BVU, South Hamilton Schools Bond Through Strategic Partnership
Through a collaboration with Buena Vista University, the South Hamilton Community School District offers educational benefits to its employees and their eligible family members.
Buena Vista University (BVU) and the South Hamilton Community School District have formed a Strategic Partnership designed to empower educators and enrich the communities they serve.
This partnership allows for employees of the South Hamilton Community School District, as well as eligible family members of full-time employees, to receive grant funding to lower the overall cost per credit hour while enrolled in BVU’s convenient online undergraduate programs or the organizational leadership graduate program. Partner grant funding also lowers the cost of education for students enrolled in classes at BVU’s Storm Lake campus.
“I hope this Strategic Partnership provides a benefit to staff members that provides a route to degree that will keep them employed at South Hamilton long-term,” says South Hamilton Community School District Superintendent Heather Holm.
“The online courses offered by BVU play a critical role in my ability to pursue my education. With the flexibility of online learning, I can manage my studies around my work schedule and family commitments, allowing me to create a learning environment that fits my needs. Returning to school is not just about advancing my career but also about setting a positive example for my children. I want them to see that education is a valuable tool for achieving our goals, no matter how difficult the road may seem.”
South Hamilton Community School District Associate Courtney Nelson, a current student pursuing her bachelor’s degree in human services through BVU’s Online Programs
Located in rural Hamilton County in central Iowa, the South Hamilton Community School District serves 350 students from Ellsworth, Jewell, Randall, and Stanhope. More than 55 teachers and about 50 staff members oversee the school district’s two learning centers—South Hamilton Elementary School and South Hamilton Middle and High School, which are located in Jewell.
According to Holm, the South Hamilton Community School District, though small, is renowned for offering vast opportunities for students. The district is committed to excellence in both academic and extracurricular activities, ensuring that all students can reach their full potential.
“I highly recommend Buena Vista University for its outstanding Online Programs, which provide flexibility without compromising quality,” says South Hamilton Community School District Associate Tracy Krumm, a current BVU Online Programs student studying psychology. “The courses are led by expert faculty, and the virtual learning environment is designed to offer engaging and interactive experiences perfect for balancing education with other commitments.”
The Strategic Partnership between BVU and South Hamilton Schools not only offers financial relief through discounted tuition but also provides the flexibility needed for individuals to balance their educational pursuits with personal and professional responsibilities. The collaboration is already proving to be a valuable resource for many school district employees.
“As a single mother of two and a full-time employee, balancing work, family, and school can be challenging, but I am determined to make it work,” says South Hamilton Community School District Associate Courtney Nelson, a current student pursuing her bachelor’s degree in human services through BVU’s Online Programs. “The online courses offered by BVU play a critical role in my ability to pursue my education. With the flexibility of online learning, I can manage my studies around my work schedule and family commitments, allowing me to create a learning environment that fits my needs. Returning to school is not just about advancing my career but also about setting a positive example for my children. I want them to see that education is a valuable tool for achieving our goals, no matter how difficult the road may seem.”
“Buena Vista University is excited to partner with the South Hamilton Community School District, extending educational benefits to its employees and their eligible family members through our Strategic Partnerships initiative,” says BVU Director of Strategic Partnerships Laura Todd. “Supporting education is the cornerstone of building stronger communities. We look forward to collaborating and investing in the future of the communities we both serve.”
For more information about BVU’s Strategic Partnerships and partner opportunities, please visit the BVU website at bvu.edu/strategic-partnerships or contact Strategic Partnerships at StrategicPartnerships@bvu.edu.