Choices in Education 2015

Choices in Education A special supplement of Leader Publications.

January

2015

FOLLOW LMC FOR

an inside look

at classes and student life

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Choices in Education • January 2015

Choices in Education • January 2015 3

Accredited healthcare programs spell

SUCCESS T

he biggest factor for students to consider when selecting a healthcare program is whether it is an accredited program. Lake Michigan College is the only college in southwest Michigan that offers accredited healthcare programs in dental assisting, nursing, radiologic technology and diagnostic medical sonography.

Accreditation is important for two reasons: most states require students to complete accredited programs in order to sit for licensing exams; and employers recognize the quality of employees who complete accredited programs.

Rigorous professional standards and guidelines must be met before an agency accredits a program. Accrediting agencies themselves are held to high standards by institutions such as the Council for Higher Education and Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

“Accreditation is a tool that better-prepares students for immediate employment and gives employers added confidence that our graduates have knowledge and skills that meet the highest national standards,” said Leslie Kellogg, Interim Vice President of Instruction, Career Education & Workforce Development.

Lakeland HealthCare values the quality of students who have graduated from LMC’s accredited programs. Norma Tirado, Vice President of Human Resources and Health Information Technology, states, “At Lakeland, we strive to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to all we serve. To do that, we must have quality, compassionate

for Lake Michigan College graduates

staff. We value the quality of the students that graduate from Lake Michigan College, and the fact that this is an accredited healthcare program gives us more confidence in their level of competence.”

Healthcare is a growing industry due to advancements in medicine, the aging baby boomer generation, and increased lifespan, among other reasons. Of the 30 occupations projected to have the largest percentage increase between 2012 and 2022, 14 are related to healthcare, according to the Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In Berrien County alone, healthcare is the second largest industrial group, with 11.2 percent of total employment.

The following is more detailed information regarding each of the accredited healthcare programs offered at Lake Michigan College, as well as employment information for students who are interested in healthcare careers.

Registered Nurse Program The Registered Nurse Program at LMC is approved by the Michigan State Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. LMC’s graduates have exceeded the national average success rate on their licensure exam for ten years running.

Students receive the best opportunity for success by learning in LMC’s state-of-theart Nursing Education Center, where they are educated, gain practice and demonstrate real-life skills.

The LMC 2013 graduating class of regis-

tered nurses posted a 96 percent pass rate on the RN licensure examination. The national average pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse for the 2013 test was 81 percent.

Employment for registered nurses is expected to grow at 19% through 2022, with median annual pay of $65,470.

Radiologic Technology Program LMC’s Radiologic Technology Associate Degree is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. In the last five years, Radiologic Technology graduates passed on their first attempt at the national board licensure exam, for a 96% pass rate. Other graduates passed on their second attempts, for a 100% pass rate.

“Our students are known for their critical thinking skills and how prepared they are to hit the ground running,” said Radiologic Technology Program Director Kerry Mohney.

Devon Ownby, a student in the Radiologic Technology program states, “The program fully prepares us for real-life situations. This has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, financially and academically. ” National median pay is $55,910 annually for radiologic technologists, with job growth estimated at 21% by 2022.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree is accredited by the

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Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Students are able to sit for their exams immediately after finishing the program, allowing them to secure the certification and licensure required for employment. LMC graduates have had a licensure pass rate of 100% for the past five years. The national pass rate for 2013 was 81.6 percent.

Annual wages for diagnostic medical sonographers averages $65,860, with projected job growth of 39% through 2022.

Registered Dental Assisting The registered dental assisting program at Lake Michigan College is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Program graduates are consistently in the ninety-ninth percentile for licensure in Michigan. Students learn in LMC’s state-of-the-art simulation lab, gaining foundational skills and hands-on practice.

Dental assisting is a self-paced program at LMC. “It’s an open entry and exit program, allowing students flexibility to work at their own pace to obtain their degrees,” said Julie Uribe, Director of Dental Assisting.

Dental assistants earn a median annual wage of $34,500, with job growth of 25% through 2022.

Prospective students who are interested in healthcare education may call the LMC health sciences department at (269) 9278768 or make an appointment with an academic advisor by calling (269) 9278128.

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Choices in Education • January 2015

Arts

Changes in the

classroom (StatePoint) If you have school-age children, you likely have heard about the new Common Core State Standards. Already adopted by forty-three states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity, the Common Core focuses on developing the critical-thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills students will need to be successful in college and the workforce.

What does this mean for your children and their education?

With these new standards in place, parents may need to offer their students extra support. How can you help your young scholars be better prepared to meet the new challenges of the classroom?

