CCV/Northfield Savings Bank Partnership Will Expand Access, Flexibility for Students

MONTPELIER, Vt. — Working adult students will have more choices and greater flexibility when pursuing higher education, thanks to a grant from the Northfield Savings Bank Foundation (NSBF) that is allowing the Community College of Vermont (CCV) to expand Flex, an innovative course delivery model which allows students to work through online classes at their own pace.

CCV was selected for the two-year, $200,000 NSBF grant to further develop and promote the Flex model. Funding will also support a Flex coordinator position, which will work closely with Vermont employers whose workforce stands to benefit from access to flexible classes and credentials.

“Now, more than ever, access to credentials that boost job prospects are critical for unemployed and underemployed Vermonters,” said Yael Friedman, president and chair of the NSBF Board of Directors. “The Northfield Savings Bank Foundation is proud to support this pivotal program for the community and we look forward to seeing the results of our investment for years to come.”

Initial development of CCV’s Flex program was made possible over the past two years through philanthropic support from the J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation. Flex courses and digital credentials can help Vermonters who are unemployed or underemployed gain valuable skills in a shorter period of time. They also allow working professionals to upskill with less time and financial investment.

“We know that for many working adults, fitting a college class into an already full schedule can seem difficult if not impossible,” said Joyce Judy, president of CCV. “With Flex, we’re providing a way for these students to see that continuing their education can be far more flexible, and beneficial, than they may have imagined. We’re grateful to Northfield Savings Bank for recognizing the potential of this program to open doors for Vermonters and their families.”