PHILADELPHIA--()--Peirce College has been selected by the School District of Philadelphia’s Parent University to provide a General Studies degree program for parents of Philadelphia’s schoolchildren.
“Peirce’s associate degree program responds to parents’ education needs by increasing access to college education and advancing their skills, knowledge and resources”
Two weeks ago, twenty-five adult students took their first steps to their Associate in Arts degrees when they attended orientation classes with Peirce College and Parent University staff and faculty at the District’s Education Center on North Broad Street, Philadelphia.
Peirce created the degree program especially for Parent University in response to a request for proposals from higher learning institutions and organization by the City of Philadelphia Department of Education.
The three-year degree program is the first of its kind facilitated through Parent University, which is managed by the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Parent, Family, Community Engagement & Faith-Based Partnerships.
“Peirce was selected because of our teaching expertise with working adults, our passion for helping students succeed and our knowledge of off-site programming with cohort programs,” said Rita Toliver, Dean of Students for Peirce. “We want to help students achieve their ultimate goal of becoming a college graduate through a supportive academic environment.”
The Peirce partnership with Parent University is part of the College’s commitment to the City of Philadelphia’s education initiative to increase the number of residents going to college. The stated goal of Parent University is to assist parents in supporting their children to achieve academic success. It also provides opportunities and support for parents to achieve their own personal academic and non-academic goals.
“Peirce’s associate degree program responds to parents’ education needs by increasing access to college education and advancing their skills, knowledge and resources,” said Patricia A. Rucker, Ed.D., Senior Vice President, Academic Advancement and Provost. “We are excited to be working with the School District of Philadelphia and with the students to help them complete their degrees.”
The 61-credit program will feature the core general education components as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), including humanities, arts, communications, social sciences, mathematics, technology and science courses. It culminates in a capstone course in leadership designed to integrate the general education skill sets introduced throughout the program. A general studies degree is designed to establish the building blocks of lifelong learning and career success for students.
By adhering to the PDE guidelines for general education, the Peirce program will position graduates for transfer to a four-year degree program at Peirce or other regional colleges and universities.
“Peirce understands working adults, like Parent University students, who want to get a degree. Whether they need the degree to get ahead at work, want to move in a new career direction, or are seeking personal fulfillment, Peirce can help them achieve their goals,” Dr. Rucker added. “As a Parent University partner, we will continue to fulfill what has been our historical focus of providing practical higher education for working adults, especially in the Philadelphia region.”
Philadelphia School Superintendent Arlene Ackerman said…“The partnership between Parent University and Peirce College allows us to fully carry out our commitment to providing the resources necessary for our parents to advance and succeed. Parents are the first and most important teachers to their children and they are the keys to the success of our students.”
Karren Dunkley, Deputy Chief of the Parent University organization, added…“The District supports the cohort model of parents as students collaborating, supporting and learning together.”
Going back to school can be a big adjustment for adult students, who must balance the demands of both studies and a busy schedule. For many years, Peirce College has reinforced its commitment to serving the needs of the adult learner by taking the College to the student at corporate and community locations and by introducing fully online degree programs.
Since 2005, Peirce has been a member institution of Graduate! Philadelphia, an innovative organization committed to increasing the number of adults with college degrees in the greater Philadelphia region. Most recently, Mayor Michael Nutter applauded Peirce’s support of his new PhillyGoes2College initiative, including the College’s donation and installation of computer equipment and technology for administrative staff in the PhillyGoes2College office. The PhillyGoes2College initiative helps to level the playing field for aspiring students, who may need additional support in preparing to attend college.
About Peirce College
Peirce College offers bachelor’s and associate degree programs in Business Administration, Information Technology and Paralegal Studies. Peirce College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104 (phone: 267-284-5000). The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs accredits the College's business program and the Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association.
For more information about Peirce College, call 888.GO.PEIRCE, or visit www.peirce.edu.
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