Governor Brad Little delivered his State of the State address Monday detailing plans of a more interconnected higher education system.
During his speech Little explained that with new presidents at all of Idaho’s four-year universities the state of Idaho plans to take a new approach to higher education.
“I have directed our universities, community colleges and the State Board of Education to adopt a fresh, bold, approach to meeting the needs of Idaho students and businesses,” Little said. “Breaking down silos and working together more as an interconnected higher education system.”
Little plans to do this through developing cybersecurity programs. These programs are expected to be offered jointly through Idaho’s four-year public universities, including the University of Idaho.
“This increased level of collaboration across Idaho’s higher education institutions will offer Idahoans a path to earn a degree in a high-demand profession,” Little said. “Partnering with Idaho employers, including the Idaho National Laboratory.”
In his address Little also commended university presidents for making college more accessible through the freezing tuition in 2020.
ICYMI: https://www.uiargonaut.com/2019/12/21/ui-releases-new-numbers-on-voluntary-leave/
“Combined with our increased commitments to the Advanced Opportunities Program – which enables students to earn college credit while in high school – and the Opportunity Scholarship, college is becoming more affordable and obtainable for an entire generation of Idahoans.” Little said.
Brianna Finnegan can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @briannafinnega8