Holland College signed a memorandum of understanding with Westfield State University in Massachusetts during a recent Trade Team PEI mission to the New England states. The memorandum paves the way for student and faculty exchange programs and for the development of degree pathways for Holland College graduates.

The signing of the memorandum signifies the beginning of what Holland College vice president of Innovation, Enterprise and Strategic Development Michael O'Grady believes will be a long and fruitful partnership between the two post-secondary institutions.

"Holland College is committed to ensuring that our students not only have the optimal student experience, but that they also have a variety of options to choose from after graduation, whether it be in the workplace or by continuing their education. The addition of Westfield to the 21 universities and institutes all over the world with which we have agreements means that our students will have even more opportunities in the future," he said.

Westfield State, which is located in Westfield, Mass., was recently identified as the best post-secondary value in Massachusetts, offering students the greatest chance to obtain a college degree among all public and private institutions. Westfield State topped all other institutions of higher education in the state on a scale of "graduation rate per dollar of expected net price," based on a formula that combines graduation rates and college costs. The next five institutions on the scale are Harvard, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Williams, Amherst and MIT.

"Globalization continues to be an important characteristic of developing society especially in Massachusetts where fields like biotechnology and information technology are prominent. Creating international partnerships with institutions like Holland College give our graduates the experience and perspective that future employers value," said Robert Hayes, vice president, Academic Affairs, Westfield State University.