PIQUA — With the focus of meeting a demand for high-quality, affordable higher education to the residents of the Greater Miami Valley, Edison State Community College continues to exceed expectations of many.

“With so much to offer and ongoing processes that assure consistent quality, Edison State remains committed to creating a sustained, significant impact throughout the region,” said President Dr. Doreen M. Larson.

Her report continues:

Edison State currently serves more than 4,000 unduplicated students per year, choosing from over 35 technical fields of study, baccalaureate transfer programs, developmental course work and Business and Industry offerings which provide on-site training, career preparation and personal enrichment.

Since opening its doors in 1973, the college has served more than 75,000 students and boasts over 10,000 graduates. Eighty percent of the college’s enrollment comes from its primary service area — Darke, Miami and Shelby counties. Likewise, students from Auglaize, Champaign, Logan, Mercer, Montgomery and Preble County are attracted as well to Edison State’s campus for quality education.

Edison State’s College Credit Plus program, which allows current junior and high school students to earn college credit at no charge, partners with over 40 high schools, translating to one of the highest high school student to total enrollment ratio percentages in the state at over 30 percent. Participation in this program has increased by 53 percent from the previous academic year.

Edison State has students who come from all walks of life, many being first-time graduates in their families. In addition to providing a personal and rewarding education, the college’s number one commitment is student success. This is evident in the high course completion rate of 85 percent, which placed the college highest in the region and second in the state. As well, Edison State also has the highest graduation and retention rate of community colleges in Ohio at 47 percent.

Located in a strong manufacturing and agricultural region, the college plays a vital role in economic development by adding more than $13.2 million annually to the local economy. During its 2014 fiscal year, alumni of Edison generated more than $110 million in added income to our region, representing the wages that students earned during the year, increased output of the businesses that employed students and the multiplier effects that occurred as students and their employers spent money at other businesses.

To meet the needs of an ever-changing workforce environment, Edison State continues to develop and uphold meaningful partnerships with some of the region’s leading employers. These innovative partnerships provide students with the hands-on experience and knowledge applicable to current and future industry needs. Because of direct experience gained through internships and capstone classes, over 90 percent of students in the engineering and information technology fields are offered full-time positions before graduation.

As the future of education continues to evolve through advances in technology and the skilled workforce sector, the need for a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) academy continues to be a vital and vibrant program within the school. Being newly named as Innovation Academy in 2014, Edison State continues to be proud of the program offerings, which lead students to careers in today’s highly demanded STEM fields. Providing distinctive pathways from high school through college, Innovation Academy ensures students have the opportunity to be gainfully employed upon graduation.

Now in its fifth decade of service, Edison State is committed today and in the future to being a valuable resource as it continues to be responsive to the needs of its students and the broader communities it serves. The development of both certificate and 2-year associate degree options applicable to today’s workforce standards continue to be explored with the help of local and regional manufacturers.

For more information about Edison State Community College, visit www.edisonohio.edu or call 937-778-8600.