Gardner-Webb and Foothills Workforce Development Board Leaders Sign Partnership Agreement

Commitment Provides Scholarships to Gardner-Webb Students for Skilled Workforce Needs and Continuing Education Courses for Employees Through Searight PACE

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University officials and leaders of the Foothills Workforce Development Board signed a partnership agreement on March 19. The Board’s mission is to facilitate the delivery of workforce development programs in McDowell, Rutherford, Cleveland and Polk counties and to provide scholarships to students in those counties who need skills for the workforce.

The partnership will allow Gardner-Webb to provide employee training services through the Searight PACE continuing education program and will offer additional scholarship opportunities to Gardner-Webb students who are majoring in healthcare and other skilled degrees.

“Our Searight PACE program is a very unique program; it has roots that spread throughout all of our academic areas,” noted GWU Interim President Nate Evans. “We’re grateful for these partnerships and grateful to everybody who helped to make this happen. We are excited to sign this agreement that not only improves education but extends education.”

The Foothills Workforce Development Board is an initiative of the Foothills Planning and Development Commission, which is the Council of Governments for the Foothills Region in Western North Carolina. Members consists of the local governments within the Foothills Region—McDowell, Rutherford, Cleveland and Polk counties.

Department Director Annette Staley noted the importance of establishing the skills training partnership with Gardner-Webb. “This agreement will provide a great opportunity for the potential students in our region who are interested in enhancing their educational skills through the professional continuing education program, our NCWorks Career Centers, and our WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.”

The Foothills Workforce Development Board monitors the quality and continuously improves programs; develops and maintains a unified system of delivery; and promotes the economic well-being of its customers by providing high quality and accessible workforce development programs and related services. They assist institutions, like Gardner-Webb, who can train job seekers, and they help companies train their employees through continuing education programs like GWU’s Searight PACE.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.