Category Archives: Education

Bryant & Stratton College Offers Free Career Help for Albany Residents

One-on-one sessions focused on resume building, honing interview skills and job search techniques are available for all local job seekers now through March 29th

Albany, NY, January 22, 2014 – Bryant & Stratton College today announced it is offering free one-on-one career sessions to local residents from January through March at the Bryant & Stratton College campus in Albany. Residents can book one-hour appointments to receive expert advice and help developing their job search skills from Valerie Pettigrass, Career Services Director at the Bryant & Stratton College Albany Campus.
 
The free career sessions can help those looking for ways to improve their job search strategy or first-time job seekers. At the sessions, local residents can take advantage of:
 
Customized feedback on their resume or assistance with resume creation  

Expert advice on drafting cover letters

Instructions and strategies on how to effectively search for jobs using keywords and popular job posting websites

Mock interview practice

Opportunities to have their resume shared with the College’s network of local employers
 
“Job searching today is much different than it was just 10 years ago. Understanding new trends, such as using keywords in resumes and what are the best job sites, can help job seekers tremendously,” said Ms. Pettigrass. “During the sessions I will not only help participants learn how to successfully navigate the job search and application process, but how to prepare once they advance to the interview stage as well. Getting your foot in the door is the first step, but a strong interview will help you stand out from other applicants and land the job.”

Career Session Details:
What: Bryant & Stratton College Career Clinic
When: Now through Saturday, March 29
Time: By appointment
Fridays 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Bryant & Stratton College Albany Campus
1259 Central Ave?
Albany, NY 12205
Cost: Complimentary
Appointment Contact: Beth Goldup, 518-437-1802

“We are excited to offer free career clinic sessions to the residents of the Capital District. Bryant & Stratton College has always been dedicated to helping our students develop employability skills and we are now extending the resources we have in place for our students and graduates to the greater community,” said Mike Gutierrez, Assistant Director NY State Campuses and Albany Campus Director at Bryant & Stratton College. “The career sessions allow us to lend our resources, expertise and employer network to those looking to improve their job search skills and secure employment. During these sessions we are their very own personal career coach and job search partner.”
 
The Bryant & Stratton College Career Clinic is open to all residents in Albany and surrounding areas. Those interested in attending can set an appointment by calling the main campus at 518-437-1802 and asking for Beth Goldup in the career services department. Ms. Goldup will assist in booking the free one-on-one appointment.
 
For more information about Bryant & Stratton College and its degree programs and campuses, visit www.bryantstratton.edu.

About Bryant & Stratton College:
Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college delivering outcomes-based education and training through a flexible, contemporary curriculum in a personalized environment. The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Bryant & Stratton College has campus locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For over 160 years, Bryant & Stratton College has been providing real world education leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and professional certificates in the fields of healthcare, technology, legal, business, & graphic design.  For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit http://www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures. General information can also be found on the College’s website at www.bryantstratton.edu.

Contact:
Anne Jenkins
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
703-624-6125
ajenkins@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

For the Last-Minute Shoppers, Ecotech Institute Recommends 10 Eco-Friendly Gifts for the Holidays

Consider Plants, E-Books and Homemade Gifts this Season

Denver, CO, December 23, 2013 — ‘Tis the season for giving, and Ecotech Institute, the only college in the U.S. solely focused on renewable energy education and sustainable energy training, has released a list of ten eco-friendly gift ideas.

“While the holiday season is often used as an excuse for over-consumption, there are a great deal of excellent ways to embrace sustainable giving,” said Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations. “Whether you are creating your own wish list or struggling with what to give this year, here are some ideas that are fun to give and receive, with the added bonus of feeling like you’ve done something good for the environment.”

1. Solar and hand chargers. The busiest people on your list will love a charger they can use while on the go! Whether for an emergency or on the beach, this gift is sure to be used.

2. Heirloom plants and seeds. For the green thumb in your life, encouraging gardening and time with dirt can be a simple, thoughtful and fruitful gift.

