COMMUNITY THE MAGAZINE OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Volume 9, Issue 4
HIGH DEMAND, HIGH PAY, ALL SET Redding is career-ready after completing Lozier sponsorship.
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CONTENTS 1
A letter from the MCC Foundation
2 High demand, High pay, All set Redding is Career-Ready after completing Lozier
sponsorship for the trades partnership with MCC
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Boundless Design: cutting-edge careers start with DIMA DIMA programs blend technical skill with artistic
2
High demand, High pay, All set
6
Boundless Design: cutting-edge careers start with DIMA
vision for robust, cutting-edge career opportunities
9 Five unique MCC continuing education courses 10 Beyond Brick and Mortar: A hub for high tech training and employment 12
Faces of MCC
MCC alums share full-circle journey from class to career
16 MCC expands access to college education, offers CollegeNOW! courses at no cost during 2022 summer quarter
10
Beyond Brick and Mortar: A hub for high tech training and employment
12
Faces of MCC
Volume 9, Issue 4
Credits
Community is a quarterly publication of Metropolitan Community College. Contact the editor at 531-MCC-2726 or estokely@mccneb.edu.
Lead editor and contributor: Emma Stokely
Metropolitan Community College affirms a policy of equal education, employment opportunities and nondiscrimination in providing services to the public. To read our full policy statement, visit mccneb.edu/nondiscrimination.
Assistant editors and contributors: Brian Ayers, Jenny Milligan, Katherine Riggs Lead art direction: Daryl Anderson, Danny Trejo Art contributor: Jeremy Tutini
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A LETTER FROM THE MCC FOUNDATION Dear friends and supporters, It’s hard to believe that graduation is fast approaching, and another quarter is coming to an end. If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that we need to appreciate each season of our lives. It is a pleasure to celebrate this season of transition at Metropolitan Community College, and I am excited to look ahead at what the upcoming academic year will bring. In this issue of Community, you’ll learn more about how the MCC community is making a difference. You’ll meet Seth Redding, an MCC alum who completed his degree debt free and with full-time employment at Lozier Corporation through an industry-reponsive partnership. We celebrate our alumni and how they continue to have an impact on MCC students. I hope you enjoy learning about the current student and alumni using their creative talents and technical skills to excel in our Digital Interactivity and Media Arts program. Our MCC community continues to thrive and overcome adversity at every turn. You will also learn about steps we are taking to enhance our programs through the addition of the MCC IT Express location, conveniently nestled in the budding Millwork Commons community in north downtown, a vibrant hub for tech, art and design. You will get a peek into some of the unique offerings that we provide through our Continuing Education classes and the summer of savings available to Nebraska high school students through the no-cost CollegeNOW! offering. We have a lot to be proud at MCC, and I hope you enjoy learning more in this issue. Thank you for being an important part of this season and our community.
Sincerely,
Amy Recker Executive Director, MCC Foundation Associate Vice President for Advancement
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HIGH DEMAND, HIGH PAY, ALL SET Redding is career-ready after completing Lozier Sponsorship for the Trades partnership with MCC.
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S
eth Redding turned 20 years old on Feb. 27. One day later, the Fremont, Nebraska, native completed his Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Mechanical Maintenance Technology at Metropolitan Community College and simultaneously stepped into a full-time position with Lozier Corporation in Omaha. It’s a familiar setting. Redding worked part-time at Lozier while completing his course load through the company’s Sponsorship for the Trades program in partnership with MCC.
While in high school, Redding was a standout wrestler and qualified for the state tournament twice. He was a jack of all trades on the football field for the Tigers, as well, primarily playing middle linebacker on defense, but also filling roles as tight end, long-snapper and on the kickoff return unit. When it came time to decide what to do after high school, he was interested in welding and started taking courses at the MCC Welding Academy, but financial barriers required looking into other options. A conversation with Todd Hansen, MCC executive director of Student Services, whom Redding considers a mentor, changed everything.
