SVSU, Saginaw ISD partner to boost educational opportunities for ISD employees

November 25, 2024

SVSU, Saginaw ISD partner to boost educational opportunities for ISD employees

With an eye toward easing teacher shortages and enhancing the educational horizons and opportunities for employees of the Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD), the ISD and Saginaw Valley State University have forged a partnership that will ease the financial burden for ISD employees attending SVSU.

The Saginaw ISD Education Partnership Tuition Scholarship will cover 30% of the cost of tuition and fees for eligible ISD employees who enroll in undergraduate, graduate, or certificate programs offered by SVSU. In addition, eligible employees may receive tuition reimbursement from the ISD.

"The Saginaw ISD and SVSU share a commitment to quality education, and this scholarship will help employees of the district further their educations so they can enhance the services they offer their students and families," said SVSU President George Grant Jr.

Saginaw ISD is an educational service agency that serves as a vital partner to the 12 local school districts, five public school academies and 22 non-public schools in Saginaw County.

The ISD provides innovative leadership, services, resources and programs designed to meet the unique needs of approximately 26,000 students in Saginaw County. These services encompass career and technical education, early childhood programs, finance, human resources, instructional services, pupil accounting, special education, technology and transportation. Saginaw ISD also operates educational programs supporting students from birth to age 26 and employs a diverse workforce of more than 700 professionals across sectors such as education, business, healthcare, social work and technology.

Many of these professions align with the state's most in-demand careers. Through its undergraduate, graduate and certification programs, SVSU offers pathways to more than 35 of the "hot jobs," as forecasted by the State of Michigan.

"Investing in our team members is investing in the future of education and the communities we serve," said Jeffrey Collier, superintendent of Saginaw ISD. "This partnership with SVSU not only helps reduce financial barriers for our staff but also aligns with our mission to serve, innovate and empower. Together, we are creating opportunities that inspire professional growth and support the development of a robust and skilled workforce in Saginaw County and beyond."

The Saginaw ISD community partnership scholarship is available now, for classes beginning in the winter 2025 semester. Additional details about the application process and tuition benefits will be disseminated to ISD employees through internal communication channels.