3. Microloans to fight poverty. Microloans are great gifts to give in honor of someone. These loans help entrepreneurs and small businesses that don’t have access to traditional banking sources.

4. Donation to a sustainable charity. For the altruistic friend or family member, find an organization that aligns with their beliefs and make a donation in their name. See if there is a downloadable certificate online to put in their stocking.

5. Re-gift and consignment gifts. Americans in particular often use and discard items while they still have much life left. Gently used and hip vintage items are available around every corner at consignment and secondhand stores.

6. eBooks. In the age of the iPad and tablet, almost everyone has a way to read eBooks. Think about giving a gift card to an online bookstore – an easy, practical and always appreciated gift!

7. Subscription to local, organic farm-to-table program. Opportunities like this vary across the country, but the gift of fresh, local food is sustainable, delicious and much appreciated by farmers.

8. Make, rather than purchase, your gift. This idea is not just for kindergartners or the Pinterest-obsessed (although don’t discount the gifts from those groups). Whether a handmade card or a homemade craft, recipients are always touched by the effort put forth.

9. An energy kit with LED light bulbs and rechargeable batteries. Practical and eco-conscious, this gift offers less last-minute trips to the store and renewable energy for months to come.

10. Spend time, not money. As what could be considered the golden rule of sustainable giving, offer your time and energy instead of purchased goods. Whether you plan special time with friends and family at the park or you gather a group to plant trees, outdoor playtime, or earth-friendly volunteer work, these activities can be a gift for everyone.

“However you celebrate the holidays, be kind to each other and the Earth, they will thank you for it!” added Crider.

For more information on Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Ecotech Institute:
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers six highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-36-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Bryant & Stratton College Online Hosts Webinar: What Type of Resume is Best?

January 10 webinar will teach job seekers about the different types of resume formats, how to know when to use them and practical resume tips

Buffalo, NY, December 20, 2013 – The average recruiter spends about six seconds looking at a single resume, according to a study by The Ladders. That means job seekers have six seconds to highlight their skills and expertise, making the format of a resume as important as the content. For that reason, Bryant & Stratton College Online announced today a new session in its career information webinar series titled “What Type of Resume is Best for You?” The webinar will be held on Friday, January 10 from noon to 1 p.m. EST.

During the “What Type of Resume is Best for You?” webinar, attendees will learn practical tips and advice to improve their resume. Some of the topics covered in the webinar will include:

* The difference between chronological, functional, skills based and combination resumes

* When to use each type of resume

* How to take a resume from responsibility-focused to success-focused

* Dos and Don’ts of resume writing

The webinar will be led by Cindy Carpenter and Albanitza Mayoliz who handle recruiting at Verizon for the Call Center and Retail Sales Channel, respectively. Ms. Carpenter and Ms. Mayoliz are responsible for reviewing applications and qualifications, identifying quality candidates, coordinating interviews, extending offers and on boarding new hires. Both women are experienced recruiters with extensive knowledge in recruiting practices, talent acquisition, on boarding, hiring, career fairs, resume writing and career advancement and social media.

“There is an art to putting together a resume that most job seekers underestimate. A typical recruiter may have to sort through hundreds, or even thousands, of resumes to fill a position. A strong resume needs to communicate quickly and concisely why a job seeker deserves to be considered for a position. To do that sometimes requires deviating from the standard chronological format,” said Ms. Carpenter.

The “What Type of Resume is Best for You?” career information webinar is offered for free by Bryant & Stratton College Online and is open to current students, prospective students and others seeking information about how to write a resume. Those interested in attending are invited to register at http://online.bryantstratton.edu/webinar/.

“Career preparation is an integral part of what we provide students at Bryant & Stratton College Online. The career information webinar series has been a successful way to educate students not only on how to do a job, but also on how to get a job. We are grateful that Ms. Carpenter and Ms. Mayoliz have offered to share their expertise with job seekers,” said Scott Traylor, Campus Director for Online Education at Bryant & Stratton College.

