Blog: 2016

Here at UMass we like to hear stories about schools providing children with a path leading them to higher education. It’s essential for children to learn the importance of higher education at an early age to provide them with a head start. The Pitt County Schools of North Carolina will start a new program called AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). This program was originally geared towards high schoolers, but with the hard work of the school and Sugg-Bundy Elementary School in Farmville, NC will receive $500 to implement this program for all fourth graders in the coming weeks.

There is an ongoing debate about higher education and whether there is value in having a bachelor’s or master’s degree versus additional training geared towards a specific skillset. Some argue that the return on investment for higher education is not worth the price tag. However, at a recent TEDx in El Paso Texas, a prominent local businessman explained just how important it is for individuals to receive an advanced degree to help the local economy.

Often students need guidance to help them achieve their highest potential. The University of Massachusetts recognizes the essential role that advisors play in the success of students and as a result, spends a great deal of time finding and employing some of the best advisors in higher education. This month, UMass spotlights MaryBeth Kimball, Director of Admissions and Advising at the Isenberg School of Management at the UMass Amherst campus. We caught up with MaryBeth to learn a little bit more about what she does for her students.

With the market for online education predicted to swell this year, as the popularity and accessibility of online learning expands into new geographies and mobile devices become ever more ubiquitous, the scope, provider market, and variety of platforms in the online educational arena is sure to grow as well. As it does, educators and students alike must take advantage of the wonderful accessibility the online platform provides, while making sure that an adherence to quality and student outcomes remains a top priority.