Special Insert: Explore Fox Valley Tech Degrees
focus Fox Valley Technical College
volume 13, issue 2 • Fall 2020
your future
MADE FOR THIS MOMENT When the going gets tough, the tough get going: how our approach prepares students for life.
Inside: Students of color find support Page 7 IT skills in demand Page 8 Courtrooms go high-tech Page 12
contents MADE FOR THIS MOMENT:
Adaptability is an employability essential that’s ingrained in each and every FVTC class. It’s about how we teach our students to anticipate change and positively respond to it. The Fall 2020 edition of Focus is about how our approach prepares students for life’s uncertainties. On the cover: Medical Lab Technician graduate Rachel Werner. Focus is published bi-annually for the communities of Fox Valley Technical College. Director of College Marketing Barb Dreger Executive Editor Casey Britten Art Director Cara Jakubiec Contributing Editors Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens, Susan Lucius Contributing Writers Becky Boulanger, Casey Britten, Mary Schmidt
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Photographers Gary Brilowski, Gary Gawinski, Brandon Landwehr, Luke Voegtline President Dr. Susan A. May Fox Valley Technical College
1825 N. Bluemound Dr., P.O. Box 2277 Appleton, WI 54912-2277 1-800-735-3882 • www.fvtc.edu TTY (hearing impaired) 711 State Relay System
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baughman@fvtc.edu (email inquiries) Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission since 1974. FVTC offers more than 200 associate degree, technical diploma and certificate programs, and instruction related to 15 apprenticeship trades, in addition to providing services to business and industry. The college serves about 45,000 people annually, more than any other technical college in Wisconsin. © 2020 Fox Valley Technical College. Fox Valley Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action institution, providing equal opportunity to all persons, including members of underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, females, veterans and individuals of all abilities. For questions regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policy, contact: Rayon Brown – brown@ fvtc.edu (Affirmative Action), TitleIX@fvtc.edu (gender discrimination, including sex-based violence) or Elizabeth Burns – burnse@fvtc.edu (disability related discrimination).
13 2-4 Around FVTC
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OUR VISION IS TO BE: A catalyst in engaging partners to bring innovative educational solutions to individuals, employers, and communities – transforming challenges into opportunities.
Future Foxes
Meet 2020 high school graduates.
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Alumni Spotlight
Father and son complete the GED-to-Work program together.
7
Beyond the Classroom
OUR MISSION IS TO: Provide relevant technical education and training to support student goals, a skilled workforce, and the economic vitality of our communities.
See what’s making news.
Equity and student support drive the work of the Diversity & Inclusion Services team.
8-13 Made for this Moment
When the going gets tough, the tough get going: how our approach prepares students for life.
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15
Developing the Workforce
ATW ARFF Training Center prepares firefighters to take on airport emergencies.
Open for Business
The Venture Center has been helping businesses launch and grow since 2000.
16 Foundation
New mom finds her footing with the Starting Point 2.0 program.
Win a $50 ! Amazon gift card
t reader survey by Complete a shor for a February 1, 2021 chance to win.
ocusSurvey www.fvtc.edu/F
AROUND FVTC
AROUND FVTC
Construction Management Student Helps During Pandemic
News Briefs For the latest Fox Valley Technical College news, visit www.fvtc.edu/News.
Real-world pandemic response provides vital learning experience for student Dylan Casey.
• Becki Schultz has been named
When Dylan Casey, 20, started his internship with The Boldt Company last January, he never anticipated he’d be helping hospitals respond to a pandemic. As Boldt began building temporary care centers to support emergency room overflow, Casey served as a liaison between construction workers and vendors in acquiring supplies.
Dylan Casey
The projects included drive-through testing facilities and overflow
tents for treating patients at local healthcare facilities in Green Bay, Marinette, Oshkosh and Two Rivers. The entire project was completed in under two weeks.
“It was an amazing experience,” says Casey, who will graduate from the Construction
Management Technology program in May 2021. “I realized just how much the construction industry adapts to change and is also there to help those in need.”