To learn more about Bryant & Stratton College and for information about its online degree programs, go to http://online.bryantstratton.edu. Bryant & Stratton College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

About Bryant & Stratton College Online
Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college delivering outcomes-based education and training through a flexible, contemporary curriculum in a personalized environment. The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and has locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For almost 160 years, Bryant & Stratton College has been providing real world education leading to bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and professional certificates. Bryant & Stratton College Online offers five online bachelor’s degree programs, twelve online associate’s degree programs and nineteen online certificate programs in a variety of fields including business, criminal justice, financial services, healthcare, human resources and information technology. Some online programs are not yet available in all states. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of graduates and other important information, please visit www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures. General information about Bryant & Stratton College and its online degrees can also be found at http://online.bryantstratton.edu.

Contact:
Anne Jenkins
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
703-624-6125
ajenkins@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Bryant & Stratton College Selected as a Top Military-Friendly School by Military Advanced Education

Bryant & Stratton College Featured in Magazine’s 2014 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities

Buffalo, NY, December 17, 2013 – Bryant & Stratton College today announced it is one of a select number of colleges and universities nationwide to be named a Top Military-Friendly School by Military Advanced Education magazine. In recognition of its outstanding efforts to serve military affiliated students, the College is featured in the publication’s 2014 Guide to Military-Friendly College & Universities, a tool designed to help servicemembers and veterans as they consider available educational opportunities. The Guide provides prospective students with information about institutions that go out of their way to give back to our nation’s men and women in uniform.

“It is an incredible honor to be awarded the distinction of Top Military-Friendly School. We take our responsibility to military students and their families very seriously, working hard to provide customized supports and resources, including student veterans groups, military support staff, special scholarships and other military-friendly policies and programs,” said Lee Hicklin, the College’s Military Coordinator. “We understand the unique challenges military affiliated students face and we are dedicated to doing all we can to help them be successful.”

Military Advanced Education evaluated colleges and universities on several criteria including flexibility of online learning options, extent of transfer credits accepted by degree level, on-campus ROTC, Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) participation, on-campus active duty/veteran assistance, the support provided to the families of servicemembers, faculty trained in veteran reintegration issues, presence on military installations and full-time counselors trained in veteran-specific mental health concerns, to name but a few.

More information about each recognized institution can be found online in a searchable database on Military Advanced Education’s website. The database provides access to all the survey questions and answers provided by the schools, as well as explanations about critical issues like the schools’ activation and deployment policies, withdrawal policies, scholarship and financial aid information and important support information.

Bryant & Stratton College has a strong reputation with military servicemembers, veterans and their families. Bryant & Stratton College has 18 campuses across New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin and offers programs nationwide through its Online Education division. For information about the specific resources and programs available to active duty servicemembers, veterans and family members of the military at each of its campus locations, visit www.bryantstratton.edu for contact information.

About Bryant & Stratton College:
Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college delivering outcomes-based education and training through a flexible, contemporary curriculum in a personalized environment.  The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Bryant & Stratton College has campus locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For over 155 years, Bryant & Stratton College has been providing real world education leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and professional certificates in the fields of healthcare, technology, legal, business, & graphic design.  For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit http://www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures.  General information can also be found on the College’s website at www.bryantstratton.edu.

About Military Advanced Education and KMI Media Group, Inc.
Military Advanced Education (www.mae-kmi.com) serves education services officers (ESOs) and transition officers (TOs) at every U.S. military installation, along with the servicemembers they counsel.  Published 10 times yearly, MAE’s editorial coverage includes exclusive interviews with military executive leadership, educators and members of Congress; best practices; career and transition spotlights, servicemember, school and program profiles, and periodic special reports. KMI Media Group, Inc. is the leading independent publisher of targeted information about military requirements, technologies and operations. Serving as a unique forum for senior military and Department of Defense leadership, KMI focuses on distinct and essential communities within the defense market.