English/Language Arts Vocabulary development is a major component of the new standards for English Language Arts. Encourage your children to build their vocabulary organically by supplementing their required reading with a wide range of elected choices, such as classical myths, historical documents and seminal literature. If you don’t already frequent the library, consider making that part of your family’s routine.

Analysis and comprehension of reading is also important. So consider reading the same articles as your children and discussing what you both learned.

Mathematics Supplement classroom learning with free online resources. For example, Casio Education offers indepth information about standardized tests, including sample questions from various state exams. They also offer webinars and reference guides to help both students and teachers make better use of technology in math class, including topical calculator instruction.

Free education resources and information can be found at www.CasioEducation.com.

Math is all around us — from sports statistics to creating a family budget to investing for college. Parents can leverage real-life events and circumstances to both illustrate the importance of math comprehension, as well as help students further understand the Common Core curriculum.

“Mathematics education is most meaningful when it promotes abstract and quantitative reasoning skills and appeals to innate human curiosity,” says Yuji Sasajima, vice president of Casio’s education division.

“We’ve developed programs and technologies that allow teachers and students to take on the Common Core curriculum from multiple fronts.”

Students will need to adjust the way they learn to keep up with changes in the classroom. By learning more about the Common Core standards, parents can help ease the transition.

(StatePoint) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math — known collectively as STEM — has been the buzz phrase for educators for some time. But, with many school districts eliminating art, music and other humanities classes, there has been a recent push by educators to change the focus from STEM to STEAM, and add arts back into the mix for a more well-rounded education.

“Many experts agree that STEAM education is a great way to engage children of all ages in creative play, discovery and learning,” says Dr. Eric Klopfer, Platform Learning Expert and member of the Expert Panel at VTech, a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stagebased electronic learning products for children.

Whatever the present academic focus of your local school district is, you can help support a more comprehensive education for your children at home, while making it fun. Here’s how to incorporate STEAM learning into your children’s playtime: Art Time The school day may not offer daily opportunities for creativity to flourish, but you can turn the playroom at home into an artists’ studio.

Keep on hand arts and crafts supplies such as glue, construction paper, glitter, scissors, string and paint.

Take a trip to a museum or gallery and learn about different artists and styles to get kids inspired.

just as crucial as math and science, experts say

New Technologies Handing over your expensive, breakable mobile technology to your young children may not sound ideal for on-the-go learning, but there are durable tablets built for children that support learning apps combining STEM subjects with the arts.

For example, InnoTab MAX, VTech’s most powerful and versatile 7-inch tablet, features access to more than 650 educator-supported apps, including hand-picked Android learning games and age-appropriate learning software and content through VTech’s Learning Lodge, as well as creative onboard apps such as Movie Maker and Art Studio. The apps feature a wide curriculum of language arts and reading, math, science, social studies, problem solving and creativity, that have been re-

viewed by a panel of education and child development experts.

Music Participation in music education has been proven to improve grades in STEM subjects. Not only that, it’s a ton of fun.

If your school offers opportunities such as band or chorus, encourage your kids to get involved. If arts programs are scarce, invest in a keyboard or guitar for the home. Even if private music lessons are out of the budget, there are plenty of online tutorials that can help with the basics.

While there’s no doubt that math and science comprehension are critical, education experts advise parents to support an interdisciplinary approach to learning that incorporates the arts as well.

Make playtime educational and fun (StatePoint) Playtime should be fun, but who says it can’t also be beneficial to kids? From imaginative play that expands creativity to toys that develop crucial motor skills, kids’ play can be a time when learning and fun go hand in hand.

“Children don’t need to be in a classroom for quality learning to take place,” said Dr. Lise Eliot, early childhood development expert and author. “In fact, opportunities to promote mental and physical development can happen anywhere, anytime.”

Here are a few ideas for maximizing playtime: • Make Music: Playing music can help kids be creative and expressive, as well as promote coordination. But some kids may be reluctant to participate if it feels like work. If there’s resistance to formal music education, don’t nix the idea entirely. Stock your playroom with a keyboard, tambourine and other kidfriendly instruments and let kids explore music on their own terms.

• Cool Toys: “Look for fun toys that encourage problem-solving, engage children in imaginative play and develop fine motor skills and spatial reasoning,” Eliot said.

For example, VTech’s Go! Go! Smart Wheels and Go! Go! Smart Animals capture the best of both worlds: traditional role-play infused with modern technology, for engaging, imaginative learning.

Each playset features SmartPoint locations that can be recognized by every vehicle and animal. As a vehi-

cle or animal is rolled over a playset’s various SmartPoints, it will flash and play greetings, fun sounds, short tunes and sing-along songs for a multi-sensory learning experience that evokes kids’ imaginations.

