Institutional Goals A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

6
A Cornerstone of Lifelong Learning
A CORNERSTONE OF LIFELONG LEARNING
Continuing Education Center
During fiscal year 2005, the Continuing
Education Center built on the resources of
the area communities to create success for
individuals of all ages, organizations and
businesses.
Kid’s College introduces young students to
college life at FVCC. During the summer of
2004, approximately 350 youngsters were
enrolled in classes that explored cultures from
around the world, prepared food delicacies,
experimented with science, and let their
artistic creativity shine. Qualified instructional
staff developed half-day, week-long classes
to provide educational experiences for this
summer program.
The Continuing Education Center
continues to offer a diverse selection of
online non-credit classes. Students find the
convenience of the classes a great
alternative to the traditional classroom
setting.
FVCC’s Elderhostel program celebrated its 23 rd anniversary this year by
offering 20 programs, enrolling close to 600 hostelers from across the United
States. Participants could choose from a variety of educational experiences
and accommodations ranging from a rustic ski lodge to Glacier National Park’s
classic Many Glacier Hotel.
FVCC’s Continuing Education Center
sponsored the following activities for
employers:
• 700 participants attended a variety of business
workshops from real estate to leadership
training.
• 23 businesses received 57 customized training
sessions involving a total of 646 employees.
• 1,050 individuals, statewide, participated in
Montana Superhost! gaining knowledge of
Montana’s tourism industry.
The FVCC Continuing Education Center
participated in panel presentations on its
involvement in economic development and
business partnerships. These presentations took place at the Two-Year
Colleges Conference, Montana Workforce Conference and at a number of
sessions for statewide workforce and economic development representatives.
The Business Expansion and Retention Program (BEAR) kicked off in January
2004 with FVCC as an active founding partner. As part of the program, the
Continuing Education Center solicited opinions from local businesses on various
services and amenities with the goal of connecting them with appropriate
business resources. BEAR focused on rapidly growing businesses and revealed
that recruiting and retaining qualified workers is the number one challenge
facing area businesses.
The Continuing Education Center’s involvement with both the Flathead
Regional Business Center and the BEAR program continues to enhance the
college’s ability to deliver relevant services for maximum economic
development by increasing the college’s knowledge the specific needs of
area businesses.