Future Generations Graduate School Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Franklin, WV - On February 22, 2010, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredited the Future Generations Graduate School. This remarkable achievement has been accomplished in a relatively short time since the Graduate School was established in 2003 and later that year authorized to issue a Master’s Degree by the State of West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. In 2005 the Graduate School submitted to the North Central Association its intent to seek accreditation. In the ensuing five years, the Graduate School refined its pioneering pedagogy of community-based learning and conducted two institutional self-studies, including on-site assessments by North Central accreditation review teams.

Dr. Sylvia Manning, President of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, announced: "The Higher Learning Commission is pleased to congratulate Future Generations Graduate School on the accomplishments that have brought it to accredited status."

The Future Generations Graduate School builds the capacity and deepens the skills of mid-career community leaders from around the world through a two-year Master’s Degree in Applied Community Change and Conservation. The Graduate School has matriculated three classes of students from 22 countries. The class of 2011, the fourth cohort, began in January 2010 with students from 10 countries.

This distinctive educational program focuses on communities rather than classrooms as the locus of learning. The innovative pedagogy integrates online coursework with international field residentials (one-month per term) and an applied practicum (thesis) project. Students remain in their own countries and positions, continuing to serve their communities without having to relocate..

Director of Academic Affairs of the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, Dr. Bruce Flack, praised the program, saying that, “Future Generations Graduate School has a distinctive and unique outreach among post-secondary institutions in the United States. Its position in providing a master’s program that emphasizes community-based learning and environmental conservation is unique. Future Generations with its focus on diversity and global understanding will achieve a significant niche in American higher education.”

The Chair of the Board of Future Generations Graduate School, Christopher Cluett, emphasized that “Accreditation provides a strong affirmation of the quality and effectiveness of our innovative approach to educating current and future world leaders in community change and conservation. We anticipate that accreditation will enhance our visibility within the educational community and open new partnerships in our efforts to empower communities with the skills to own their future.”

Accreditation certifies that the Future Generations Graduate School meets the high standards established by the Higher Learning Commission for quality, integrity, and program innovation. 

Future Generations Graduate School’s mission is to teach and enable a process of equitable community change that integrates environmental conservation with development. Future Generations Graduate School shares the same mission as its founding and partner organization, Future Generations. Both organizations are based in Pendleton County, West Virginia.

Contact: Traci Hickson, Director of Communications
traci@future.org 304-358-2000