• Outdoor Games: For some fresh air, and at the same time to encourage hand-eye coordination and learning number fun, get outdoors to play some classic games like hopscotch, jacks or marbles. Encourage kids’ creative side, by having them come up with an idea for their own game, complete with rules and a scoring system.

When it comes to playtime, there’s no need to put learning on the back burner!

Choices in Education • January 2015 5

Opportunities for Michigan students at IUSB

I

ndiana University South Bend is a good choice for nearby students in Michigan. With the help of financial aid and scholarships, you can earn an Indiana University degree at a lower cost than you think. This year, Indiana University South Bend provided $60.5 million in financial aid to more than 6,300 students. The aid came in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study funds and low interest student and parent loans.

There are a lot of ways to arrange financing for your education and IU South Bend is committed to helping students get a college education they can afford. Plus, at IU South Bend you will be assigned a counselor who will guide you through the financial aid process. The deadlines to apply for many scholarships, grants and loans start in March.

For Michigan students, the Chancellor’s Merit Award is particularly helpful. This scholarship provides students with the opportunity to receive a reduction in the out-of-state tuition rate. A limited number of awards per year are made to qualified students. To be eligible you need to be a graduate from a U.S. high school or state recognized homeschool program with a college preparatory curriculum; have a minimum 3.3 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale; an SAT critical reading and math combined score of 950 or higher (21 or higher composite score on the ACT); and must be formally admitted to IU South Bend without condition.

Michigan students can live on campus at IU South Bend in student housing. The proximity of classes, professors, the library, and student life make it easier to adjust to college life. Plus, there is no need for driving to and from campus or worrying about the price of gasoline.

And research shows that students who live on-campus during their first year are more successful in the classroom and more likely to graduate.

IU South Bend offers the full collegiate experience including more than 100 degree programs, distinguished faculty, athletics, student life, undergraduate research, study abroad, tutoring and more. Students get personal attention because they are in smaller classes, where their professors know their names, advise them on their academic progress, and help them to be successful in college and in life.

Contact us now. For financial aid email sbfinaid@iusb.edu or go to financialaid.iusb.edu. For scholarships email scholar1@iusb.edu or go to scholarships.iusb.edu.

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Choices in Education • January 2015

BRANDYWINE Community Schools

We Are —

“Committed to every student’s success!”

Right size, right opportunities

right choice

A

t Brandywine, we offer many options to prepare today’s students to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Here are some of the ways we can help learners of all ages: • Technology training and opportunities for all grade levels.

• Extra help to get all students reading on grade level.

• Online learning experiences at every grade level and building.

• Alternative and Adult Education so that people can get high school diplomas, with free child care and flexible schedules.

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Schools of Choice Opportunities for 2014-2015 Second Semester!

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Out of State Tuition Opportunities!

Right Size, with Many Educational Opportunities!

• Early College opportunities for qualifying students at Brandywine Senior High, a State of Michigan Reward School.

• Partnership with Lake Michigan College for skilled trades program.

• Tuition opportunities for out-of-state students at affordable rates.

We offer these and many other choices in a small, safe, caring school environment. The whole community has supported our school improvements by passing bonds to modernize our building facilities.

Call us at 684-7150 or check our website at: www.brandywinebobcats.org.

THE RIGHT CHOICE! Deadline for taking applications is January 22, 2015 www.brandywinebobcats.org 1830 S. 3rd St • Niles, MI 49120 • 269-684-7150

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St. Mary’s Catholic School Shining a Bright Light on Our Children’s Future Register now for the 2015-16 School Year.

St. Mary’s faith-based education teaches character and values while providing a balanced academic program for preschool through 6th Grade.

St. Mary’s Offers: • State Certified Teachers • Higher Standardized Test Scores (compared to local public schools) • Leaps and Bounds Program for 3s, 4s and 5s • All Day Begindergarten and Kindergarten • State Certified After School Club • Daily Hot Lunch • Student to Teacher ratio of 1:10 (on average) • And So Much More!

217 S. Lincoln Avenue | Niles, MI | 269-683-9191 StMarysNiles.com

A well-rounded

religious education

S

t. Mary’s School has as its foundation core Catholic values and proven curriculum trends in elementary education.

Today, the “three Rs,” — reading, writing and arithmetic — are uniquely blended with values of religion, respect, and responsibility.

Physical education, technology, art, music, and Spanish are offered to students as “specials.”

In a society in which mass media constantly inundates our children with the images of desire and materialism, we have achoice to provide our children with a safe haven of peace and moral stability. St. Mary’s School is such a place! Religion is an integral part of the daily curriculum at St. Mary’s School.

This enables our children to build a sense of accountability for their actions and a deep-seated compassion for others.

A St. Mary’s School education helps children with the choices they must make as they mature in today’s complex world.

