NEWPORT, R.I. - Rhode Island residents who enroll in an undergraduate continuing education degree program at Salve Regina's new Center for Adult Education in Warwick may get their first course for free this fall thanks to the University's Kick-Start RI Awards program.

Salve Regina will present awards to 25 students who invest in their own futures by pursuing their college degrees. Recipients will be randomly selected from the pool of first-time applicants to one of its continuing education undergraduate degree programs who meet the admissions criteria and successfully answer the application essay, "Why is now the right time to kick-start your education?"

"With so much media attention directed at our state's unemployment rate and workforce skills gap, now is the perfect time for Salve Regina to step up and invest in those who want to better position themselves in their careers by investing in their education," said Dr. Traci Warrington, dean of professional studies. Undergraduate continuing education degree programs will benefit adults who are currently working or looking for jobs, and a well-trained workforce will also benefit our economy."

All application materials must be received by Aug. 1. More information is available at salve.edu/academics/continuinged, or by calling (800) 637-0002 or e-mailing warwickinfo@salve.edu.

The new Center for Adult Education at 144 Metro Center Blvd. in Warwick will open in the fall, offering graduate and continuing education courses. The 12,000-square-foot facility will provide instructional, student and faculty space in a location convenient to prospective students in Greater Providence.

"Salve Regina's Center for Adult Education represents a significant investment in the instructional facilities and program offerings that will provide greater benefit for our current and potential students in graduate studies and continuing education," Warrington said. "The opening of the new site is the culmination of over two years of research, analysis, discussion, and planning by the administration, but it also marks the beginning of an exciting new phase of activity."

Back to SALVE this week.