New Horizons Computer Learning Center of Kansas City began operations in 1988 in a one-room training facility located in Overland Park, KS. At that time, the company operated as an independent computer training provider called CompuTrain, Inc., focusing on desktop application training for PC users from local area companies. Early success was largely due to the quality and customization of training that customers received. From the beginning, we knew that our clients needed to leave our classroom with the knowledge and skills necessary to have an immediate impact in the workplace.
In 1993, CompuTrain, Inc., joined the New Horizons network and began offering training solutions that were national in scope. Clients were able to coordinate training events in multiple locations and be assured of content parity and consistent quality. By becoming a New Horizons center, we were able to bring the national expertise of the network to the Kansas City marketplace, providing our clients a host of new training products and services. As a New Horizons center, we pioneered concepts like club memberships, Integrated Learning, the test-pass guarantee, complimentary online companion courses, the no-cancel guarantee, and re-take privileges.
The rapid growth of information technology adoption during the 1990's resulted in a skills gap that employers were eager to address. Technology vendors like Microsoft and Novell introduced certification programs to standardize an individual's ability to manage specific technologies. We entered the technical training market as a Novell Authorized Education Center (NAEC) in 1994, training students on Novell's technology and preparing them to pass rigorous certification exams. In 1995, we were certified as a Microsoft Authorized Technical Education Center (ATEC) and were soon helping our clients obtain Microsoft certification. To this day, we remain part of the world's largest network of Microsoft Gold Certified Partners of Learning Solutions (CPLS). The demand for certification training has grown ever since, and we have added new certification training offerings, including Cisco, Oracle, programming, Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW), CompTIA, Linux, PMP, Mile2, and ITIL.
As the 90's progressed, many of our clients were experiencing a shortage of qualified technology workers. As a result, in 1997 we began offering career training to consumers (individuals not sponsored by a business client). Our consumer clients gained networking exposure to potential employers they encountered during training, and our business clients gained a new source of qualified applicants.
By 2000, New Horizons Computer Learning Center of Kansas City had become the largest technology training provider in the Kansas City area. Although additional classroom space had been acquired to accommodate our growth, we ran out of room to expand and moved to our current location in the Metcalf South Shopping Center. The 25,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility boasts 12 classrooms, a 10-seat Prometric Testing Center, Laser Grade and Microsoft Office Specialist testing centers, several break areas, and spacious corridors. Our clients continue to appreciate the central location, convenient access, and ample parking.
In 2001, we expanded our mission and began offering training unrelated to technology. Many of our clients had expressed a need for fundamental workplace skills training. We addressed this need by launching our Business Skills Fundamentals program, offering courses like Effective Presentations, Time Management, Project Management, Teamwork, etc.
We also launched our Integrated Learning solutions strategy in 2001. As part of that implementation, we began offering two new training delivery methods to our clients - Online ANYTIME and Online LIVE. Online ANYTIME is an asynchronous eLearning platform, allowing students to engage in training when and where it is convenient to them. Online LIVE is a synchronous eLearning platform, where students attend live classes over the Internet. Integrated Learning guides students through all stages of the learning lifecycle.
In 2004, we learned that shifting population demographics were creating a shortage of qualified healthcare technology workers. As a result we launched our Healthcare Information Management program. Medical Coding and Billing Specialists are two of the 13 fastest growing occupations in the country and are expected to grow 49% by 2010. Students completing this program earn certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).
2004 was also the year we launched Mentored Learning, an on-demand delivery model that allows students to determine when they attend training and for how long. Mentored Learning combines visual, auditory, and kinesthetic touchpoints and students learn through lecture, reading, practicing, and interaction with a certified mentor in a one-on-one environment. Mentored Learning offers students unprecedented control over their learning experience and increases knowledge retention.
In 2005, Riggs Enterprises, Inc., purchased the New Horizons of Kansas City franchise. Principal owners Scott and Jann Riggs are leveraging decades of training and technology experience by continuing the tradition of offering innovative, quality training services and products to the Kansas City market.
In 2006 we introduced on-line video training. This new delivery medium works well for students who learn better in a classroom environment but are unable to attend a live class. We also established a partnership with Career Coaches. Through this unique partnership, Career Coaches maintains an office in our facility and provides counseling and placement services directly to our consumer students. We also formed a partnership with Mile2, a world renowned security training company, to deliver high end security and wireless training classes through our center.