Pearson, Missouri's State Fair Community College Partner to Increase Access to Affordable Course Materials

College Aims to Boost Collaborative Learning, Student Engagement and Achievement

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Sep 21, 2011, 11:13 ET

SEDALIA, Mo. and BOSTON, Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Students arriving to campus at State Fair Community College (SFCC) will find increased access to more affordable course materials, the result of a partnership between the college and Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the world's leading learning company.

Beginning this fall, SFCC students will be able to choose from an extensive range of Pearson content in customized print and digital package options. Materials for more than 40 courses will be available, including Personal Finance, Organic Chemistry, Macroeconomics and Medical Assisting. In addition, students will have access to Pearson's award-winning MyLabs and MyLabsPlus online homework and tutorial programs.

"Community colleges are an educational lifeline for students looking to increase their job skills and succeed in today's economy. We are committed to working with these institutions to provide high quality -- and affordable -- course materials and technology that support student success," said Don Kilburn, CEO of Pearson Learning Solutions. "Our partnership with State Fair Community College is an excellent example of how we work with community colleges to customize educational solutions to meet their specific needs and their students' budgets."

"Partnering with Pearson delivers valuable benefits to both our students and the faculty," said Polly Grapes, Bookstore Director at State Fair Community College. "Students have access to a wide array of course material options and the supporting MyLabs tutorial programs, and instructors benefit from formative assessment at no extra cost. It's a win-win situation that will help SFCC reinforce its commitment to collaborative learning, student engagement and high achievement."

With more than 8 million student registrations around the globe in 2010, Pearson's MyLab and Mastering programs have proven effective at helping colleges and universities improve student performance and retention while controlling costs.

State Fair Community College, located in Sedalia, Mo., is a public, nonprofit college that serves the educational needs of 4,800 students across 14 counties in west central Missouri. In addition to the Sedalia campus, classes are offered in Clinton, Lake of the Ozarks, Warsaw, at Whiteman Air Force base and online.

About Pearson Learning Solutions

Pearson Learning Solutions is a business unit within Pearson, the world's leading learning company. As an education partner and consultant to higher education institutions, Pearson Learning Solutions is committed to designing total, client-driven education solutions. We are a team of world-class education experts, instructional designers, curriculum development experts, education course writers, development editors and textbook publishers. We tailor solutions to each institution's individual needs, including off-the-shelf online, in-classroom or blended courses, or fully customized curriculum development. We also provide a range of technology tools and learning platforms to help students, faculty and institutions succeed. For more information, please visit http://www.pearsonlearningsolutions.com.

Media Contact: Susan Aspey, [email protected] or 1-800-745-8489

SOURCE Pearson