Contact:
Lindsey Read
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
937-408-9321
lread@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Ecotech Institute Reveals Top Green Jobs for 2014

Ecotech’s Jobs Expert Sue Pawlak to Host Webinar on December 19, Sharing Renewable Energy Jobs Outlook for the Coming Year

Denver, CO, December 17, 2013 – Green jobs are on the rise, and 2014 is slated to be a great year for growth in the sustainable energy sector, according to Ecotech Institute. The Ecotech Institute Clean Jobs Index has become a valuable tool in measuring and disclosing the reality of green jobs and other sustainability factors across the United States. The Index’s latest data reveals a bright outlook in 2014 for cleantech leaders, educators, political leaders, students and job seekers. A webinar on Thursday, December 19, will further address green jobs data and predictions based on the Index and insights from Ecotech’s career services department.

Within about the last 30 days, more than 72,000 green job positions with hundreds of job titles were available across the U.S., correlating with trends seen all year. For example, the solar industry had almost 500 job listings from November 5 through December 6, ranging from installation technicians to sales representatives and everything in between.

Jobs classified under the broad renewable energy umbrella had approximately 21,000 job listings offered in the last 30 days. This data includes many renewable energy sources with positions in the following areas:

* Energy Efficiency: 6,600;

* Electrical Engineering: more than 23,000;

* Power Utility: 744;

* Facility Management: more than 6,470.

Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colo., is the only college in the U.S. solely focused on training for jobs in renewable energy and clean technology. The school’s administration, instructors and career services staff consistently keep their fingers on the pulse of the industries in which they train, ensuring students have the skills they need to meet employer demand.

For more information on the jobs outlook for 2014, Ecotech will host a “Top In-demand Clean Jobs for 2014” webinar:

DATE: Thursday, December 19, 2013

TIME: 12:00 p.m. Eastern/11:00 a.m. Central/10:00 a.m. Mountain/9:00 a.m. Pacific

FEATURING: Sue Pawlak, Ecotech Institute’s Area Director of Career Placement

DISCUSSING:
– What were trends in sustainable energy career placement in 2013?
– Where are the green jobs located?
– What renewable energy jobs are available today?
– What are Ecotech’s sustainable energy predictions for 2014?

REGISTER: http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/landings/webinar/

For more information on Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com. The Ecotech Institute Clean Jobs Index is at ecotechinstitute.com/cleanjobsindex.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
303.433.7020 (o) or 720.244.4268 (c)
jfoust@csg-pr.com

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers six highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index Shows More Than One Million Clean Energy Jobs Exist

National study, from the third quarter of 2013, also notes an increase in alternative fueling stations and ranks the top states in energy efficiency

Denver, Colo, November 21, 2013 – Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index, a tool to compare states’ use and development of clean energy, found more than one million job postings in the clean energy sector from July 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013. This shows a 54 percent increase in needed clean energy employees, evidence that the sector is rapidly growing and in need of experts.

Ecotech Institute, the first and only school dedicated to educating students solely in clean energy fields such as solar, wind and renewable energy, launched the Clean Jobs Index in January 2013 to provide objective job information about the clean tech industry. The Index also looks at various sustainability factors such as alternative fueling stations, LEED projects and total energy consumption in all 50 states. The Clean Jobs Index defines a clean tech job as one where workers make their business more environmentally friendly, use fewer natural resources or produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment.

To complement the increase in these clean energy job opportunities, 1,543 new alternative fueling stations opened across the United States since the second quarter 2013. Between the months of July and September, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Tennessee had the most alternative fueling stations per capita.

Highlights from the Clean Jobs Index, Q3 2013

Number of U.S. Clean Jobs Postings:
1,099,734 (a 54 percent increase from Q2 2013)

New Alternative Fueling Stations (Since Q2 2013):
1,543

States With the Most Alternative Fueling Stations (Per Capita):
Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Tennessee

In Q3, Ohio Moved From 24th in Energy Efficiency to 2nd in the Nation

The Most Energy Efficient States (in no particular order):
California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island*, Vermont and Washington

States With the Most Incentives for Sustainability and Renewables (in no particular order):
California, Texas, Minnesota, Washington and Oregon

*(Rhode Island added more incentives and rebates than any other state in Q3.)

