An American college is working on developing a strategy to enhance Bermuda's workforce.

And two of its officials are visiting the Island this week to research the Island's needs.

After speaking with politicians, business people, educators and students, Atlantic Union College president Sylvan Lashley and vice president of student affairs Alma Foggo York yesterday told The Royal Gazette they should have an action plan before November.

They then intend to take the four-pronged strategy -- after sending it back to Bermuda to be reviewed -- to the Massachusetts-based college's board and have it implemented by next year.

If approved, Atlantic Union College will: Assist Bermudians studying nursing and practising RNs to earn their Bachelor of Science degrees; Allow those studying business and information technology at the Bermuda College to complete the last two years of a degree programme in the US; Offer courses to Bermudians in computer science; and Act as a consultant and liaison between Bermuda and other colleges in the US.

Noting that Bermudians, including Seventh-Day Adventists minister Carlyle Simmons, Dr. Ronald Lightbourne and Dr. Leslie Holder, sat on the college's board, Dr. Lashley said: "I do not anticipate any problems with the board approving this.'' The pair who are no strangers to Bermuda -- Dean York was born in Bermuda and returns to the Island three to four times a year while Dr. Lashley has visited the Island three times and lived with Pastor Simmons during their college days -- believe Atlantic Union can help Bermuda meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

Science, mathematics, and English were specific areas to be reviewed, they said.

Observing the Island's size and cultural diversity, Dr. Lashley added that it was similar to the college's population.

The Adventist-based school of 750 students is 48 percent black, 24 percent white, 24 percent Hispanic, and four percent Asian. Therefore there are English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese speaking students.

Thirty-two of the full-time students are Bermudians.

With the introduction of a formal programme strategy, that number is expected to double.

While developing their strategic plan, Atlantic Union staff and the Bermuda Institute of Seventh Day Adventists will co-sponsor two summer clinics at the Bermuda Institute.

Details of the clinics are: Developing Mathematical Power will run from July 13 to 17.

Dr. Raynold Lewis, professor of Mathematics at Atlantic Union, will conduct the sessions for high school students in grades ten to 12. No prerequisites are required.

Professor of Computer Science at Atlantic Union, Eduardo Urbina, will run the second clinic, entitled Computer and Presentations Technology Course, on July 20 and 23. It is open to jumior and senior high school students and adults.

To register contact Bermuda Institute on 238-1566/7 for application forms and cost information.