NIS Sparta, Asia's leading Training, Education and Learning Solutions Provider has been selected as a leading partner by IGNOU, India's leading Open University to offer Education through Community Colleges in India. As a part of this collaboration, over 50 NIS Community Colleges will be opened across the country. The concept of providing skill based courses through community colleges is new in India and is all set to take Education to new Mile. NIS Sparta will offer Certificate courses, Diploma Courses and Associate Degree programs under this initiative. Admissions have begun and programs will be offered starting July 2009 across India. Both IGNOU and NIS Academy are known for the roles they have played in the education sector. This new initiative will further their visions to provide affordable employability linked education to the local communities. 'We are very happy to be a part of this fantastic initiative by IGNOU. NIS Community Colleges will serve as an alternative system of education and aim to empower individuals through appropriate skill development leading to gainful employment. This collaboration will create a bridge between the local industries and the community and ensure the reach of education to the last mile, said Muralidhar Rao, President & COO, NIS Sparta. 'The focus will be to help individuals in developing skills for employment in the burgeoning service industries such as Retail, Finance & Telecom amongst others,' said Manoj Chawla, Senior VP and Head Employability Solutions Group, NIS Sparta.
Students after completing their 10th standard can also join for a two year Associate degree course after completing the one-year “Basic Preparatory Program” (BPP) of IGNOU. This two year Associate Degree programme will be available to more than 2000 students initially. NIS Sparta, under the agreement will provide the out-reach network, make available classrooms in over 50 cities and deliver the program through certified faculty. IGNOU, in turn, shall conduct the examinations and award the Certificate, Diploma or Associate Degree as the case may be. The fees of the program which is outlined on making it affordable will be determined jointly by NIS Sparta and IGNOU. The beneficiaries under this NIS Community College initiative will be, be school drop-outs, late entrants into higher education, and working people who find entry into the formal system rigid. The students would be allowed to pursue continuing education through all meaningful formats