“This data shows a long-awaited boom in the clean tech industry, from the increases in alternative fueling options to a massive amount of clean job opportunities,” said Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations. “States now offer more sustainability and renewable incentives than we’ve ever seen before, which proves that they’re taking the power of the industry seriously. In the state of the current economy, over 1 million job opportunities is a truly incredible statistic. We’re proud that Ecotech is the only higher education institution out there devoted entirely to helping students become successful professionals in this rapidly expanding sector.”

Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index is an aggregation of statistics by state, developed on a number of factors. LEED projects, energy efficiency, green pricing, net metering, total energy consumption and alternative fueling stations are all considered when ranking states. Higher index numbers suggest a state’s propensity to embrace renewable energy and energy efficiency. It may also indicate a greater possibility for employment in that local clean economy sector, though the Clean Jobs Index in no way indicates the presence or the promise of any specific job opportunities. Data is gathered regularly from independent research entities including: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Green Building Council.

To learn more about the Clean Jobs Index, please visit www.ecotechinstitute.com/cleanjobsindex. To learn more about Ecotech Institute, go to www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
CSG PR
East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Scholarships Became the Major Contributors of Funding for College through the Recession

Since 2010, parents have reduced their spending on college students significantly; instead grants, scholarships, and student borrowing have increased.

Chicago, IL, November 12, 2013 – Since 2010, parents have reduced their spending on college students significantly; instead grants, scholarships, and student borrowing have increased. The use of grants and scholarships has been the largest contributor since 2010.

According to Sallie Mae’s research of “How America Pays for College2013,” “Nearly two-thirds of families (65%) used grants and scholarships to pay for college this year, up from 61 percent in 2012 and up from only half of families five years ago.”

Moreover, scholarships are the only contributors of this year’s increase, since grants for college funding are actually decreasing this year. Numerous scholarship programs and the care of education from society and businesses are the reasons that scholarship awards can still make a huge difference to college funding during the recession.

OCA Chicago Scholarship, one of the scholarship programs in Chicago, has awarded 6 outstanding students this year.  The scholarship helped them achieve their higher education. At this year’s Gala at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, Anson Wu, VP and board member for OCA Chicago Chapter, introduced the scholarship program to the audience. He remarked, “OCA Chicago Scholarship started with a simple idea that is to help deserving Asian American students to get the education they deserve…” Anson oversaw the scholarship program for OCA for 2012 and 2013.

During the day Anson is the managing Creative Director at a digital creative agency in downtown Chicago, Fresh Design Studio, where he continues to pour creativity into digital assets for client’s brands. He cares about students’ education because he believes in giving back to the community and realizes that the students have such bright futures.

Scholarships are now the major contributors to students’ education. With the help of many different people like Anson, scholarships are the hope of education. Many students can still go to college and make their dream come true, even while the economy is down.

Contact:
Michelle Mann
Fresh Design Studio
A: 53 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 256
Chicago, IL 60604
312-880-9337
michelle.mann@freshds.com

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Ecotech Institute Announces New President, David Needham

Business leader brings strong leadership, a collaborative style and a passion for renewable energy education to his new role

Denver, CO, November 12, 2013 — Ecotech Institute, the first and only school in the U.S. solely focused on renewable energy and sustainability, announced the appointment of David Needham as its new president, effective November 4, 2013. Needham will be responsible for implementing the vision and strategic direction of the school; ensuring student, graduate and employer satisfaction; and making sure all staff at Ecotech Institute meet the high expectations of Ecotech Institute students and its parent company, Education Corporation of America.

Needham joins Ecotech Institute from Somersetstreet, LLC, a company he founded in 2008. At Somersetstreet, Needham provided investment, consultation and leadership to start-up companies, including company formation, CEO guidance, fundraising and business development planning. Previous to founding Somersetstreet, he worked at NextWave Wireless as the company’s chief divisional officer for the Network Solutions Group. In that role he built a $10 million Innovation Center to test and demonstrate NextWave global solutions.