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Choices in Education • January 2015 7

NILES COMMUNITY SCHOOLS www.nilesschools.org

Watch them shine Making a decision about where you send your child to school is about more than textbooks, bricks and mortar.

It’s about providing the vital preparation necessary to ensure success as they take their place in the world.

At Niles Community Schools, your child is important to us.

You are important to us. We will work together with you for the best education for your child.

Now accepting applications through January 22, 2015 for School of Choice!

Northside Child Development Center PreK-K experience for our GSRP Preschool, Early Childhood Special Education, Montessori and Kindergarten children. We partner with our local daycare providers for training and collaboration.

Northside School

Eastside Connections School

Howard/Ellis Elementary

Eastside Connections School K-8th grade magnet school experience with endorsed Problem-Based learning instruction and an expectation of 100% parent involvement.

Howard/Ellis K-5th grade experience where leveled reading, multi-age classrooms, and integration of the latest technological tools are used for instruction. K-1st grade children attend Ellis and 2nd-5th grade attend Howard.

Building

lifelong learners

O

n Dec. 15, 2014, Niles Community Schools awarded 79-yearold Mary Nigro the first Lifelong Learning Award.

Mrs. Nigro is the living definition of a lifelong learner. She left high school at the age of 15 and didn’t receive her high school diploma until 2014.

Her accomplishments in the years between the ages of 15 and 79 demonstrate that Mrs. Nigro was a lifelong learner. She worked in the advertising and accounting office at Whirlpool. She worked on archeological digs in Israel. She was the voice behind “Mary in the Morning” for WSJM radio in St. Joe. Mary was able to accomplish so much because she never lost her curiosity and love of learning. These two characteristics are the foundations of a life of learning.

Researchers know that curiosity is a basic and intense impulse in humans.

When curiosity is triggered our brain activates in very unique ways. The part of the brain that is triggered by pleasure, lights up like a Christmas tree and another part of the brain that creates memories goes into high gear at the same time. The chemicals in the brain associated with pleasure create all of this activity, which translates into enjoying what is being taught or done. Teachers

instantly recognize this as the AHA! that shines brightly in students’ faces. And quite frankly, most teachers would admit they use that instant to their advantage because they know learning is taking place and is “sticking” with their students. Teachers also know in this moment a love of learning is beginning to form in the hearts of their students.

At Niles Community Schools, not only do our teachers use the research to help our students become lifelong learners, they actively model lifelong learning. They attend professional learning opportunities covering various educational topics. Many of them follow their own natural curiosity to learn more about topics they personally find interesting and use that learning to enhance their students’ learning experiences in their classrooms. Many teachers do this on their own time and spend their own money because they love learning and realize learning doesn’t stop just because they graduated and have a diploma.

From our pre-school to our adult education students, we want every learner to develop a sense of curiosity and love of learning building their own foundation of lifelong learning at Niles Community Schools.

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Ballard Elementary School

Ballard K-5th grade experience with opportunities for whole brain learning with an emphasis on engaging through active learning.

Oak Manor 6th Grade Center Designed to help transition students from the elementary experience to the “middle school” experience. Teachers embed technology applications within their lessons as students enjoy one-on-one laptop use. Increased related arts offerings and advanced math options for select students.

Ring Lardner Students are placed on teams and spend two years working with the same group of core teachers, allowing us to better address the unique academic and social needs of middle school students.

Niles High School Where options for learning include: Early College Academy, Professional Health Careers Academy, Math/Science Center, Career & Technical Education, Accelerated & Advanced Placement, Special Needs Services, Award Winning Fine Arts Programs, Extended Day Tutoring/Athletic Study Table, Career & College Center, Extra Curricular- Athletics, Musicals & Plays, National Honor Society, Service & Competition Clubs.

Oak Manor 6th Grade Center

Ring Lardner Middle School

Niles New Tech 9 - 12th grade experience combining problem-based learning with a culture built on trust, respect and responsibility.

Alternative Education W-A-Y & W-A-Y Forward: 6-12th grade virtual experience combining project-based and online learning with personalized face-to-face instruction. Home Schooling: Partnership allowing flexible scheduling and non-intrusive enrollment requirement. Cedar Lane: 9-12th grade opportunity giving young adults an opportunity to learn in a classroom environment with lower student/teacher ratios, allowing for improved relationships and focused achievement.

Niles Adult Education: 16-adulthood experience providing a high school diploma, GED preparation testing, and adult basic education.

Alternative Education

Niles High School & New Tech

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Choices in Education • January 2015

Your first choice for a

second chance

“I

really didn’t know what I wanted to do,” said Bridge Academy trainee Destiny Brown. “But the Bridge Academy helped me to experience more, to explore more and want to do more for myself.”