Casey’s efforts were appreciated by the Boldt team. “Dylan provided much-needed
support for two crews working from sunrise to sunset to get these projects completed,” explains Eric Swanlund, Senior Director, Boldt. “He was very dedicated and available for all challenges 24/7!”
Casey also took the initiative to present a learning opportunity to his classmates by
Take A Class Learn a new skill, explore a new career, and stay close to home taking classes that will transfer to other colleges. New classes are added regularly, so visit often for the most current options. Search for classes and register online at www.fvtc.edu/TakeAClass.
creating a video highlighting various aspects of the construction process. His instructor,
Executive Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Fox Valley Technical College. Brown oversees the Office of Diversity & Inclusion Services, tribal outreach and affirmative action.
The know-how that Casey gained by working in the field was invaluable. “It was the
• Drew Bisarek was named Drew Bisarek
2020 Wisconsin Technical College System Ambassador for Fox Valley Technical College. In this role, the double-major Information Technology student serves as a leader and advocate on behalf of the college in raising awareness about the importance of technical education in Wisconsin.
Technology Instructor Kari Meixl embedded LinkedIn Learning into her Professional Sales course to bring relationship-building to life. LinkedIn Learning took note and published a blog post about it, entitled “What Happened When LinkedIn Learning Was Embedded Into a Classroom.”
pivotal moment in my life where I finally knew where I want to be,” he says. Construction of drive-through testing site and overflow tent (below).
Rayon Brown
benefited from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. CARES is an emergency financial assistance fund that provides grants to students during a time when their college schedules and routines have been disrupted by COVID19. At press time, nearly $1.3 million has been distributed to our students.
In June 2020, FVTC President Dr. Susan May wrote about racial injustice, inequity and society’s need to come together in her blog post, “A Call for Unity.” Read the complete post at fvtcsusan.wordpress.com.
Kari Meixl
Campus Regional Center
Read | Watch | Share See something you like? The articles in this magazine are easily accessible with additional links, photos and videos at www.fvtc.edu/Focus.
• More than 1,200 FVTC students have
Becki Schultz
• In spring 2020, FVTC Business
Rich Cass, used the footage during online classes as a real-time learning tool.
• Rayon Brown has been named
FVTC Vice President of Human Resources. In this role, Schultz oversees talent acquisition, risk management, and organizational and staff development, as well as payroll, labor and employee relations, and benefits and compensation for the college.
Clintonville
Learn Close to Home
Waupaca Appleton Chilton
Wautoma
Whether you’re looking to take a class or earn a degree, you have options and support at our campuses or regional centers throughout the area.
Oshkosh
Appleton Campus Oshkosh Campus Chilton Regional Center Clintonville Regional Center Waupaca Regional Center Wautoma Regional Center
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AROUND FVTC
Thanks to these area Class of 2020 high school graduates who shared their pics with us to be featured on our Facebook page. Welcome to Fox Valley Tech! #FVTCproud
PPE Supplies Given to Area Hospitals
foxes
social
Fox Valley Technical College donates more than 58,000 PPE items to local healthcare providers. In March 2020, as area healthcare providers were struggling to keep up with their supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), Fox Valley Technical College staff rallied to gather supplies from across the college.
At that time, PPE items were in short supply and hospitals found
themselves struggling to find enough equipment. In all, the college donated more than 58,000 PPE items to Ascension, Aurora and Donated PPE items
ThedaCare to help the area healthcare providers remain safe as they contended with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Although a majority of the supplies came from the college's Health
division, other instructional areas chipped in as well, including programs from the Transportation and Service divisions. FVTC Director of Security Services Jayme Bowman coordinated the effort. “It was an honor to be part of this project,” she says. “I was thankful the college was able to provide supplies to local healthcare facilities in this critical time of need.”
Spanish for Construction Bridges Communication Gaps
Andy Tremel
#FVTCproud #FutureFoxes
FVTC Global Education and construction trades team up to promote understanding, safety and productivity on job sites. Most everyone can identify a few words in Spanish but getting beyond “hola” to “hand me the hammer” takes some work. The Spanish Language & Culture for Construction course teaches English speakers functional Spanish to use on-the-job. “Our main goal is to communicate better with co-workers,” says FVTC instructor Maria Carone. “Building awareness of cultural differences helps co-workers better understand each other rather than misinterpreting
On-the-Job Understanding
information,” which also helps job site safety.
