Castleton University, Community Care Network partner to create the Community Care Network Grant

Castleton, VT (07/24/2019) — Castleton University and Community Care Network are partnering to make college education more accessible and affordable for CCN employees through the Community Care Network Grant.

The Community Care Network Grant offers reduced tuition for CCN employees to take part in any of Castleton University's graduate or undergraduate courses or programs. CCN also offers a tuition reimbursement program for its employees that may be used along with the grant to further reduce their out-of-pocket expense.

Community Care Network CEO Dick Courcelle said creating educational and training opportunities for employees is critical to maintaining a qualified workforce.

"High quality, affordable and accessible higher education opportunities are essential to recruitment and retention for Community Care Network. We have long enjoyed a relationship with Castleton University. This new grant opportunity will make it easier for our employees to pursue affordable undergraduate and graduate coursework close to home to expand their skills and obtain credentials needed in their field. We are honored to partner with Castleton University in this way," Courcelle said.

The Community Care Network Grant strengthens the longstanding relationship between Castleton University and Community Care Network. Castleton has met the educational needs of CCN employees for many years, and CCN continues to provide internships to CU students, giving them a valuable source of real-world experience.

Maurice Ouimet, dean of enrollment at Castleton University, said he looks forward to welcoming more CCN employees to Castleton. He believes the grant will contribute to a well-trained staff at CCN and benefit CU students by bringing the skills and experience of CCN employees into the classroom.

"This agreement aligns with our goals of increasing college accessibility, building strong partnerships, and supporting the local community," Ouimet said. "The grant and tuition reimbursement program are an investment in our local workforce by both Castleton and CCN that will benefit both organizations and the community as a whole."

About CCN

Community Care Network is comprised of Rutland Mental Health Services and Rutland Community Programs. The mission of CCN is to enhance the health and well-being of our communities, individuals and families through responsive, innovative and collaborative services. The programs of Community Care Network serve more than 3,000 people each year throughout Rutland County and are focused on improving the health of residents and their families living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders, in addition to providing an array of services for younger children and older Vermonters.