Once a high school dropout, Brown now has a whole new outlook on life. In addition to finishing up her degree, she recently earned her credential as a CAN — all thanks to the Bridge Academy.

The school identifies itself as a learning community for refocused youth and young adults ages 16-24. It offers employment preparation including high school diploma and GED completion.

Thanks to a partnership with Career Online High School, trainees can now earn their diplomas entirely online while completing a credential in office assisting, hospitality, retail or childcare.

A trainee’s relationship with the

Now enrolling 16-19-year-olds!

YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR A SECOND CHANCE The Bridge Academy is very different than a traditional school.

Bridge Academy does not end at graduation. After trainees finish their diplomas or GEDs, career coaches continue to assist them with college placement or employment.

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Education: Your individualized learning plan is based on your career goals and strengths. We even have ONLINE options.

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Certifications: You’ll have the opportunity to gain employerrecognized credentials to boost your resume.

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Job placement: When you’re ready, we’ll help you find a good job or work experience to move you in the right direction.

Contact Zach at (269) 277-5122, ext. 1423, or vaughnz@kinexus.org for more information or to register.

www.kinexus.org Kinexus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 1-800-649-3777 Voice and TDD. © Kinexus 1214

SUCCESSFUL CAREERS

START HERE As a national leader in the beauty industry, we have successfully trained men and women for exciting careers as salon stylists, platform artists, product specialists and salon owners since 1959.

269-428-2900 2600 Lincoln Ave. St. Joseph, MI

574-271-1542 7321 Heritage Square Granger, IN

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. For a list of gainful employment disclosures, please visit our website.

Open: Mon - Thur 10am-4:30pm • Fri 9am - 4:30pm Visit tcbeautycollege.com

Hands-on, career-focused learning The beauty industry is an exciting, adventurous and creative field that could be the career opportunity for you. Michiana Beauty College provides all the essentials for their students to become licensed Cosmetologists.

The school provides a nationally accredited curriculum, which includes hair cutting, styling, color, salon management, facials, manicures and so much more. The instructors pride themselves in helping students acquire the knowledge and “hands on” skills required for a career in the beauty industry. The training also helps students develop advanced technical, business and people skills which encourage self-reliance and

readiness to assist others with an ethical approach to the profession.

Classes start monthly and offer Monday to Friday schedules. Students learn and practice in the new 5,000 square foot school and student salon, which is located in Heritage Square Mall in Granger. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Michiana Beauty College is part of Moored Beauty Schools, with locations in St. Joseph, Holland and Traverse City.

Careers with style begin at Michiana Beauty College, located at 7321 Heritage Square Drive, Granger, Ind. 574.271.1542 or www.tcbeautycollege. com.

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Choices in Education • January 2015 9

Six common student

misconceptions about money, credit

(BPT) - From sports teams and extracurricular clubs to first jobs and first cars, high school students learn new lessons every day, many away from the classroom. But when it comes to balancing their obligations, many students learn some tough lessons for the first time as they dip their feet into adult life, particularly with their finances.

“Only 7 percent of high school students are financially literate and fewer than 30 percent of adults report being offered financial education at school or college,” said Brian Page, finance teacher and personal finance adviser to H&R Block Budget Challenge. “Personal finance can be an overwhelming subject to learn, so many students have developed money misconceptions.”

According to Page, many students share these six common misconceptions when it comes to money:

1 2 3 4 5

A person can save what is left over at the end of the month. Those who save by making automatic savings deposits right from their paycheck save four times more than those who only deposit directly into one account, according to CFED.org.

Financing college Tips for navigating the process Any high school student planning to attend college should have a good plan for financing that degree, to avoid unnecessary debt.

Students who earned a bachelor’s degree typically earn nearly twice as much as their peers with only high school diplomas, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To reap the benefits of a college degree, students and parents should strive to avoid unnecessary debt post-graduation by making a game plan.

“It’s important to understand your financial aid options, and take action early to get money you’ll need for school,” says John Rasmussen, Wells Fargo`s Head of Education Financial Services. “Between applying for schools and studying for college entrance exams, don’t let this vital preparation get lost in the shuffle.”

Navigating this process can be tricky. And without proper planning or research, it’s easy to take on too much debt. With that in mind, here are some tips for families embarking on this journey: • Fill out the FAFSA: Regardless of your family’s income, fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.) If you’re eligible for aid, the schools you’ve been accepted to will put together financial aid packages for you based on this information. Additionally, you’ll need to complete this if you wish to receive federal aid. Remember to fill out the FAFSA every year you’re in school, no earlier than January 1 for the upcoming academic year.

• Estimate college costs: You can get an estimate of a college’s approximate cost by visiting the “net price calculator” on the individual school’s website. Play around with the variables to see how your total cost of college could change. For example, look

at differences between living on and off-campus.

