Cleveland State Makes Advance Business Program More Convenient

Cleveland State Community College has made some changes to its Advance Business program for working adults. Advance Business is the College’s accelerated program that offers students a "quick and convenient" way to obtain a college degree. Now, this program is even more quick and convenient than before, said school officials.

Donna Brogdon, co-director of the Advance Business Program, stated, “The program used to be two and a half years. Now, it is anywhere from 16-18 months. If they do not have to take any learning support classes, they can finish as early as 16 months. The number of classes has also changed. Before, they would have three to four classes at a time, and now, they only focus on two classes at once. The group starting in the summer will be the first cohort to experience these changes.”  

The benefits of the Advance Business program include attending class one or two nights a week, completing the degree in a fast-paced format and working with the same group of  students throughout the program.  

Candice Patterson, co-director of the Advance Business Program, said, “It is a cohort, so they do get to know each other. Typically, these are the more motivated students. So, when you are in a class with motivated people, you stay motivated. They are here to further their career, to get promotional opportunities, to network and find new jobs.” 

Ms. Brogdon said, “These are non-traditional students who have all kinds of responsibilities—kids and other family issues, work, not just school to deal with. On a traditional college schedule they would normally have to take five classes at once in order to graduate in two years. This way, they will graduate in less than two by only focusing on two classes. This way, they still have their family life, work and school—they are just able to balance it better.” 

Advance Business Graduate James Medlin stated, “Going to class 1-2 nights a week, I was able to achieve a degree, be the parent I needed to be and wanted to be, as well as work a full-time job.” 

Mr. Medlin went on to state, “I would definitely recommend the Advance program to others and have. At one point, I became the liaison between CSCC and Whirlpool’s Best Ticket in Town program just because I believed in the program so much, and I would recommend the program.” 

According to both Ms. Patterson and Ms. Brogdon, the Advance program has over 250 graduates  to date. Many have earned promotions in their jobs or gained new employment. Several started   because their current employers told them about the Advance program.  

“I think some of these students are just scared to get started, so we really do our best to just guide them through the process,” stated Ms. Patterson. “We email them constantly. They have my cell phone number. We really try to make sure they understand everything. We have face to face orientations to make sure they know exactly what to expect for that semester.” 

Ms. Brogdon stated, “Jamie was a great student. He was very intelligent and exhibited the skills of a true leader—both in class discussions and in team projects. He was able to motivate his group to work and succeed on any given topic.”  

“Everyone is apprehensive about money,” stated Ms. Patterson. “The Tennessee Promise Adult Scholarship is going to help with this a lot.” 

The Adult Promise Scholarship is a need-based, last dollar scholarship for adult students who have demonstrated financial need, based on FAFSA’s Estimated Family Contribution. The deadline for this is June 1. 

Mr. Medlin continued, “I think people need to invest in themselves. Especially now days with Tennessee Promise’s Adult Scholarship and employers paying 100 percent. Tell me why I shouldn’t do something like this—it just makes sense.” 

For more information on the Advance business program or to have a CSCC Advance representative come to an organization or business, email advance_business@clevelandstatecc.edu.