CMU, WCCC, Grand Junction Chamber Continue Workforce Development Scholarship

Colorado Mesa University and its two-year division, Western Colorado Community College, will continue its innovative partnership with the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce to help local businesses assist employees in furthering their education. The Grand Junction Chamber Workforce Development Scholarship, equal to 25% of in-state tuition for up to six credit hours per semester, is aimed at aiding local employers and helping to grow the collective skill set of the region’s workforce.  The scholarship is open to all employers in the CMU service area regardless of whether they are members of the chamber or not and will help workers upgrade and update their skills. “At CMU, we’re constantly looking for ways to partner with the community and improve the educational attainment of the region,” said Tim Foster, president of CMU. “We’re very proud that we can help bring this scholarship program to the community.” As part of the partnership, employers may sponsor employees in expanding their skills through courses taken at CMU and WCCC, including courses offered in Montrose. “Many employers that previously offered tuition assistance as a benefit to employees have been forced to cut back due to economic conditions and rising health insurance costs,” said Diane Schwenke, president and CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber. For complete details and to sign up, visit www.gjchamber.org/forms/WorforceDevScholarship071814.pdf  or call Chandler Burgon in the CMU Admissions Office at 970.248.1130. Deadline to apply for the scholarship for the spring semester is Jan. 15, 2015.