• Explore financing options: First, consider free aid, like scholarships, grants, state and institutional aid. Ask your financial aid office to give you information on self-help aid like the Federal Work Study program, and also consider federal student loans.

Additionally, check out private student loans, available through banks and other private lenders. For example, a Wells Fargo private student loan provides financing for eligible education-related expenses beyond tuition, such as housing, books, laptops, lab fees and more. With this plan, no payments are necessary until six months after leaving school.

• Know your deadlines: Be sure to obtain all important dates from your financial aid office. Keep a calendar for this and other college application deadlines.

• Free resources: Take advantage of online resources like the Wells Fargo`s “CollegeSTEPS” program, which offers tools and tips for college bound students and their families. To sign up and be automatically enrolled in the CollegeSTEPS Sweepstakes for a chance to win $1,000, visit www.WellsFargo. com/collegesteps.

Finally, check out Well Fargo’s “5 Steps to Financial Aid” video series, which offers helpful advice from “Mr. Fellows, your wiser college advisor,” at www.WellsFargo.com/fivesteps.

While financial planning can be overwhelming, particularly amid college applications stress, don’t brush this item under the rug. Investigating the breadth of merit-based scholarships, paid internships and student loans can prove helpful in managing education debt now and into the future. (StatePoint)

College is unaffordable. Most teens are well aware of the surge in college costs. However, many teens don’t realize that, by comparison shopping, seeking financial aid and looking at alternative pathways to earning a degree, college costs can be more manageable.

All debt is bad. “Borrowing now to improve your future self can be a good idea,” Page said.

“Student loans not exceeding your first year’s anticipated income makes sense for most everyday Americans.” To find information on anticipated salary, check out PayScale.com.

Overdraft protection is free to use.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found the typical overdraft situation is comparable to a small-dollar loan with a 17,000 percent interest rate.

I don’t need to budget right now. Teens annually spend nearly $100 billion, reports the University of Illinois. Yet only 17 percent of teens maintain a budget, states an H&R Block survey. Budgeting is important now as small expenses can add up and get you into trouble - for example, the average American spends more than $2,500 a year dining out, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Properly monitoring your spending habits can help avoid overspending.

6

Never use credit cards. It depends. “If you’re unable to control credit card spending, steer clear,” Page said. “However, they can be ideal credit building tools for young consumers who use them responsibly.” Consider starting with a secured credit card, avoid borrowing more than 30 percent of the credit limit each billing cycle and always pay the balance in full and on time.

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Choices in Education • January 2015

Returning

to college

(BPT) Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. This age-old adage resonates for many whose personal or professional obligations delayed or rerouted their educational goals.

The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to pause, take stock in your goals and make a plan for how you can achieve them, including going back to school to finish the education you started and finally earning that college degree.

College graduates earn approximately $17,500 more than adults without a degree, and they are more likely to be employed than their less-educated counterparts, according to the Pew Research Center. Despite these advantages, more than 31 million people started college in the last 20 years, but did not graduate. In fact, 4 million adults have completed at least two years of college, but have not earned a college degree or certificate.

Family or personal responsibilities and military service are just some of the reasons students “opt out” of their education. And the thought of going back to school can be overwhelming. Madeleine Slutsky, vice president of career and student services at DeVry University, has advice for those who want to return to school.

“Every college and university is unique. There is no ‘one size fits all’ institution,” Slutsky said.

“Those looking to go back to school must research options to identify which will help them achieve both their academic and career goals.

Breaking the journey down into actionable steps will help the decision-making process.”

Slutsky offers some advice: Do research Begin by researching your field of interest. Use a resource like O-Net, which includes a career assessment tool to help students explore a range of career directions.

Researching schools can be daunting. Create a list of pros and cons of each to help narrow your search. Assess each institution’s degree programs, faculty, student organizations and flexible learning options to identify those that best align with your education and career objectives.

Seek school and career advice Connect with friends, family members or acquaintances who are employed in your ideal career field. Their academic experiences will help you identify the qualities your ideal degree program possesses. Or use LinkedIn to expand your professional reach with those in the field you are considering.

Assess credit-transfer opportunities Obtain official copies of your transcript and determine which credits qualify for transfer to your desired program. Complete the school’s evaluations and confirm its credit transfer policies with an academic advisor who can answer your questions and help you create an action plan.

Explore financial aid and scholarships Colleges and universities offer an array of financial aid and scholarship options, some specifically for transfer students. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online to determine what you qualify for. In addition, research and apply for scholarships. Map out financial assistance options, policies and deadlines and apply as early as possible. In addition to college and university resources, websites like scholarships.com and fastweb.com can aid in your search.

