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Officials from 5X���� at Salem and Columbiana County Career and Technical Center recently signed an articulation agreement that provides opportunities for high school students to transition into the Salem Campus’s nursing program, beginning in the fall of 2024.

This partnership is designed to be a bridge from CCCTC’s Health Academy program to the Kent State Salem’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program, from which students graduate as registered nurses.

Beginning in the fall of 2024, students accepted into the CCCTC Health Academy program can earn college credits during their junior and senior years of high school. These credits will enable the students to be directly admitted to the Salem BSN program following their high school graduations.

“This initiative was deemed necessary to not only support the profession of nursing and to increase the number of BSN nurses in the local community, but to also facilitate an opportunity in higher education for students who are pursuing a vocational education in high school,” explained Lorene Martin, BSN program director at Kent State Salem. “This campus provides an affordable education that is easily accessible and local.”

Jeremy Corbisello, assistant superintendent at CCCTC, expressed appreciation for the formation of a working partnership with Kent State, noting that the students are the ultimate benefactors.

"A collaboration with Kent State Salem will allow a seamless transition to a postsecondary education program by giving students opportunities that include earning college credits while in high school and preparing them to successfully participate in the Kent State Salem nursing program,” he said. “This partnership can open the doors to rewarding futures for so many of our students.”

Dr. Brad Bielski, interim dean of the Kent State Columbiana County campuses, noted that this milestone is the result of a collaboration between the two educational institutions, led by individuals who are focused on students.

“This relationship is a perfect example of how great partners, working together, can create the right educational pathway to help students find their purpose in life,” he said. “I applaud all those who worked so hard to make this happen.”

Cutline: On hand for the signing of the agreement between 5X���� at Salem’s nursing program and the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center are (front, from left) Pamela Dawson-CCCTC Health Academy instructor; CCCTC Assistant Superintendent Jeremy Corbisello; Lorene Martin, BSN program director at Kent State Salem; Dr. Brad Bielski, interim dean at Kent State Salem and (back, from left) CCCTC staff members Michelle Fitzsimmons, student services coordinator; Sue Allison, guidance administrator; Curt Kaiser, principal; and Jordan Williams, principal.