As our nation struggles to recover and continued layoffs occur in our region, I am comforted by the fact that Riverland Community College is academically sound and poised to offer educational and training solutions to students during these difficult times.

Recently, Riverland received a report from its accrediting institution, the Higher Learning Commission that approves the college’s accreditation to offer degrees, diplomas and certificates through 2012. This accreditation covers all three of Riverland’s campuses in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna as well as six online degree tracks.

Riverland is not only regionally accredited but with the integration of additional requirements in degree and program outcomes, we are among a select few two-year institutions in the United States most committed to high learning standards.

Three years ago, Riverland integrated five core themes into its curriculum to enhance student teaching and learning. Every student completing a Riverland degree must possess core abilities that include critical thinking, human diversity, global perspectives, ethical and civic responsibility, and people and the environment.

These core themes provide Riverland graduates with expanded career opportunities valued highly by universities for students continuing onto higher level coursework and employers for students directly entering or re-entering the workforce.

In addition to our regional accreditation and our five degree outcomes, all our programs and disciplines will incorporate national or international skill standards that directly align with employer expectations. Training and educating career-technical students to industry standards produces graduates who are in high demand and can obtain employment anywhere. This relevance is important as we offer opportunities to retrain dislocated or unemployed workers for new careers.

Accreditation and higher learning standards offer more opportunities for students entering Riverland this fall. Whether a student is a high school junior or senior taking both high school or college credit simultaneously or a displaced middle-aged worker returning to college for retraining, Riverland has quality options that lead to successful transfer and better employment. Riverland is a part of the solution to our region’s economic recovery.

Access to education is important during these tough times. Riverland has numerous online offerings and degree tracks that provide additional flexibility to working adults interested in advancing or changing their careers. Approximately 20 percent of Riverland students take courses online.

With a new semester beginning in August, July is a great time to explore all Riverland offers in general education studies and career technical degrees. Career trends in areas like accounting, business, computer technology, manufacturing and transportation lead to careers that are trending to be in high demand.

Our admissions department and counselors are prepared to advise potential students on what options best suit them as well as assisting students to find ways to pay for college through financial aid, grants and scholarships.

The most important point: students entering college this fall could be back in the workforce in one semester, one year or two years depending on the educational path they choose.

Terrence Leas is the president of Riverland Community College.