Spanish for Construction is just one of the occupational-
Andy Tremel, a student in the FVTC Electrician apprenticeship
specific classes offered by the Global Education team. Other
program and Suburban Electric employee, explains, “Knowing what
classes include Spanish for Law Enforcement and Spanish
different tools are called helps so much because you can understand
for Healthcare, and the specialized training can be paired
what co-workers are talking about.” He adds that the Spanish speakers
with other occupations or replicated in other languages.
also appreciate that the English-speaking team members took the initiative to learn their language.
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Something to share?
• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Global
Follow us and tag #FutureFoxes or #FVTCproud to be featured on our website and social channels.
@FoxValleyTech
@FoxValleyTech
@FoxValleyTech
focus fall 2020
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ALUMNI
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
“
”
When I’m at FVTC, I know I’m in a safe place.
Nadia Summers
A Place of Belonging
Equity and student support drive the work of the Diversity & Inclusion Services team. Nadia Summers, 20, is excited to continue her education toward earning a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology. In December 2020, she’ll graduate from the Forensic Science program, and she’s quick to thank her mentor for her success. “Coop has done a great job keeping me on track to graduate,” she says of Greg Cooper, a member of the FVTC Diversity & Inclusion Services team as well as the manager of Employment Connections. “He makes sure to ask how classes are going, how life is going, and takes the time to talk with my teachers about how I’m doing.” Cooper explains, “My role here is to recognize the struggles and challenges our students from diverse backgrounds go through, and help them find the resources they need.” Chief Diversity Officer Rayon Brown oversees all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for FVTC. “One of the Simon Cadena (left) and his son Ryne
college’s core values is diversity, which we live and breathe every day,” says Brown. “Our work supports all students, and part of that is helping students of color overcome the challenges of inequity.”
Q & A with Simon and Ryne Cadena
“The Fox Valley Tech staff, overall, just care. When I’m at FVTC, I know I’m in a safe place.”
Father and son Simon and Ryne Cadena of Oshkosh completed the GED-to-Work program together in Fall 2019, encouraged by Rebecca, Simon’s wife and Ryne’s mom.
• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Diversity
Students like Summers are grateful for the encouragement. “Teachers go above and beyond to help,” she says.
Funded by a Wisconsin Fast Forward grant, the GED-to-Work program was a partnership between Pierce Manufacturing and Fox Valley Technical College and concluded in Fall 2020. Students earned their GED® while working part-time at Pierce, with the promise of a full-time job upon completion. We talked with Simon and Ryne about the experience, their GED teacher Kelly Galarneau and why sometimes all you need is to have someone believe in you.
What did you like about the program?
How did Fox Valley Tech help you?
Simon: I doubted myself, but the whole process was so easy. When you come in for your GED, you don’t really know what to expect. You wonder, “Can I do this?” And with Kelly, he says, “Yes, you can. Just put your mind to it.” My wife didn’t doubt me, my son didn’t doubt me, Kelly didn’t doubt me.
S: I’ve tried to get my GED before but was told I wasn’t ready. When I came to FVTC, it was different. Kelly pushed me; he’s just a phenomenal teacher. I hope there are more teachers out there like him. And now my wife got her reward by us graduating, and I got a good job.
Ryne: It was great having Pierce back us too, helping us accomplish our goal.
R: In high school, when I found out there was no way I was going to graduate, I just gave up. If it wasn’t for my mom’s encouragement, I wouldn’t have done this. When I came to Fox Valley Tech, Kelly looked at my scores, figured out what I needed to work on and helped me focus on that. He wanted us to succeed as much as we wanted it for ourselves.
What was it like going to school together? R: Definitely weird (laughs). I was fresh out of high school, so it was a little strange going from being in class with people the same age to having your father sitting next to you. But it was also nice having a familiar face. S: I think I was the oldest in the group, and hadn’t been in school for 35 years. So it was awkward, but also motivating.
