Plus 50 Encore Grant to Aid NonTraditional Students

Nontraditional students at BRTC, specifically those age 50 and over, will benefit from services provided by a grant the college received recently from the American Association of Community Colleges.  Through this award, according to Patti Blaxton, Director of Corporate and Community Education, BRTC will be a participant in the Plus 50 Encore Completion Program.  The grant program is designed to increase the number of students over the age of 50 who complete degrees, certificates and non-for-credit credentials to increase their labor market competiveness.

“This grant will help us to help those in this student group to provide training or retraining, especially in the high-demand labor market areas of education, health care, and social services,” Blaxton explained.  She indicated the funds will be used to provide computer skills and refresher training in core areas as needed, along with other support services that impact a student’s likelihood of success.

In addition, the grant will help BRTC to locate, assess, and assist plus-50 students with some prior credit to facilitate their rapid completion of a credential.  “We view this component as extremely important,” said Dr. Hatcher.  “It is our goal to serve people in every way possible on the path to higher education degrees or credentials.  We are honored to have been selected by AACC for this award that will help us help our students.”