The program was one of the first in the region when it started nine years ago. Dozens of other active sponsorship collaborations between MCC and local employers are now in place. The rapid growth has been in response to a national labor shortage, which has hit the technical trades particularly hard. Customizable and flexible, MCC sponsorship programs are employer-paid recruiting, training and retention programs that address specific workforce needs across multiple industries through prospective or existing employee development.
“I didn’t have the money to finish the Welding Academy, and that’s when Todd let me know about Sponsorship for the Trades with Lozier and said he thought I would be a good fit. He has been a big part of my success,” Redding said.
After completing Lozier’s program, Redding now earns nearly $30 an hour fixing and troubleshooting equipment he says he’s “developed a relationship with” over the past year-and-a-half. Earning close to $1,200 in pay each week, he is making nearly double the average weekly income of working 20- to 24-year-olds according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Lozier really was a pioneer, well ahead of the curve in recognizing the need for a program like this,” Champion said.
On top of landing a high-wage job in a high-demand field with an industry-leading manufacturer, Redding doesn’t owe a penny in student loan debt. All of his classes, textbooks, tools and toolbox were paid for by Lozier. He earned more than $20 an hour during his internship the summer after high school graduation and throughout the part-time position he held while attending MCC, a position that allowed him to immediately apply classroom lessons in a manufacturing floor setting. “I’m 20 years old and thinking about having my whole life set up. I’m thinking about what kind of house I want to build,” said the 2020 Fremont High School graduate. Hannah Bolte, director of marketing and communications for Lozier, said reaching students like Redding is a challenge due to a decades-old misperception that is finally beginning to change. “When Sponsorships for the Trades started, it was during the post-recession years, and at that time, the traditional path to ‘success’ after high school skewed heavily toward attending four-year colleges. College is great, but it can be expensive and isn’t the right fit for everyone,” Bolte said. “Thankfully, that narrative has changed because the trades provide lucrative career options for students coming out of high school.”
Jim Champion, MCC Pathway coordinator, who helps industry partners connect with and develop MCC industrial technology programs, said there simply aren’t enough young workers entering skilled trades to fill vacancies left by retiring baby boomers.
“Sponsorship programs offer creative and customizable ways to recruit, train and retain new talent by bringing employees in at more of an entry-level. We train them up and support them every step of the way to completion of the program.” Support comes in many forms, from removing the financial burden for education and equipment to mentorship. Bolte said the MCC Sponsorship for the Trades program accounts for 26 percent of Lozier’s current Maintenance and Tool and Die technicians. She said the academic model and employment model work in tandem to support sponsored students. “The supervisors in our plants have worked with MCC program directors over the years and know that these
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programs teach the skills we need from our employees,” Bolte said. “The accountability and immediacy of applying classroom lessons in the setting of an actual manufacturing floor while working with us are what makes it so successful.” Redding said his schedule kept him busy during the completion of the program. At one point, he was working three days a week while balancing a class schedule with 22 credit hours, which was the pace he set for himself. He said balancing his schedule wasn’t difficult because of the way the classes and internship worked hand-in-hand. “[Lozier] didn’t throw me to the wolves, but they definitely didn’t hold me back from learning anything. I learned the basics of electricity, motor machine controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, plumbing and tool and die,” Redding said. “It’s amazing how many more fields I am involved in than where I started with welding. If you can think of any kind of machinery in a high-volume manufacturing plant, I pretty much have the range to work on it.”
BUILD UP YOUR TALENT POOL MCC sponsorship programs help local employers recruit, train and retain a sustainable workforce.
While each MCC sponsorship program is customizable to the company’s workforce needs, they all have four main ingredients: paid jobs during training, work-based learning, hands-on MCC instruction and mentorship. In addition to high school students, sponsorship students range from veterans, established professionals looking to make a career change or existing entry-level employees who are proven workers, but haven’t developed the skillset to fill priority, higher-skill and higher-paying positions. “Sponsored students learn so much faster and more efficiently because you apply what you’re learning in class every day from an instructor and are then teamed up with a mentor at work, so the learning is two-fold,” Champion said. “We have plenty of people who come in during their 20s and 30s who are working multiple jobs to make ends meet—we train them for a new career. They all end up having the skills when they’re done to make a good living.” Bolte said one of the best outcomes of Sponsorship for the Trades is the impact it makes in the lives of Lozier employees.