Greg Cooper and Nadia Summers
Finish High School!
If you’ve been thinking about finishing high school, you can earn your GED® credential or HSED with Fox Valley Tech. Classes are personal and flexible: start anytime and complete when you've met your goals.
• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/GED
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Made for
THIS MOMENT
Healthcare Heroes When the going gets tough, the tough get going: how our approach prepares students for life.
Pandemic shines a light on healthcare careers. Healthcare work has taken on new significance with the onset
the pandemic has had is to shine a light on the lab and the work that we do.” Healthcare employers like Ascension turn to Fox Valley
of the COVID-19 pandemic. If working in healthcare is a
Tech for people with this passion and skill. “Our region
calling, many are reassessing their lives in response to that
needs dedicated, compassionate and skilled healthcare
call to help others.
professionals,” says Heather Schimmers, RN, Chief Nursing
Nursing is a popular career choice and for good reason: it’s a Alex Basiliere is a student in the Network Systems Administration program. His work at the FVTC Student Help Desk allows him to share his knowledge and help others.
“I enjoy the fast pace of the lab,” she says. “We never stop learning and are constantly adapting. One positive impact that
Officer for Ascension Wisconsin. “The hands-on training FVTC
rewarding, highly respected career with solid earning potential
graduates receive helps them jump right in at a time when we
and job security. However, there are a variety of other health
need it most.”
careers that are just as fulfilling. When Rachel Werner, 34, took the phlebotomy essentials
• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/HealthScience
class as part of her nursing curriculum, she wasn’t aware that working in a lab was an option. “It seemed that if you wanted to work in healthcare you could either be a nurse or a doctor and that was it,” she says. As a result, the Appleton resident transferred into the newly created Medical Laboratory Technician program. She graduated in May 2020 and is now a lab technician at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton.
NCLEX test scores of FVTC nursing students
#1 in the nation
among 2000 nursing schools for the last
3 years
NCLEX: National Council Licensure Examination
Rachel Werner
IT Careers on the Rise Remote working fuels need for IT technicians. If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that more people than ever before are working from home. This means increased demands on information technology (IT) services and infrastructure. As a result, IT careers have become even more in-demand as businesses work to develop new solutions to support work-from-home staff. Sam Nail, IT Desktop Support Manager at Alta Resources in Neenah, explains, “There’s nothing simple about providing IT services anymore. It’s just more complicated, requiring more people to support.” Alta relies on the skills FVTC grads bring to the job. “Fox Valley Tech graduates bring a good foundation of technical skills and wide knowledge of the standard IT services that exist in today’s world,” Nail says. “They’re adaptable and have a strong passion for technology, which keeps them searching for the next cool opportunity.” • • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/IT
What does it take to teach nursing students during a pandemic? Take a look at how FVTC staff rallied to get it done during the challenging spring 2020 semester. • • • View video: www.fvtc.edu/HealthCare20
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Earn & Learn
The Changing World of Child Care
One-year apprenticeship program is a fast track to a promising career.
Child care providers adapt to challenges brought about by COVID-19.
The rapidly evolving world of manufacturing is taking a familiar approach to training the
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge
next generation of workers: apprenticeship.
impact on America’s child care industry.
The one-year Industrial Manufacturing
Since March 2020, many centers have
Technician (IMT) Apprentice program
closed temporarily due to health and safety
places students in innovative manufacturing
concerns, increased costs to keep children
environments to gain specific skills. The
and staff safe, and drastically reduced
program offers 3,000 hours of real-life
capacity.
instruction and earning potential at familiar
When the Safer-at-Home order began
manufacturers such as Plexus, Ariens
in March, centers had to respond quickly.
Company, Menasha Packaging and
“Per state-mandated orders, in just one day, we needed to divide into three centers
Tina Tillman (left) and Ana Avella-Calzada
Kingsbury, Inc.
