news & partnerships

FocusQuest & Barber-Scotia College Launch Career-Focused Online Certifications via MedCerts.

Concord, NC – [August 28, 2025] – FocusQuest, a student acquisition and success partner solely dedicated to supporting HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions, is proud to announce a new collaboration with Barber-Scotia College. This partnership will enable students to access accredited career-aligned online certifications in Healthcare and IT through the MedCerts platform. FocusQuest will lead the creation and execution of marketing initiatives designed to engage prospective students in these high-demand credential programs.

“Barber-Scotia College is a vital partner for FocusQuest as we continue expanding career pathways for students of color, and together with MedCerts, we’re helping students earn industry-recognized credentials,” said Sean-Reed McGee, CEO of FocusQuest.

This fall, the College welcomed its largest student class in years and continues to expand opportunities for students on a monthly basis. As of October 15, additional certifications are being introduced, aligning with the College’s long-term plans to broaden its degree offerings and prepare students for careers in high-demand fields.

“We needed a partner that understood our demands to reach our students where they are, and where they aspire to be in the future,” added Dr. Christopher Rey, President of Barber-Scotia College.

This collaboration reflects FocusQuest’s commitment to empowering institutions and students with practical, career-aligned education that bridges the gap between learning and employment opportunities. Together, FocusQuest, MedCerts, and Barber-Scotia College are opening doors to brighter futures and stronger career outcomes.

About FocusQuest

FocusQuest is a student acquisition and success partner (SSP) firm exclusively committed to assisting HBCUs and MSIs in developing online educational extensions of their in-class programs. Since its inception in 2021, FocusQuest has cultivated corporate partnerships to build the next generation of workforce talent, broaden access to online learning, and craft strategies to enhance student retention.

About Barber-Scotia College

The College houses several academic schools—Arts, Humanities, and Human Services; Business and Leadership; and Science & Technology—delivering rigorous, skills-based training to foster creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning. Current degree offerings span business, religious studies, sports management, and bio-energy, with recent expansions into graduate and undergraduate programs in Divinity, Public Administration, Human Resources, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Medical Assisting.

This expansion reinforces the College’s focus on digital literacy, workforce readiness, and student success.

For more information, visit www.b-sc.edu.

About MedCerts

MedCerts, a Stride Inc. company (NYSE: LRN), is a premier national online training provider offering career certifications in allied healthcare and IT. Through immersive video-based instruction, virtual simulations, gamified learning, and animation, MedCerts delivers engaging, high-quality career training solutions.

Since 2009, MedCerts has developed over 50 career programs, trained and upskilled more than 100,000 individuals nationwide, and partnered with over 400 American Job Centers and more than 1,000 healthcare organizations to build strong talent pipelines.

For more information, visit www.medcerts.com or www.partners.medcerts.com.

Statement of Partnership Vision

This alliance reflects a strategic, mission-driven convergence:

• For FocusQuest: Supporting the College’s revitalization with scalable, online certification pathways that drive access and success.

• For Barber-Scotia College: Aligning with MedCerts amplifies academic impact by embedding industry-recognized credentials alongside degree offerings.

• For Students: Affordable, accessible opportunities to earn career-relevant certifications in vital fields—complementing traditional academics and aligning with the College’s mission of producing innovative, lifelong learners.