Competition for employees is at an all-time high as employers are challenged to find workers with the right training due to the growing skills gap in the workforce. MCC sponsorship programs provide area employers across many industries a valuable recruiting, training and retention tool that combines MCC training with on-the-job experience. Companies can sponsor one or more students by covering tuition, books and fees with the understanding that the student will stay with the company for a specified period after completion of training. Four key components differentiate MCC sponsorship programs from other types of workplace training programs:
Paid Job
MCC Training
Work-based Learning
Mentorship
Dozens of industry partners participate in MCC sponsorship programs. For more information on developing a sponsorship program for your organization in any of the industries listed to the right, contact Jim Champion at jchampion@mccneb.edu or call 531-MCC-4728. 4 • community • mccneb.edu
“It’s transformed a lot of lives. They can support their families with these jobs.” That was true for Redding, whose mom suffered a stroke, which he used as a motivator to complete the program.
“When you step back and look at it as a whole, being able to understand how everything in a manufacturing facility works together, and why it works, it gives you a whole new appreciation of what goes into making a product you normally wouldn’t think about—that’s the most satisfying thing,” Redding said. For more information on developing a sponsorship program for your organization in any of the industries listed below, contact Jim Champion at jchampion@mccneb.edu or call 531-MCC-4728.
“It’s made me want to devote myself to work hard, make the most out of this and be the best I can be at what I’m doing,” Redding said. When he looks back at the hard work he put in to complete the program, what he appreciates most is the satisfaction that comes with his work—something some people never find in an entire working career, but he has found with his first job.
Architectural Design Technology
Automotive Collision
Automotive Technology
Civil Engineering Technology
Construction and Building Science
Critical Facilities
Diesel Technology and CDL Truck Driving
Electrical/Mechanical Technology
Electrical Technology
Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Manufacturing Process Operations
Mechanical Drafting and Design
Plumbing
Precision Machine/ CNC/Tool and Die
Utility Line
Welding
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BOUNDLESS DESIGN:
CUTTING-EDGE CAREERS START WITH DIMA DIMA programs blend technical skill with artistic vision for robust, cutting-edge career opportunities
T
he “struggling artist” label is far less applicable to creatives who are displaying their work in digital formats. From the architects of the Metaverse to designers growing the most widely recognizable consumer brands, the digital arts now claim a greater role in the creative experience.
From using augmented reality to visualize your living room with the couch you are considering purchasing to using your cellphone to experience three-dimensional art in a virtual gallery, layers of technical processes make those animations execute correctly in their digital environment. Artistry is also at work to bring those experiences to life with attention to style. The Metropolitan Community College Digital Interactivity and Media Arts (DIMA) program not only teaches students how to build these skills, but also to develop strong project portfolios that are key to landing jobs after graduating. Design is the College’s largest DIMA concentration, while 3D Animation and Games is rapidly increasing its enrollment. The strength of the job market for both concentrations is driven by global consumers’ expectations to interact with products and services in a range of digital formats, said Ian Snyder, an MCC DIMA instructor and experienced game developer. “Even before the pandemic, but especially since, the game industry has been booming. More companies are seeing that there’s a lot of benefit to having a strong digital presence,”
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said Snyder, a co-founder of two indie game studios. “Even with a relatively simple app, you’re going to reach a lot more people having one, and augmented reality is going to continue to keep growing.” Snyder said a major benefit of the DIMA program is that once students develop the foundational skills, there are a vast variety of ways to apply these skills. For example, Snyder teaches a course on the Unity® game engine, a platform used to develop 2D and 3D computer games and simulations. It could be used to build a video game for children or to create architectural modeling objects. “We help our students figure out what they want to focus their creativity on, and as soon as possible, we work on helping students build their portfolios,” Snyder said. “As instructors, we provide direct mentorship because of how quickly things change in the industry, and I think that’s what is appealing about these careers—they are on the cutting edge.”