IMT apprentice students from Ariens and Plexus
Unlike traditional forms of apprenticeship
to maintain physical distancing, continue to serve our families and employ all team members,” explains Tina Tillman, owner and director at Apple Tree Connections in Appleton. “We also implemented even more sanitizing to ensure the safest possible environment.” Though it was challenging, she says, “Our team came together. We learned that we need to be ready for anything.” Apple Tree currently employs 12 students and graduates of the FVTC Early Childhood Education program who, according to Tillman, “have been amazingly resilient. Flexibility is one of the most important skills needed now—and always—in this field.” One of these students is Ana Avella-Calzada. “The change our center went through was mind-blowing,” explains AvellaCalzada. “But parents trusted us to keep their little ones safe. I’ve never felt more appreciated or trusted.”
such as machinists, maintenance millwrights or industrial electricians, the IMT apprenticeship is more broad-based. In addition to hands-on job skills, the apprenticeship also includes training in safety, quality, production processes and maintenance awareness. For the Ariens Company, the apprenticeship has been a way to grow future employees. “The program provides us with a deeper bench-strength of promotable and knowledgeable employees,” says Dan Barker, training and development manager for Ariens. “It really gives team members an avenue to grow and contribute more to the company.” • • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Manufacturing
• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/EarlyChildhood
Moving Target Student Spotlight: Ana Avella-Calzada
Early Childhood Education, graduating May 2021 Age 21, Menasha When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?
What do you love about what you do? Working with kids doesn’t feel like work. I get to play, dance, sing, create art and learn every day. Watching kids
Evolving technology requires quick thinking and adaptability from Digital Marketing grads. Based in Appleton, Homestead Studio works with eCommerce businesses globally to help them develop their sales channels. Founder and CEO Zach Stuck serves on the advisory committee for the FVTC Marketing program. “Our biggest challenge is navigating ever-changing paid advertising platforms like
learn and seeing those “aha” moments is so rewarding.
I’m the oldest of five
Google and Facebook for our clients,” Stuck explains, adding that new features,
It’s unbelievable how much more there is to teaching than
kids and helped raise
analytics and privacy laws make these tools a moving target.
simply teaching.
my siblings, so from a young age, I knew I wanted to be
He depends on his employees to be analytical thinkers with the ability to change with the evolving digital landscape. “We need our people to have a continuous
a teacher. In high school, I volunteered at a preschool.
How did FVTC prepare you for your job?
Realizing how much of an impact that teachers have on our
Thanks to FVTC, I learned hands-on how to successfully run
lives made me want to pursue a career in education.
“It’s essential to our business that graduates are not only comfortable with
my classroom. The different approaches taken in my classes
change, but also willing to seek out new ways to improve in order to excel
have helped me become more flexible and adjust to new or
in the industry.”
learning mindset,” Stuck says of the FVTC Marketing graduates he hires.
unexpected situations. • • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Marketing
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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College
Zach Stuck, Founder/CEO, Homestead Studio
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Molly Steiner, Paralegal and 2017 graduate
The Paralegal and
Digital Court Reporting
fields are some of the fastest growing professions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Both are projected to
grow 10% by 2029. Laura Riemer, Van Dyne, graduated from the FVTC Digital Court Reporting program in May 2020 and is a Digital Court Reporter at the 4th Judicial District in Oshkosh.
100%
Photo submitted by 4th Judicial District, Oshkosh.
grad employment with an average annual salary of
$44,000+
High-Tech Hearings
6 months after graduating
Technical skills prove invaluable in virtual court proceedings.
interviewing, research and legal analysis needed to support attorneys. A critical part of the degree is an internship with regional professionals; Appleton paralegal Molly Steiner is
Transcribing legal proceedings is increasingly reliant on technology. Digital court reporters are responsible for recording and transcribing court proceedings. Jon Bellows, district court administrator for the 4th Judicial District in Oshkosh, explains that the pandemic has accelerated the courts’ pace of technology adoption. “Judges are holding hearings via Zoom,” he says. “To fulfill our obligation to have courts open to the public, we’re broadcasting hearings live on YouTube. FVTC graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the position." Fox Valley Technical College is the only college in Wisconsin where you can study Digital Court Reporting. Training focuses on legal terminology, transcription and digital audio reporting techniques. The 27-credit technical diploma also gives students a strong background in developing listening and transcription skills that are the foundation for success in a courtroom setting—whether in-person or virtual.
