Averett University and Friendship, a health care, rehabilitation and senior living organization in Roanoke, recently announced a new series of programs for Friendship staff and their immediate family members. The partnership focuses on a long-term foundation of excellence in partnership support, effective and efficient education, and breaking the trend in ever increasing student debt.

The Friendship Foundation-Averett University Corporate Partnership Program is specifically designed to allow qualified candidates for undergraduate and graduate degrees an opportunity to start or complete their higher educational goals in a way that benefits the student, Friendship, Averett and the Roanoke Valley community.

“I am inspired by our shared missions of seeking to change lives,” said Averett President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks. “We are excited and pleased to have been chosen to be their first educational partner. This partnership will indeed help Friendship enable their employees and their family members to achieve their dreams.”

The program will offer single course delivery and degree programs for a bachelor of business administration, bachelor of science in nursing and a master in business administration at a special Friendship Averett discount. Participants will complete the degree programs debt free, and will not be required to sign a long-term agreement with the employer. Potential participants will have specialized support available throughout the educational cycle. Averett will work with Friendship to deliver coursework and support via on-site and online modalities.

Both Friendship and Averett are committed to a model of scholarship that puts an emphasis on community engagement and mutually beneficial long-term, sustainable relationships. Each believes it is critical to educate future leaders in our communities in the areas of business, education and health sciences, with a combined responsibility to take action in response to increasing higher education student loan debt.

For more information, visit http://gps.averett.edu/why-averett/partnerships/.