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Southwest Baptist University and Next Level Solutions are partnering to help address the shortage of technical workers in the Ozarks by offering technical classes at a reduced rate. The partnership decreases the cost of computer science courses at SBU’s new dual-credit program, SBU Academy.
“The SBU Academy offers a face-to-face classroom experience with tenured, doctorly-qualified faculty on Mondays and online support the rest of the week,” said Dr. Tim DeClue, SBU Academic Admissions Liaison. “Because of the partnership, SBU can offer the computing course at $60 per credit hour—a rate that makes the course within reach of many high school students. SBU and NLS realized it would take an innovative, university/industry approach to realistically address the problem.”
SBU Academy was designed for high-achieving high school students attending school on a four-day schedule or for home-schooled students. SBU Academy offers an incredible opportunity to enroll in face-to-face college-level courses that a published Ph.D. professor teaches, like computer science, education, and psychology.
The SBU Academy computer science course counts towards SBU’s ABET-accredited computer science or cybersecurity degree programs and is taught by Dr. Tim DeClue. The course allows students to continue their high school academic career while beginning the transition to college. The SBU/NLS partnership aims to increase the pool of talented Ozarks-area workers for leading technical industries in Southwest Missouri.
“We’ve realized tremendous company and employee growth in the four years we’ve been in business,” said Haley Armstrong, Senior Recruiter at Next Level Solutions. “I’m always looking to fill technology roles, so this partnership makes perfect sense. We can help grow the developers and analysts of tomorrow by offering scholarship support now. These students could be working for us in just a few years.”
Next Level Solutions, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, has two U.S. and two near-shore locations and is a global leader in the property and casualty insurance software marketplace. NLS is in a position to make an impact in the community. They strive to let their good work transcend their organization and positively influence those around them.
For more information about SBU Academy, contact Dr. Tim DeClue at tdeclue@SBUniv.edu or 417-328-1704.
*Published: 1/9/2022