Four DIMA alums and current students shared their perspective on career opportunities in the digital arts and how they are thriving in their own right:
ANNA JOHNSTON Unity® Certified Associate: Game Developer; pursuing an AAS in 3D Animation and Games Anna Johnston earned a bachelor’s degree in the history of art and architecture, but found more stable work in the restaurant and bar industry. When restaurants reopened for indoor dining last year in Omaha, she didn’t feel ready to step back into an at-risk job. An MCC Workforce Innovation Division scholarship provided an alternative. “When COVID-19 hit, I was ready for a change but didn’t really know where to start,” the 33-year-old Johnston said. “It became obvious that I needed to find a better way of living, a new career, and here was this wonderful opportunity from this wonderful community college.” She secured the scholarship, and after meeting with an advisor, decided an accelerated course for the Unity® game platform seemed like a good way to transition from the traditional to the digital arts. After completing her initial Unity® certification, she wanted to further develop skills in 3D design and began pursuing her associate degree, with a 3D Animation and Games concentration. “I had excellent help from the game development and design instructors, Ian Snyder and Ken Keys. These two have been incredibly encouraging along the way,” Johnston said. “What I love about MCC is how incredibly talented my instructors are, having worked in their respective fields for years.” Johnston is gaining experience before graduating. She recently started a research fellowship internship with University of Nebraska Medical Center. The project explores the potential of virtual reality space for use in medical training simulations. “This project is so exciting to me personally because of its potential for education, and it is great to be involved with it so soon after my certification,” Johnston said. Johnston is focused on finishing her associate degree, and once complete, she is open to wherever it takes her. “I would love to be able to travel again. There are so many great cities around the world with work opportunities for VR and game development,” she said.
ARLIND EMERLLAHU 3D technical artist, Paradigm MCC graduate, AAS in 3D Animation and Games Arlind Emerllahu was drawn to 3D animation because he liked the idea of blending computer technology with art. Around the time of his graduation last spring, Snyder came across a remote internship opportunity with a Wisconsinbased company called Paradigm, which provides software solutions for the building industry. Snyder said he thought Emerllahu had strong skills for the role, and they concentrated on building up his portfolio. As a result, Emerllahu landed a three-month internship. Six weeks later, he was hired for a full-time position. Initially, Emerllahu set up lighting, staging and solved technical issues related to the company’s 3D architectural renderings, but his role has expanded to include development for process, as well as researching and creating new procedures and tools. He’ll soon venture into virtual reality for the company’s mobile app. “I appreciate the variety in challenges. Typically, the same issues don’t pop up consistently, and it’s incredibly fun to develop new processes and upgrade the visuals in our pipeline,” Emerllahu said. Paradigm appreciates his efforts. In less than a year with the company, the 23-year-old has received three pay raises. He likes the ability to work remotely and said he “honestly can’t imagine doing it a different way now.” “I’m hoping to get into directing and leading. If I can become a technical art lead or creative director, I will be really pleased,” Emerllahu said.
MARY ALLEN Senior digital designer, Scooter’s Coffee MCC Design Instructor MCC Graduate, AA in Graphic Design Mary Allen’s journey to her career as senior digital designer for one of Nebraska’s most recognizable brands, Scooter’s Coffee, began in an attempt to solve a problem. While volunteering as president of the parent-teacher organization at her children’s school, she needed to find a workaround for a “crappy” online design program she was using. “I thought, ‘Maybe I should take one class and learn how to make better graphics,’” Allen said. Allen, 39, signed up for the DIMA Vector course to learn the visual and technical processes of the digital design software application while applying graphic design theory and principles.
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“My mentor, Luann Matthies, taught my first typography class, and that’s where I fell in love with graphic design,” said Allen, who now teaches two Typography I classes for MCC in her first quarter as an instructor with the College.
“Ian Snyder heard about the position, and I was in several of his classes. He encouraged me to apply for it,” Nebel said. “Had it not been for him, it could have taken me months to find a job.”
Allen said along the way to completing her associate in Graphic Design in 2017, she also appreciated that the class sizes at MCC were smaller than anywhere else she had experienced, and she developed an understanding of what professionals would expect from her work during critique sessions in class.
