Cambridge College Expands to Lawrence.

Business Editors/Education Writers

LAWRENCE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 21, 2003

The City of Lawrence and Cambridge College, a higher education institution that serves working adults, have joined together to bring accredited courses and degree programs to the college's newest site at 60 Island Street, in Lawrence. Cambridge College has campuses in Springfield, MA and Chesapeake, Virginia and instructional sites at more than 20 sites throughout New England.

Cambridge College President Mahesh Sharma, US Congressman Marty Meehan and Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan, will announce the historic expansion of Cambridge College to the City of Lawrence at a press conference and celebratory event at the college's new location on Monday, July 21st at 10:30 AM.

Renovations of 60 Island Street are underway and will ready for classes in the fall. The City of Lawrence has made an investment of $150,000 to assist Cambridge College with the establishment of the site, according to city officials. Cambridge College is investing about $550,000 to remodel the new college site. The college has signed a five year lease with two five year options for the 10,500 square feet of space to be used as classrooms and offices.

"Cambridge College will be a positive force for change within the community by enhancing opportunities for higher education within the city of Lawrence itself," noted Congressman Marty Meehan. "Its location in the Lawrence Gateway Area is symbolic, for I have no doubt that Cambridge College will serve as the 'gateway' to a better quality of life for many of our residents. I am delighted to welcome the College to Lawrence and I look forward to working with such an innovative institution, one which recognizes and appreciates the City's diverse populations and their unique needs."

The public/private partnership between Cambridge College and the City of Lawrence will increase higher education opportunities for residents of Lawrence, Merrimack Valley and other nearby communities. For the first time in the history of the Lawrence, residents will have the opportunity to enroll in a full-time, fully accredited college program in their city. Cambridge College will offer Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Sciences, Master of Education, Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology, Master in Management and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies at its Lawrence site.

Mayor Michael Sullivan of Lawrence has been very active in bringing the college to Lawrence. "The City of Lawrence welcomes Cambridge College with open arms. The college's well-rounded, energetic alumni are a true reflection of the great work that is performed at Cambridge College. The college will play an intricate role in the economic development not only for Lawrence but for the whole Merrimack Valley," said Mayor Sullivan.

Cambridge College President Mahesh Sharma expressed his excitement in establishing the new site in Lawrence. "Education at Cambridge College transforms the lives of the students. We expect to change the lives of Lawrence residents both educationally and economically. We have the support of the entire Lawrence community. We know the community. It's the right fit," he said.

Cambridge College has been a national leader in creating new educational opportunities for adult learners for more than 30 years. More African Americans receive the degree of Master of Education from Cambridge College than from any other institution in the country, including major state universities and historically Black colleges.

Cambridge College awarded 25% of all master's degrees earned by African-American and Hispanic students in Massachusetts, and nearly 1% of those earned by these groups nationwide. Cambridge College ranks first in conferring the Master of Education degree in Massachusetts to all minorities; first to African Americans; and third to Hispanics and Asian Americans. The College ranks second in Massachusetts in conferring master's degrees in all disciplines to all minorities.

Students from Cambridge College bring a wealth of diversity in age, educational background, professional attainment and ethnicity, all of which result in a rich blend of cultural and educational learning. The College's faculty, staff, administration, and Board of Trustees mirror this level of diversity. The average age of the Cambridge College student body is 39. About 37% of Cambridge College students are members of minority groups and 16% of students speak English as a second language. While 34% of Cambridge College students have annual incomes below $25,000, about 77% of students receive private, federal, or state financial aid.

In addition to Cambridge College's wealth of diversity, the college offers a unique adult teaching and learning model, flexible transfer credit policy, and evening and weekend classes.

Funding from the Stevens Foundation, a local charity, has provided yet another opportunity for Lawrence Public Schools and Cambridge College to work together to support paraprofessionals' educational needs. This program will begin in the fall of 2003.

--30--ES/

    CONTACT: For Cambridge College:
             Soterios Zoulas, 617/529-8057
             [e-mail]

    KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS
    INDUSTRY KEYWORD: EDUCATION
    SOURCE: Cambridge College