Kirkwood Community College’s newest regional center will open on Aug. 25 when fall classes begin.
The Kirkwood Washington County Regional Center, 2192 Lexington Boulevard, Washington, has been under construction since May of 2013. The nearly 40,000 square-foot building houses traditional college credit classes, concurrent credit academy classes for students still in high school, High School Completion, Adult Literacy and ELL programs as well as non-credit coursework/training and certification through Kirkwood’s Continuing Education programs.
The building sits on land donated by Jim and Margaret Dunn and family, longtime Kirkwood supporters and residents of Washington.
“We get to be part of something that really matters and will have a profound impact on educational opportunities in Washington County… This is an incredible opportunity on the horizon as we open the Washington County Regional Center,” said Tera Pickens, director of the new regional center. “We couldn’t be more excited about how our community has already embraced our center. This is a catalyst for college and career exploration, certification and degree attainment for area learners to become globally competitive and regionally ready for the future.”
Washington Regional’s programming was developed with earnest input and support from partner school districts and from the area’s employers, to craft educational opportunities tailored to regional employment demands.
“When we officially open our doors to students, we introduce multiple career pathways and skills needed for today’s employees. Washington County Regional Center is another shining example of Kirkwood’s commitment to provide accessible, quality education and to prepare students for what’s next,” Pickens said. “We’re helping to create the pipeline and future workforce for our region within the walls of Washington County Regional. We are really proud of that fact.”
The regional center exists as a one-stop-shop for students. In addition to the wealth of learning opportunities, students can take advantage of the Workplace Learning Connection, which helps high school students connect to job shadows and internships with local business and industry. In addition, one-on-one financial aid counseling, academic advising, a writing lab, developmental math emporium, tutor center and career counseling are all offered at the center.
“The Washington County Regional Center opens a lot of doors for the southern part of Kirkwood’s service area,” Pickens said. “There is truly something here for everyone, from high school through working adults, whether you’re the top of the class or you need a little help getting started. Kirkwood will meet you where you are and get you to the next step.”
For more information about the Washington Regional Center and how to support students there, go to www.kirkwood.edu/washingtonregional.