Two days after the introduction was made, Nebel accepted a job offer. Now he produces graphic and web design work for all 18 of the school district websites, as well as design projects that could range from creating a new logo or brand identity for schools to designing flyers and small, digital icons.
“Beyond laying the groundwork to make me a designer worthy of employment, MCC instructors cared about me as a human and helped me to build my confidence as a designer,” Allen said.
Nebel said he found student/instructor collaboration, classroom discussions and brainstorming sessions impactful on his approach to design during his time at MCC. He expects the opportunities he has been able to capitalize on in his own career to continue to grow for other DIMA students because of the universal need for these skills across virtually all industries, as well as growing remote work opportunities.
Allen began working at Scooter’s Coffee as a designer at the start of the pandemic, and at the end of last year was promoted to her current role. She said she loves working for a company that is experiencing rapid growth and has such a commanding digital presence. She encourages others to pursue the DIMA program because of how design skills complement many careers. “Your unique experience and thoughts are the most valuable thing you possess as a designer,” Allen said. “As an entrepreneur, developer, environmentalist, professional designer, etc., a strong grasp of the elements of design and the capability to build a brand will help you to better communicate your ideas and be compelling.”
“What I like most about my current job as a design-oriented person is the amount of creative liberty I am afforded. Each project comes with different sets of criteria and limitations, but I am trusted to create a befitting solution,” Nebel said.
CADEN NEBEL Web Technology Specialist Educational Service Unit 3 MCC graduate, AA Media Generalist Caden Nebel, 21, knew he wanted to study design after graduating from Platteview High School, and he began visiting colleges. “After touring multiple campuses, I determined that the design program and facilities at MCC rivaled many four-year institutions for a fraction of the cost,” Nebel said. Studying general graphic design, he learned how to use traditional graphic design programs like Adobe Illustrator®, InDesign® and Photoshop® to learn how to make graphics for use in company logos, brochures, package designs, social media, websites and other digital formats. At the time of his graduation, an opening for a web technology specialist with Educational Service Unit 3, which serves 18 school districts in a four-county region, including Springfield Platteview Community Schools, the district Nebel grew up in. The position had been sitting open for around six months, Snyder said.
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Visit mccneb.edu/dima for more information on DIMA degree and certificate programs offered at MCC.
FIVE UNIQUE MCC CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES Continuing Education at Metropolitan Community College may be best known for its College for Kids and Teens programs, but with classes covering everything from history, art, culinary and more, there’s something for every interest and age group. Among the wide array of regular offerings lie some more unique courses available to adventurous learners looking to try something new, pick up a new hobby and more.
1. JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP
HERE ARE A FEW CHOICE ONES TO EXPLORE:
5. COUNTRY LINE DANCING
Learn the way of the samurai in this hands-on course. Using a wooden sword purchased on the first day of class, students will learn the art kata, suburi, tachiuchi and battoho techniques.
2. PUPPY PARKOUR WORKSHOP Help a pup become an agility master. Parkour is the act of traversing obstacles. Learn about the canine version of parkour agility and how to teach your dog new tricks.
3. NEBRASKA MYTHS, LEGENDS AND MONSTERS While Bigfoot may not be a local legend, Nebraska does have some of its own mystifying creatures lurking. Learn about the state’s critters and their stories to discern if they are just tall tales…or the hair-raising truth.
4. CRYPTOCURRENCY It seems everyone is talking about non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and bitcoin. But what does it all mean? How does it even work? Should they be taken seriously? Are they here to stay, or just a passing fad? Learn the basics in Cryptocurrency 101, and then learn how to take action and use, sell and collect NFTs and bitcoin in Cryptocurrency 102.
Don’t be a wallflower at your next dance. Learn the six basic steps and get comfortable with Beginner’s Country Line Dancing. Then, become a boot-scooting pro with the Country Line Dancing Workshop. No partner is required for either class. However, for a couple looking for a fun night out, Country Couples Dancing is also available.
