NEW BRITAIN, CT - June 6, 2008 - Charter Oak State College, Connecticut's public online college, has launched a new partnership program for Connecticut-based corporations. The program offers companies a seamless way to educate their employees utilizing the services of Charter Oak's online course programs.

Ed Klonoski, President of Charter Oak State College said, "As an online college we are particularly well-suited to be quickly responsive to Connecticut's workforce needs. We recognize that to remain competitive in the 21st century, businesses must employ and retain the best and brightest professionals. To help Connecticut companies meet this need, we have created a program specifically designed to assist corporations grow an educated workforce and gain ground among the competition."

In addition to the online delivery of educational courses to employees, major components of the program include working with companies to develop industry and workforce-specific curriculum, and providing support for employees in the form of academic advising, a hallmark of Charter Oak State College. Advising would take place on-site at the employer's facilities. Electronic face-to-face conferencing will be available for employees at out-of-state facilities.

Klonoski continued, "Online learning is a convenience to employees because they can learn on their own time from the comfort of home, and to employers because there is no loss of productivity related to classroom schedules."

In a similar educational partnership program with Aetna, begun in 2001, more than 125 Aetna employees at sites all across the country have graduated from Charter Oak State College. Aetna employees from California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and North Dakota attended Charter Oak commencement exercises in June 2007.

"Aetna's 6+ year partnership with Charter Oak has been a win-win for both our company and our employees," said David Blair, Aetna's Learning Head for Service Excellence. "Charter Oak's convenient, affordable online courses have not only saved us thousands in tuition reimbursement costs, but they have also helped us cultivate a high-caliber workforce. This is a perfect example of a public-private partnership that helps everybody. Aetna is proud to partner with Charter Oak."

The program will offer in-state rates for employees whether they are located in Connecticut or at other regional offices out-of-state. As part of the program companies will promote Charter Oak as one of their preferred providers for online higher education.

Companies interested in the program should call Jason Jakubowski, Director of Corporate, Community & Educational Development, at (860) 832-3902.

Charter Oak State College, which is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, has earned national recognition as the college that offers "degrees without boundaries." A public college in the Connecticut state system of higher education, Charter Oak provides degree completion and online learning opportunities for adults busy fulfilling commitments to career and family. For more information visit our website at www.charteroak.edu or call (860) 832-3855.