Western's early childhood education degree program. As the emphasis on preschool education increases throughout the country, there is a growing demand for certified early childhood teachers," said WIU College of Education and Human Services Dean Nick DiGrino.
"It is essential that quality higher education be accessible. The collaborative work between Black Hawk College and Western Illinois University-Quad Cities has resulted in several new higher education opportunities for area residents," said Rose Campbell, BHC executive vice president and vice president for instruction/ITS. "We are pleased to add the early childhood degree program to our existing partnership."
For more information, contact WIU-QC at (309) 762-9481 or BHC at (309) 796-5100.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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