6. FORT OMAHA HAUNTED TOUR Find out what goes bump in the night on the MCC Fort Omaha Campus. Meet at the gazebo on the campus’s Parade Grounds to learn about the haunted history of Fort Omaha. Then hear and see where accounts of paranormal occurrences have taken place. Wear your walking shoes for this one.
Visit mccneb.edu/ce for the dates, times, pricing and registration details of the above courses, and to view all classes currently available.
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BEYOND BRICK AND MORTAR:
A HUB FOR HIGH TECH TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
L
ocated within the 50-acre Millwork Commons neighborhood near 13th and Nicholas streets is the Ashton Building, one in an emerging set of revamped buildings in the area. The area was a bustling center of industry in the late 1880s before falling on hard times decades later. MCC is among the first tenants at the Ashton Building, placing the College right in the middle of a reinvigorated neighborhood looking to grow as a vibrant hub for tech, art and design.
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Noncredit courses were offered at MCC IT Express during the winter quarter, with credit courses beginning this summer. Students will benefit from grant-funded IT programming intended to build the tech talent pipeline to address the shortage of qualified workers—a national challenge. Classes are offered blocks away from large downtown corporations that desperately need workers with the skills being developed at IT Express.
Public access is also a key component of IT Express. An internet café and lobby is available to visitors who want to connect with what’s happening in the IT community, learn about job postings and be more knowledgeable about industry trends. “This is a place for people to immerse themselves in the sector, whether just reading about information or interacting with different technologies,” said Collin Baldwin, the College’s Continuing Education coordinator for the location. “Families who have never had a desktop computer can benefit from experiences afforded here that may not have been afforded to them previously.” The Ashton also houses startups like WP Engine, a web development company currently in a constant state of hiring. WP Engine leaders can walk down a flight of stairs, drop in on a classroom to share industry knowledge and generate interest around opportunities with their company for recruitment. Dialing up the convenience and accessibility factors help to bring companies on site to engage with people interested in technology careers. “It’s not just a space, it’s the development of an entire ecosystem with an urban technology culture with its own business and industry presence,” Baldwin said. IT Express also offers meeting space to the business community for board meetings, retreats and other out-ofoffice events in an engaging environment. In addition to the College’s presence, Millwork Commons is rooted in local culture, providing a suburban feel in an urban setting with commercial businesses, modern apartments, restaurants, coffee shop, bakery and many more future tenants to come. “It’s a cool space with a lot of history that is very well designed. And it has a charm that businesses and people are really drawn to. Companies like what we’re doing with it and enjoy coming in to visit with our students,” Baldwin said. Baldwin said the new MCC facility will continue to draw from community feedback and add to the College’s offerings in this innovative, flexible space. “What is being done isn’t an attempt in isolation to solve one particular problem,” Baldwin said. “These facilities are designed to be safe, caring and inclusive spaces that are meant to be transformational to the area community, and they will continue to evolve over time.” Tim Clark, Director of MCC Youth Forward, said IT Express has the potential to make an impact on the individual and community level. “This is an amazing opportunity to level the playing field and strengthen individuals through personal and professional growth and support the economic vitality of North Omaha for future high-demand jobs,” Clark said.
For more information about IT Express, contact Baldwin at cbaldwin1598@mccneb.edu.
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FACES OF MCC
MCC ALUMS SHARE FULL-CIRCLE JOURNEY FROM CLASS TO CAREER
“I began attending classes as a first-generation student at MCC upon graduating high school in 1987. Without a clear vision of my educational path, I found myself leaving college after only completing a few quarters. I realized over time, and after various jobs, that I needed to finish my associate degree with a program of study as an administrative assistant.
TERESA HIER
MCC Assistant to Vice President of Student Affairs Associate of Arts – Administrative Services
Graduating with an associate degree provided the opportunity to begin working in the banking and loan industry. As a residential mortgage originator, I reviewed credit reports for potential buyers. In doing so, I felt a responsibility to explain how student loans could have a negative impact on purchasing ability. This sense of responsibility guided me back to MCC, however, as an employee, versus a student. I began working as a Federal Work Study associate at MCC in October 2014. This opportunity meant a great deal to me as I aspired to talk with students about the different methods of financing college such as through the Federal Work Study program. In 2017, I was ready to expand my experience and service at MCC and began to serve as the assistant to the vice president for Student Affairs. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the College’s mission: To deliver relevant student-centered education to a diverse community of learners.”