“David brings proven leadership skills, exceptional business results, a collaborative management style and a passion for education and Ecotech’s mission,” said Tom Moore, chief executive officer of Education Corporation of America. “David will be responsible for continuing the growth of the college by producing outstanding graduates to meet employers’ demands for qualified team members in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency.”

Needham holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Harvard Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute and their offerings in renewable energy education, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Ecotech Institute;
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

INTO University Partnerships Announces Continued International Student Growth and Academic Success at US Partner Institutions

Oregon State University, University of South Florida and Colorado State University report double-digit international student enrollment growth and strong academic outcomes among international cohorts

San Diego, CA, November 07, 2013 – INTO University Partnerships today announced successes in key areas at its US partner institutions, including international student enrollment growth, strong academic outcomes and high student satisfaction. INTO’s first two US partners, Oregon State University and University of South Florida, have experienced the greatest gains and are outpacing national averages in international student enrollment growth, demonstrating the long-term effectiveness of INTO’s joint venture model.

INTO partners with leading universities in the United States, United Kingdom and Asia to expand opportunities for higher education, ensuring student success and achieving a globally diverse and integrated campus community. To date, INTO has helped more than 5,000 international students from over 100 countries begin their academic studies at institutions in the US.

For the Fall 2013 intake, all four of INTO’s US centers exceeded their ambitious enrollment goals. The company’s three most mature partnerships – Oregon State University, University of South Florida and Colorado State University – experienced double-digit growth (19 percent) from the previous year. Achieving nationality diversity also remains a goal at all of INTO’s joint ventures, with more than 60 countries represented at the four US centers.

INTO’s most recent partnership launched in Fall 2013 at Marshall University. In August, INTO Marshall welcomed its first group of 170 international students from 23 countries, an impressive start for the new program. Last month, INTO and George Mason University announced plans to establish a partnership to expand the university’s global reach and international student enrollment. Once approved, the planned partnership would be INTO’s fifth joint venture in the US.

“The rapid success at our US centers has been incredible. The ambitious universities with whom we’re partnered are committed to comprehensive internationalization as part of their long-term strategy for institutional growth and evolution. What’s more, they understand that ‘internationalization’ is greater than simply recruiting larger numbers of international students. It’s about increasing access to high quality education and improving the experience for international and domestic students alike,” said David Stremba, Managing Director of INTO University Partnerships, North America.

Success at INTO’s US centers is measured not only by the size and diversity of each year’s incoming academic cohort but also by students’ academic outcomes and satisfaction with their experience. Academic success is central to the mission of each joint venture, a partnership through which each university maintains full control over academic programs. Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of students successfully completed Pathway programs at INTO OSU, INTO USF and INTO CSU and qualified to progress to university degree programs; 95 percent of those students eligible to progress ultimately chose to enroll at the host university. The vast majority of students studying at INTO centers in the US in 2012-13 responded to an end of program survey indicating they were highly satisfied or satisfied with their experience.

“The partnership model is transformational and especially powerful in higher education. We are able to mobilize vast amounts of resources in our network as well as that of our university partners to advance institutional goals,” said Andrew Colin, Chairman of INTO University Partnerships. “There is a swell in demand from international students for high-quality opportunities to study outside their home countries. Leading universities need to be able to deliver differentiated and best-of-class service for these students. Carefully designed strategic partnerships have proven a successful way for this to be accomplished.”

INTO is committed to improving global access to quality higher education and further increasing international student mobility. As a global education partnering organization that establishes large-scale, long-term, transformational partnerships, INTO assists universities in achieving their comprehensive internationalization goals. For more information about INTO University Partnerships and its partner institutions, please visit www.into-corporate.com.

