Accreditation confirms Albany Tech’s commitment to education

ALBANY — Albany Technical College announced in a Tuesday news release that it has been granted a certificate of accreditation by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Northwest Accreditation Commission, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.

The accreditation, granted by the Cognia Global Commission, confirms ATC’s commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement and enables ATC to now offer high school diplomas in addition to its wide range of technical certificates of credit, college diplomas and degrees.

Following a rigorous candidacy review that started on Jan. 19, ATC, particularly through its Academy of Learning & Performance, demonstrated a dedication to superior educational standards and consistent progression.

“Achieving Cognia accreditation attests to the unyielding perseverance and commitment of the ATC community,” Aaron Edmondson, the executive director/principal of the Academy of Learning and Performance at Albany Tech, said. “The Academy of Learning & Performance plays an integral role in guiding young individuals who may have strayed from their path during high school. Now, we proudly stand as an accredited body offering those students a second chance to achieve their high school diplomas while also discovering new technical skills.”

The comprehensive candidacy and engagement reviews conducted by Cognia assessed ATC’s capacity to meet accreditation requirements and performance standards. These evaluations examined ATC’s Dual Achievement Program and Career Plus HSE program, garnering high regard for their effectiveness in serving both high school and adult learners.

“Receiving Cognia accreditation not only affirms our commitment to quality education but also enhances opportunities for adult learners,” ATC Vice President of Adult Education Linda Coston commented. “Albany Technical College provides a supportive environment where adults can earn high school diplomas while simultaneously pursuing technical certificates of credit, college diplomas or degrees. This unique blend of education empowers adults to enrich their skills and contributes to our collective mission of community development.”

While now officially accredited, Albany Technical College will continue to use Cognia’s interrelated resources and services to uphold its ongoing commitment to educational excellence and community service.

File Photo: Carlton Fletcher