Washington Adventist University (WAU) in Takoma Park, Maryland, has entered into a partnership agreement with Frontline Community Services. This partnership agreement will help Frontline employees and their families further their educations. A memorandum of understanding was signed on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, by the principals of both organizations, including Weymouth Spence, president of WAU, and Dittu Abraham, Frontline Community Services (FCS) president.

FCS is a nonprofit agency that provides a wide range of services, including residential and psychological supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the District of Columbia. With more than 200 staff and administrators, FCS is recognized by the service community for innovation and strategic approaches to improving the lives of people who would otherwise remain on the outer fringes of society. The company motto, “Bringing Meaning to Lives," reflects the example that Jesus Christ set for His disciples to love and serve every segment of society, especially the most vulnerable, demonstrating love that is all inclusive.

The organization is headquartered in Takoma Park, not far from the WAU campus. Under the agreement, Frontline employees are eligible for discounted tuition for courses offered by WAU's School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS), which accommodates working adults with accelerated evening programs. Classes start at 6 p.m. and meet once a week for eight weeks, enabling students to earn a degree faster. The families of FCS employees are also eligible for discounted tuition at both the SGPS and the university’s traditional program.

In order to benefit from the partnership agreement, Frontline Community Services employees and their families must provide a verification of employment letter or a valid Frontline employee identification card at the time of registration.

Degree programs currently offered in the evening format include nine undergraduate and nine graduate programs, including an innovative RN-MSN program that enables nurses with an associate degree to move directly to a master’s degree. In addition, three fully online degree programs are available, including master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Public Administration (MPA), as well as a bachelor’s degree designed specifically for Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) who already have an associate degree.