Source: Paralegal program data, 2019 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report
a graduate of that process. Steiner, a 2017 graduate of the Paralegal program, works at Peterson, Berk & Cross where she also completed her internship.
Court of Law
“This program offers small class sizes even when a class is
Paralegal degree provides fast track to a dynamic and growing career field. In TV courtroom dramas the lawyers get all the good parts, but the paralegals are the behind-the-scenes stars. At Fox Valley Tech, the Paralegal associate degree program immerses students in legal information, teaches investigation,
being conducted online,” Steiner says. “Students can collaborate with one another and get more one-on-one with instructors as needed.” She adds that this level of personal instruction is not likely to happen even when pursuing a full legal degree. The program is also available to complete 100% online. • • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/BusinessManagement
• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/BusinessManagement
Growth Mindset 2020 has been a challenging year. But it’s also been a time to grow and learn new ways of doing things. We asked some students how they’ve made the best of it. From life changes to lessons learned, here’s what they had to say.
Natalie Toeppler, EMT Paramedic
Mohamed Ben Dhiab, Mechanical Design Technology
I was going to Michigan Tech for a bachelor’s degree
Moving to online classes was
in engineering and started taking an emergency
hard getting used to at first, but
medical technician (EMT) course on the side—I
I’ve improved my technology skills
I’d rather attend in-person classes,
completely fell in love. Unlike my engineering
and have become much more
but it was nice to be able to stay
classes, everything in my EMT course just clicked
organized and self-disciplined. I
in Stevens Point and not have to
and now I’m enrolled in the paramedic program at
also started doing yoga, which has
drive to Appleton. I also got a lot of
Fox Valley Tech. I was really worried about changing
not only helped me relax and stay
my plans, but it has been worth it!
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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College
Rodney Schreiber, Business Management, President, Student Government Association
practice in bean bag toss! Now that
healthy but also provided me with
my classes are online, I’ve set a schedule so I’m not
energy for my classes.
procrastinating my class work until the last moment.
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DEVELOPING THE WORKFORCE
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Business Network The Venture Center has been helping businesses launch and grow since 2000. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the popular E-seed™
today as it was when FVTC launched its first E-seed series
series—an entrepreneur training program that builds business
in 2000,” says Pietsch. She explains that in addition to the
plans and launches enterprises. In two decades, the program
networking, the confidence and clarity that participants gain
is responsible for helping more than 500 new businesses or
from E-seed is invaluable.
expansions in the region. E-seed proves that business is not about your net worth, but about your network, as hundreds of E-seed graduates have
occupy in our economy, our work to support them will only
stayed connected over the years. Recent graduate Megan
continue to evolve.”
Tomcek opened Bridal Runway, LLC just before the pandemic hit, and wishes she had taken the class sooner. “Just do
“
• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/VentureCenter
it,” she says. “Do it for the knowledge, the networking, the
The aircraft fire training props are amazing and allow us to create so many different scenarios.
”
Ben Sokol
An Oshkosh Stryker extinguishes flames on a Boeing 777 at the ATW ARFF Training Center.
And despite the current economic downturn, she adds, “Considering the critical role startups and small business
experience. You gain everything. Amy was such a positive, high energy motivator and instructor.” Amy Pietsch, director of the Venture Center at Fox Valley Technical College, is a nationally recognized expert in entrepreneur training and mentorship. “Equipping startups to launch and small businesses to sustain and grow is as needed
Opportunity Knocks
The pandemic has reshaped the United States economy, creating demand for new products and services and opening up opportunities. Americans are starting new businesses at the fastest rate in more than 10 years, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Airport Firefighting Gets Real
ATW ARFF Training Center prepares firefighters to take on airport emergencies.
“
If you live in the Fox Cities, you’ve probably seen occasional black smoke coming from the direction of the Appleton International Airport (ATW). That’s nothing to be alarmed about; it’s a sign of the live training scenarios taking place at the new Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) Center, which welcomed its first students during the summer and fall of 2020. Since training began
Just do it. Do it for the knowledge, the networking, the experience. You gain everything.