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For many Metropolitan Community College students, completing their associate degree is a stepping stone on a path that extends beyond the College. After graduation, they might move on to their first career, start a brand new one or continue their education at a four-year institution. Yet for some students, that next step finds them right back at MCC, joining the College to put their academic skills and the wisdom they gained as students to help others navigate the path to graduation. Take a look at just a few of the diverse array of MCC graduates who went full-circle and are now serving others within the MCC community.
“MCC contributed to my success in many ways. Class sizes at the College were appealing for a small-town kid from western Nebraska. I worked while I was in college, so the availability of day and night classes met my flexible work schedule. My instructors made me work for every grade, but helped me learn as a student and grow as a person. When I needed help with a lost book I could not afford to buy again, Student Services and William Dodd were able to help me with a loaner book to complete the class. Dodd gave me an opportunity to tutor other students, while he mentored to me on my path to an associate degree in business.
SCOTT HENRY
MCC Automotive outreach specialist Associate of Applied Science - Business Management
With the degree from MCC, I embarked on a career in management where I worked for more than 20 years. During this time, I went back to school to complete a bachelor’s degree in business. My degree and experience at MCC allow me to inform students about the many career options in the automotive industry. I am also able to advise students on opportunities available to help with the cost of tuition. When I think about the education I received at MCC, I know that it influences my current role in a number of ways. It is through the classes that I took while at the College that I gained knowledge that I now use to recruit students, track enrollment and organize events. The skills learned throughout my coursework contribute to my own success as I guide students on their educational path.”
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FACES OF MCC “I began my career at MCC in 2018 as a Work Study student for two years, assisting the Records office with filing. For most, sifting through thousands of documents for hours a day, filing them into their corresponding folders is not an ideal task, but I absolutely loved it. At the end of the work study commitment, I joined the MCC team as a Records assistant. During my time as an assistant, I regularly witnessed a close, committed team devoted to performing their duties accurately, efficiently and professionally for the benefit of all MCC students.
ERICA SCHWERY MCC Records specialist
Associate of Applied Science Legal Studies – Paralegal
Additionally, my supervisors and colleagues consistently encouraged and supported my educational goals, creating a foundation of stability to explore the opportunities offered as a student without fear of repercussions. After graduating, I knew I wanted to continue my career with the Records office and explore the possibilities to grow professionally. Securing the Records specialist position a year ago, I am still learning so much about the intricacies of MCC policies and procedures. My knowledge continues to grow with each student interaction. Every day as a unit, our department strives to maintain and enforce the policies and procedures vital to helping students meet their educational goals and begin their careers as confident, successful professionals. Understanding the measures we take to support students and each other makes me genuinely proud to say that I am a member of the MCC Records office.”
“MCC contributed to my career path when they hired me as a Student Services specialist. After my initial hire, the College provided an opportunity for growth. I have served at the MCC Express, in Financial Aid, Academic Affairs and eventually assumed my current role of academic advisor. In addition to being an advisor, I am an MCC Spanish instructor. I use my experience as an MCC and University of Nebraska Omaha student to help our students understand their degree, course requirements, how to graduate and steps to transfer to a four-year college or university.”
TONY CANTU
MCC academic advisor Liberal Arts Associate - Science Transfer
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TIFFANY JOHNSON
“When I began attending classes as a business student at MCC in 2009, I was immediately overwhelmed by the academic workload, particularly as a single parent. I found the curriculum to be very challenging, but rewarding. As a nontraditional student, I learned that it was necessary to connect with supportive services for additional assistance outside of the classroom. I was grateful for this support as it contributed to my ability to complete an associate degree, which ignited a passion for supporting student learning. Through the practical skills and knowledge that I apply in my current position as the MCC Learning and Tutoring Center trainer, I clearly connect my growth and career path to how these supportive areas of the College assisted me. In turn, I can now contribute to the decision making to help develop and foster students’ learning for their own academic success.”
