New Economy Drives Expanded Outreach at Loveland Learning Center

Posted Thursday, July 2, 2009

University of Northern Colorado and Colorado State University Continuing Education are effectively serving area students and working professionals by expanding their outreach to meet the program needs of the "new economy" at the Centerra Learning Center, 2915 Rocky Mountain Avenue, in Loveland.

Located at the epicenter of several Northern Colorado communities, the Centerra Learning Center brings together both UNC and CSU in one building to offer convenience and access for area student learners. Close proximity to hundreds of employers also provides a unique benefit to students and working professionals learning at Centerra.

"CSU and UNC are critical links to our mission to create great places for people at Centerra. They are wonderful additions to have in such close proximity to the growing workforce at Centerra," said Jay Hardy, General Manager, Centerra.

Both universities conducted classes during the spring semester and are developing their fall courses to appeal to those that are looking to get re-trained, a new degree, or industry specific certification.

At Centerra, CSU reported 110 registrations in 6 courses in the spring semester. "Our focus during our first 90 days at Centerra was to acquaint northern Colorado businesses and managers with our professional development and educational courses," said Bob Colmenares, Director of Northern Colorado Educational Programs for CSU's Division of Continuing Education. "Management classes that focused on developing high performing teams, assertiveness training, and dealing with difficult situations were among the most popular. We also wanted businesses to know we can deliver many of these classes at their worksites."

For the fall semester, CSU will offer a Green Homes Certificate Program targeted to builders, landscape designers, engineers, and anyone interested in green home construction. Other CSU courses will include fundamental and advanced project management programs and leadership courses. In 2010, CSU plans to include additional classes on sustainability.

Meanwhile, UNC's Center at Centerra has expanded this summer to 22 classes with a total of 262 students from Loveland, Fort Collins, Berthoud, Boulder, Longmont, Greeley, Denver, Johnstown, Milliken, and Windsor.

"Every classroom in our center is full and in constant use," said Jeanie York, director of UNC's Office of Extended Studies. "At Centerra, we offer undergraduate and licensure programs in elementary and secondary education, a teacher endorsement program and graduate programs in reading and elementary education with plans for professional development courses in business, education and nursing this fall."

UNC is also expanding its professional development courses based on demand and evolving needs. Those programs include writing workshops, clinics for nurses and nursing faculty, and instructional professional development for teachers, with a focus on preparing professionals in other fields for teaching careers. Under development is a program in business executive education.

"These opportunities for career growth are being developed with the working professional in mind and offered at times that allow them to enroll and help advance their careers without interfering with their work schedule," York said.

Bob Colmenares of CSU states, "Having both of these educational institutions located in this new facility is important because it enhances our ability to support the economy. It's about the need to maintain a highly skilled and educated workforce, support existing businesses, attract new primary employers, and for educational institutions to work together toward those goals."

For more information about Centerra, please visit www.centerracolorado.com.

Originally released by McWhinney on June 29, 2009.

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