A college-educated workforce is in demand, and the value of a college degree continues to rise. For adults planning to complete their degree, there’s no time quite like the present.

How to get

ACCEPTED to the school of your choice (BPT) With tuitions at an alltime high, the cost of college and the increasingly competitive job market have become major considerations for aspiring college students and their parents. Students are not only focusing on where they can get in, but where they can get the best education that will set them up for a desirable career. The most challenging part of the journey to success is oftentimes the first step - gaining admissions.

Where it was once considered common practice to only apply to three or four colleges, today’s students apply to 10-15. So how should today’s students tackle the daunting college admissions process?

There is a lot that aspiring college students and parents can do to prepare, according to Dr. Katherine Cohen, LinkedIn Higher Ed expert and Founder and CEO of IvyWise. As one of the nation’s top college admissions consultants, Dr. Cohen offers tips on maximizing college preparation, including leveraging your network, to get you onto the path towards acceptance into college, and ultimately your dream job: Make the most of your college prep - start early, be prepared, and stay organized: The key is to start early and think ahead. Take the most rigorous courses available at your high school, particularly in the field of your intended major or in something that might interest you. If you think you might be interested in going into social work, take a psychology class. The same applies to extracurricular activities, select a few that are of interest and engage deeply. Admissions teams consider fit as well, and want to attract students who they feel will

thrive and contribute to the campus community. Perhaps the most important way to prepare is by doing careful and extensive research. A college should be a great fit for your career aspirations, as well as your academic, social, and financial goals. Don’t limit yourself to just a short list of name recognition universities.

Leverage available resources: There are a number of new online resources available to help guide you and your family as you tackle the college decision-making process. LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional online network, offers a range of new higher education tools that provide aspiring students and young professionals with the opportunity to make informed decisions on which universities, majors and skills will help them achieve personal and professional success in years ahead. * University Rankings helps students identify and rank universities that are launching graduates into their desirable jobs in key industries, based on career outcomes of alumni from the more than 332 million LinkedIn members. Say you are interested in Advertising; did you realize that the University of Pennsylvania is one of the top schools for you? * Decision Boards is a great new tool that helps prospective students organize their school search in one place. It also helps students make well informed decisions by enabling friends, family, alumni, and current students to provide advice and insight on a school that might interest you. * University Finder helps students achieve their career goals by easily identifying schools that meet their interests based on desired area

of study, companies of interest and preferred location.

Connecting, connecting, connecting is king: Even though students don’t have decades of professional experience, they can still develop strong relationships with their network of teachers, family friends and coaches - to help provide insight into suggested schools, how to tackle college applications and to provide recommendations.

Don’t forget to also connect with admissions officers; they hold the keys. Introduce yourself at college fairs, on college visits, and request their contact information in order to establish a line of communication. Ask meaningful questions but don’t bombard them - you don’t want to be remembered for the wrong reasons.

Use connections to seek out internships or volunteer opportunities to get hands-on experiences in a particular field. Students can achieve this by connecting with others on LinkedIn, and exploring possible connections through the LinkedIn University pages. Tap into the resources available to develop meaningful and influential relationships that can help you make an informed college decision.

Finding, applying, and gaining admission to the best fit college for you is an incredible challenge, particularly as it pertains to your job prospects and career path once you graduate. However, by following these tips and using the online resources available, you’ll not only find the best college for your academic and career goals - you’ll get in, too.

For more information, visit LinkedIn University pages: www. linkedin.com/edu/.

Choices in Education • January 2015 11

Criminal justice degree

growing to fit the needs of more SMC students, community

O

n their day off before December finals, CJ Club gathered in Mathews Conference Center West to hear Cass County Deputy Sheriff Jeff Johnson discuss force at the heart of events in Ferguson and Staten Island.

Besides 25 years as an officer, including 18 with the Sheriff’s Office, Johnson is a former police chief.

In November, CJ Club heard SMC instructor Al DiBrito, who worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 24 years.

DiBrito entered the FBI from the Chicago Police Academy and 10 years of suburban policing in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Program Director Don Ricker’s students tap such professional resources preparing for the SkillsUSA 42nd annual State Leadership and Skills Conference, “Fusing Ideas to Form a Legion of Leaders,” April 12 in Grand Rapids.

A three-woman CSI team of freshman Nicole Brill and sophomores Jaquiline Czajka and Kayla Tobias represents SMC. Freshmen Tyler Fye and Mark Lutz and sophomores Jon Brown, Abbigail Guyott, George Robinson and Scott Swanson compete as individuals.

Their five-part criminal justice contest totals 1,000 points: the Criminal Justice Knowledge Test, 100 points; a pre-employment interview, 200; scenario one, 300; scenario two, 200; and a traffic stop/warrant arrest, 200.

