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Worker Education Focus of New Learning Alliance
WARRENDALE, Pa. -- The Regional Learning Alliance at Cranberry Woods opened yesterday, bringing 11 of western Pennsylvania's top education providers under one roof to provide work force training and degree programs, said Mitch Seltzer, general manager of the alliance. The first alliance of its kind in the region and a national model, partner institutions will have 38 classes in session by Sept. 1, he said.Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa., shepherded development of the 76,000-square foot, one-stop learning center, located 20 miles north of Pittsburgh in Marshall Township."We expect this collaboration to become a model for the rest of the country," Seltzer noted. "It's a one-stop learning center and a huge investment in the betterment of our region."In addition to Slippery Rock, education partners include Penn State University (Beaver and New Kensington campuses), Robert Morris University, Carlow College, Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Triangle Tech, Geneva College, La Roche College, DeVry University, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Butler County Community College. Each leases classroom space, Seltzer said.The concept provides ancillary services to make education and professional development significantly more effective and as convenient as possible, Seltzer said. A child development center, wellness center and on-site food services complement a 70-seat, triple-screen lecture/theater, videoconferencing systems in all 28 classrooms, computer labs and library, he noted.Carlow started classes yesterday, and most of the other partners start next week. Slippery Rock will offer 20 classes there this fall, Seltzer said.While most college courses will be offered in the evening, the alliance will be open during the day as a professional conference and business-training center, Seltzer said. Because the alliance meets certification standards set by the International Association of Conference Centers, amenities offered can include hosting business seminars such as telephone and Internet connections and amplified sound, he added."Our focus is not only to help new businesses come into the area, but to support the industries already here," Seltzer said. "We recognize that a strong region depends upon a strong, highly skilled work force. The Regional Learning Alliance is our investment toward this."A grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 15.Visit Slippery Rock University: www.sru.edu"