About INTO University Partnerships
Universities partner with INTO to advance their ambitious comprehensive internationalization agendas. INTO’s deeply embedded joint ventures create a globally diverse and integrated campus, improve the overall student experience, and increase international students’ access to higher education. Through INTO’s resources and expertise institutions expand their ability to create highly supportive academic environments, establish state-of-the-art learning and living spaces and deliver university-designed programs. Since 2006, INTO has established partnerships with 17 universities in the UK, the US and China. These partnerships have helped more than 5,000 international students from over 100 countries begin their academic studies at partner institutions in North America, including Oregon State University, the University of South Florida, Colorado State University and Marshall University. More information can be found at www.into-corporate.com or follow INTO @INTOnetwork.

Contact:
Anne Jenkins
INTO University Partnerships
1 Gloucester Place
Brighton, BN1 4AA
703-624-6125
ajenkins@csg-pr.com
http://www.into-corporate.com

Ecotech Institute to Collect Old Electronics as Part of America Recycles DaySM on November 15

Ecotech Institute’s Celebration will also include an art and upcycling contest

Denver, Colorado, October 31, 2013 – On November 15, Ecotech Institute will host an electronics drop off station, accepting old electronics such as TVs, computer monitors and printers. This recycling event joins thousands of others across the country in celebration of America Recycles Day. This is a national initiative by Keep America Beautiful and the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. This year’s theme, “I Want to Be Recycled,” was developed to educate people about the importance of recycling and its impact on our economy and environmental well-being, as well as motivate occasional recyclers to become everyday recyclers.

At Ecotech Institute’s celebration, electronics will be collected at the school at 1400 S. Abilene Street in Aurora, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to the collection center, Ecotech Institute students will take part in an upcycling contest, giving them a chance to show off their creativity by creating upcycled outfits. This could include creating outfits from recyclable materials such as plastic bags, newspaper, garbage bags, aluminum foil and many other items.

“We are very proud supporters of Ecotech Institute’s America Recycles Day event and commend their efforts to promote recycling in the Denver area,” said Brenda Pulley, Senior Vice President of Recycling at Keep America Beautiful and national program manager for America Recycles Day. “Recycling is the easiest thing we can all do to improve our community, conserve natural resources and create green jobs. Collectively, through events like these, we aim to make recycling bigger and better 365 days a year.”

Ecotech Institute is also hosting an art contest for elementary students. Artwork can be dropped off at the school, 1400 S. Abilene Street, for consideration or emailed to Zhanna Stavina at zhanna.stavina@ecotechinstitute.com. Ecotech Institute will use this year’s winning artwork as the logo for next year’s America’s Recycles Day celebration.

“Recycling is something many people take for granted, but it’s a simple act that has tremendous impact,” said Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Manager of Environmental Operations. “For example, making cans from recycled aluminum actually uses 95 percent less energy than non-recycled materials.”

The national recycling rate is currently at 34.7 percent. Recycling 75 percent of the nation’s waste would create nearly 1.5 million jobs by 2030, according to a report by the Tellus Institute with Sound Resource Management.

For more information about Ecotech Institute’s America Recycles Day celebration and cleantech programs offered by the school, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com/americarecyclesday.cfm.

About Ecotech Institute:
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

About America Recycles Day:
America Recycles DaySM is a national program of Keep America Beautiful, and is the only nationally recognized day and community-driven awareness event dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the U.S. Since its inception in 1997, communities across the country have participated in America Recycles Day on November 15 to educate, promote environmental citizenship, and encourage action. Learn more at AmericaRecyclesDay.org.

About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Keep America Beautiful is the nation’s leading nonprofit that brings people together to build and sustain vibrant communities. With a strong national network of 1,200 affiliates and partners including state recycling organizations, we work with millions of volunteers who take action in their communities. Keep America Beautiful offers programs and engages in public-private partnerships that help create clean, beautiful public places, reduce waste and increase recycling while educating generations of environmental stewards. Through our actions, we help create communities that are socially connected, environmentally healthy and economically sound. For more information, visit kab.org.

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