Students respond to an unknown non-felony incident — domestic situations, runaways/ missing persons, malicious destruction of property, larceny, auto theft/car jack, neigh-

bor disputes, simple assault, retail fraud, death notifications or animal complaints.

For the traffic stop/warrant arrest, students are evaluated on officer safety, presence, professionalism, effective communication, radio traffic, handcuffing, contraband and post-arrest technique.

SkillsUSA, formerly VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), is a partnership of students, teachers and industry.

“Western Michigan University is in our group. So is Grand Valley,” said Ricker, a former Houston police officer. “Ferris is in a different region, but we do have Kalamazoo Valley, Grand Rapids Community College and Lake Michigan College. It’s a tough region. The winner usually wins state and competes at nationals.”

SMC’s CSI team must demonstrate knowledge of constitutional law governing search and seizure; communication skills; ability to work together as a team to conduct a systematic investigation; crime scene photography; properly search for, handle and collect physical evidence; complete a crime scene sketch; and obtain fingerprints.

Contestants get 30 minutes to process the scene, a half hour to write their report and 30 minutes for a written test.

Criminal Justice’s hands-on classroom

learning has included crime scene technicians, Berrien County’s SWAT team and Dowagiac Police Department’s canine.

Students network with professionals who support them with scholarships.

“It gives us an opportunity to pay it forward,” Dowagiac Public Safety Director Steve Grinnewald said. “We get to meet these people and test drive them if we want to hire them down the road.”

An associate degree in Criminal Justice can be completed at the Dowagiac and Niles campuses.

Bachelor’s degrees are offered on SMC’s Dowagiac campus through Ferris State University.

Criminal Justice transcends badges and guns. It’s a broad-based, flexible degree which can lead to law school, social work, corrections, probation and private security.

“I don’t blame people for being concerned” about force cases, Johnson said.

“When somebody dies, we should all be concerned why it happened and if it was reasonable. Use of force is the only report you write as a police officer that you actually put in your opinion because what you saw and perceive is important” under Graham v. Connor, a 1989 case where a diabetic problem was mistaken for drunken resistance.

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The Supreme Court ruled the key factor in applying force is the threat officers and others face.

“These are split-second judgments in rapidly-evolving situations you have to deal with as they unfold,” Johnson said.

Johnson played a clip of a 2003 stolen-vehicle chase in Shreveport that appears to end with police gunning down an unarmed man, but footage from another vantage shows the suspect pointing his silver cell phone like a gun while fleeing.

“I’ll wear a camera if they want,” Johnson said, “but cameras show a certain point of view, not the totality of the circumstance or the mind of the officer or subject.”

The National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) provides investigative support to law enforcement for serial or single homicides, child abductions or exploitation, terrorism, bombings, arson, threats, serial rapes or extortion.

Tasks associated with “profiling” are performed by Supervisory Special Agents assigned to NCAVC at Quantico, Virginia.

Special Agents do not complete training at the FBI Academy and instantly go to NCAVC, but must serve as an FBI Special Agent for three years or more.

Profiling “doesn’t solve crimes,” despite the impression left by a glut of procedural television shows.

“It’s not a substitute for thorough investigative police work. It’s a tool in the toolbox” to make sense of physical evidence, autopsy reports, toxicology reports and lab reports, DiBrito said.

12

Choices in Education • January 2015

Hands-on learning for a Hands-on job.

You’re not going to be listening to lectures all daY on tHe job, so wHY do tHat in tHe classroom?

Hands-on learning in simulated crime scenes, demonstrations such as SWAT and K9 drills and instruction from real professionals in SMC’s CJ program will give you all the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to pursue a career in criminal justice or for advanced study in law school.

Participating in competitions, demonstrations and fieldwork gives you the opportunity to network with professionals, meet other students who share your interests and learn beyond the classroom.

CriMiNAL JUSTiCe AT SoUTHWeSTerN MiCHigAN CoLLege The Criminal Justice program at SMC will prepare you for a career in one of the many fields in Criminal Justice such as…

Law enforcement Corrections

The associate degree in Criminal Justice can be completed at the Dowagiac or Niles Campus.

Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice are offered on SMC’s Dowagiac campus through Ferris State University. reADy For THe NexT STeP? Visit swmich.edu to apply, schedule a tour or learn more.

QUeSTioNS? Call, email or stop by the Student Service Center on either campus to chat with an admissions rep.

800-456-8675, ext. 1499 enrollment@swmich.edu

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Ferris state University has one oF the most repUtable and comprehensive criminal JUstice programs in the coUntry. *Bachelor’s degrees are offered on the Dowagiac campus through partnerships with Ferris State University and Bethel College.

Southwestern Michigan College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. www.higherlearningcommission.org