Western Nebraska Community College and Chadron State College signed a collaborative partnership, the Panhandle Advantage, between the two institutions to better serve the communities of western Nebraska.
The partnership provides seamless transfer opportunities for students in select academic programs, as well as shared advising efforts, and scholarship opportunities. Currently, students pursuing degrees in Elementary Education and Business Administration are already ensured an easy transfer process from WNCC to CSC through the Panhandle Advantage.
“By working together, WNCC and CSC are able to support students with a clear pathway and, because of the workforce connection, this collaboration is especially meaningful for our communities,” WNCC President Dr. Carmen Simone said. “There are great careers available in the Panhandle for graduates of these first two programs, which is exactly why business administration and elementary education were chosen.”
With the use of online, Interactive Video, and face-to-face classes, WNCC students can secure their associate degree at any of its three campuses. At CSC, a bachelor’s can be almost entirely completed using the same blended technologies, with the exception of the student teaching component for Education degree seekers.
“The Panhandle Advantage provides unprecedented access to high-quality, affordable, and accessible educational opportunities from Western Nebraska Community College and Chadron State throughout our region and beyond,” said Chadron State College President Dr. Randy Rhine. “Learners can obtain the education they desire and maintain the advantages they have come to enjoy by living in the Nebraska Panhandle.”
Over the course of the next year, CSC and WNCC will continue to use the model in place for the two existing programs, Elementary Education and Business Administration, to expand the list of academic programs offered through the Panhandle Advantage. Additionally, the two colleges will seek other ways to partner through shared resources, as well as workforce and economic development initiatives with the ultimate goal of keeping Nebraska students within Nebraska.
The Panhandle Advantage allows a student to receive a high-quality education right here in the Panhandle for a fraction of the price at other institutions.
For more information, visit www.csc.edu/advantage/ or the WNCC Panhandle Advantage webpage.
There are also opportunities to back this venture through financial support. If you’re interested in donating to either the WNCC Foundation or the Chadron State Foundation, visit https://wncc.edu/community/foundation/give-to-wncc or https://www.csc.edu/foundation/donate.csc.
About Western Nebraska Community College
For over 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.
About Chadron State College
Chadron State College, which was founded in 1911, is the only four-year, regionally-accredited college in the western half of Nebraska. As a public institution with its roots in teacher education, Chadron State takes pride in its accessibility and affordability. Chadron State and its curriculum has grown to offer programs and courses in 52 majors and endorsements and eight master’s degree programs.