”
on June 1, 15 departments from throughout the Midwest have participated in airport firefighting, driver/operator and live fire recertification classes.
Megan Tomcek
The ARFF facility is a partnership with ATW and is located adjacent to the airport and the FVTC Public Safety Training Center. It provides hands-on training scenarios on a one-of-kind Boeing 777 Specialized Aircraft Fire Trainer with a broken wing and a Cessna Skyhawk training prop. It’s the only ARFF site in the Midwest designed to prepare firefighters for emergency situations of this magnitude involving aircraft. “The aircraft fire training props are amazing and allow us to create so many different scenarios,” explains ARFF Program Instructor Ben Sokol, adding that any scenario encountered on an airfield can be re-created to produce the most realistic training available. “The students like that they can train on every aspect of ARFF,” says Sokol. “With the Cessna Skyhawk and Boeing 777 fire simulators, we can train on everything from small aircraft fires, to fuel spills, engine fires, forcing entry into an aircraft and attacking interior cabin fires.” While COVID-19 has slowed the start of training slightly, the training season is finishing strong. “We’re looking forward to our second training season beginning in Spring 2021,” says Sokol.
• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/ARFF
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Megan Tomcek launched Bridal Runway, LLC thanks to E-seed.
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“
FOUNDATION
Why would she go to college someday if her mom didn't?
”
November Behm
Starting Fresh New mom finds her footing with the Starting Point 2.0 program. In fall 2017, November Behm was a new mom and education was the furthest thing from her mind. When a friend told her about the Starting Point 2.0 program, it was her daughter’s future that motivated her to learn more; the program provides education for young mothers and their children together.
“What interested me most was the early childhood education for
my daughter,” says the 26-year-old from Appleton. “I wasn’t thinking about going back to school myself.”
However, thanks to the confidence she built during the semester-
long program, Behm decided to give college a chance. She also wanted to set a positive example for her daughter. “Why would she go to college someday if her mom didn’t?” she asks.
Behm enrolled in the Human Resources program, and
scholarships from the FVTC Foundation, Inc. helped ease the financial burden. She completed her associate degree in spring 2020, the first Starting Point 2.0 participant to do so. She also earned a 4.0 GPA.
Now employed as an administrative assistant for Mission
Scholarships = Worry-Free Tuition
Services at Goodwill NCW, Behm knows more education is in her future. Helping people with technology at work has sparked an interest in IT.
Behm is grateful for resources and support from Fox Valley
Paying for college is a big concern for our students. One way to ease your mind and help you hold on to your hard-earned money is through FVTC Foundation scholarships. This is money that does not need to be paid back!
Technical College. “The Starting Point 2.0 program helped me understand the importance of education, and more importantly, showed me I’m capable of succeeding!”
• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Foundation
November Behm at her Starting Point 2.0 graduation in May 2018.
Women of Courage
Starting Point 2.0 is designed to help women ages 18-29 with financial planning skills, empowerment and career planning.
Application deadlines for Fall 2021: High school seniors: March 5, 2021 Returning adults: May 1, 2021 Apply today: www.fvtc.edu/Scholarships
Scholarships are available for high school seniors as well as adults returning to school. It’s free and easy to apply! Just complete one form and we’ll match you up with scholarships that match your needs.
It is a partnership between Fox Valley Technical College, the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region and B.A.B.E.S. Child Abuse Prevention Services. Women without children are welcome to participate in Starting Point’s sister program, EmpowHER. • • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Women
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 700 MILWAUKEE, WI
Explore Fox Valley Tech online, wherever you are! When you can't tour in person, you can still experience all FVTC has to offer using our virtual tour. Tour campus buildings, program areas, classrooms & more with a tap of your finger or click of a mouse. You'll find helpful videos, photos & 360-degree views of many points of interest.
Be our guest! www.fvtc.edu/VirtualTour
Apply for admission t oday: www.fvtc.edu /Apply
Appleton • Chilton • Clintonville • Oshkosh • Waupaca • Wautoma
