A new program from the University of Dubuque is starting up in Meridian to offer working adults a chance to earn a degree.
The course is designed for working people over the age of 23. Classes are once a week for five weeks in the evening, and there are advisers and program staff to help make student's schedules work.
"This way, students don't have to worry about balancing their personal life and work life, so they have a balance of getting their educational needs that will be convenient for their time of learning," said director of admissions Esteban Paredes.
Paredes says the most significant benefit is the structure. There are additional tutoring and writing labs for students who need extra support.
"We do offer a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice, a Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration and a Bachelor of business administration in accounting, business, marketing," said Paredes.
They're also going to make sure students with families are able to advance in their degree without having to worry about childcare costs.
"During classroom hours we provide childcare reimbursement," said Paredes,
"I would visit with a student and have them fill out the required forms, if they have a babysitter basically would fill that info out, and the reimbursement opportunity would be provided then."
The pandemic has put a lot of plans on hold, but Paredes says getting the education to advance your career shouldn't be one of them.
"You don't want to put your life on hold just because of the issues we're all facing, there's obstacles we all face every day, but to better themselves and their careers, it's important to get quality education," said Paredes.
The program offers the first course on August 24. Sessions start every five weeks, so if you're not ready August 24, you can enroll September 28.
