(North Canton, OH – Apr. 30, 2009) – Stark State College and the University of Akron, in a newly formed partnership to offer college classes at Barberton High School, will hold an Admissions and Financial Aid Information Session on Monday, May 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the high school. This session will assist students with completing their applications and financial aid forms and registering for summer and fall classes.

The partner institutions will offer courses leading to degree completion on both campuses, as well as transfer opportunities to other colleges and universities. This partnership addresses Gov. Ted Strickland’s 10-Year Strategic Plan for Higher Education to provide accessible, transferable education and degree completion programs to all Ohioans.

“Economic development begins with an educated work force,” says Barberton Mayor Bob Genet, who was the driving force behind the development of the partnership for the past 14 months. “This partnership makes education more accessible and more affordable to area residents.”

Under the partnership agreement, the college classes will be offered for $127 per credit hour with a one-time application fee of $75.

In addition to the city of Barberton, the Barberton City Schools and the Barberton Community Foundation support the partnership, which was formally announced at an April 28 public event that drew about 200 attendees.

For information about course offerings, call 330-494-6170, Ext. 4228.