MCC Learning and Tutoring Center trainer Associate of Arts - Business Transfer
JACQUIE WOODS MCC planning associate for Secondary Partnerships
Liberal Arts Associate - Science Transfer
“I grew up in the neighborhood around the MCC Fort Omaha Campus. My elementary school and Girl Scout troop collaborated on projects and events at MCC when I was young. I knew starting at MCC would likely be my path upon high school graduation; however, I was not sure. My high school counselor asked that I write an essay on why going to college was important to me and why I would be the first in my family to go to college. She submitted the essay for the Board of Governors Scholarship, and I was blessed with being awarded the scholarship. I chose to focus on general education courses until I figured out what I wanted to be when I ‘grew up.’ I knew I wanted to do something in education but just did not know what yet. I ultimately took time off from school when my father became ill, so I could help take care of him. After he passed, I knew he would want me to return to school and I enrolled to begin classes in the fall quarter in 2004. Before starting classes, I joined the MCC community that July as a member of Enrollment Management. While working, I took courses one at a time until I was able to earn my associate degree in 2006. Going to school and working at MCC has truly shown me what a great asset this institution is for our community and how lucky I am to be a part of it. I have held several positions at MCC that have all been useful in learning the workings of the College. In my current role in Secondary Partnerships, I have stepped out of my comfort zone by delivering educational presentations to students throughout the community about MCC programs available to them while they are still in high school. I wish I had the same opportunity when I was in high school.”
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MCC EXPANDS ACCESS TO COLLEGE EDUCATION, OFFERS COLLEGENOW! COURSES AT NO COST DURING 2022 SUMMER QUARTER Every Nebraska high school student qualifies for dual enrollment program with potential to save thousands on cost of completing degree.
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or the second consecutive summer, Metropolitan Community College is offering significant savings to Nebraska high school students who want to get a jumpstart on their college education. During the summer quarter, high school students can take college classes for credit at MCC at no cost.
Jordan Pirtle, director of Secondary Partnerships and Gateway to College, said the no-cost offering made a dramatic impact in CollegeNOW! enrollment last summer. CollegeNOW! is an MCC open enrollment program for high school-aged students. More than 1,600 high school students were served by the program last year—the equivalent of a large Class A high school in Omaha. Pirtle said she anticipates students to continue taking advantage of the opportunity this summer to reduce not only the cost of college but the time it can take to earn a degree after high school. This summer, high school students residing in Nebraska and graduating 2022 through 2025 qualify to participate in CollegeNOW! at no cost. The program regularly offers college credit at half price. Registration is currently open, with courses starting June 6. “MCC strives to eliminate barriers to college education whenever possible and is pleased to be able to impact our community by making college credit courses more accessible to Nebraska high school students,” Pirtle said. Taking CollegeNOW! classes this summer also provides an opportunity for students to get back into an academic rhythm. Two years of interruptions to traditional learning caused by the pandemic has affected student learning and achievement across the country, according to multiple studies. “Due to the pandemic, many students fell behind. CollegeNOW! offers an opportunity for students to get ahead and overcome challenges they’ve encountered with COVID-19 by pursuing their academic and career goals through dual enrollment and explore fields of study for college,” Pirtle said.
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The timing of the summer program is also beneficial for students to build on knowledge learned during the school year, stay academically active and to keep a routine. “Not all students are involved in athletics or clubs that keep them engaged in the summer and supplement what they learned in the school year. I love that [this program] gives students that opportunity and bridges the gap between the high school and college experience,” Pirtle said. College credits earned through CollegeNOW! will appear on a student’s MCC transcript, giving them a head start on their associate degree while they continue their high school education. MCC credits may transfer to other colleges or universities, and can potentially save students thousands when they complete high school with college credits in-hand. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost per credit hour of any four-year institution in 2022 is $636, meaning taking one 4.5-hour CollegeNOW! course with MCC this summer could amount to an average savings greater than $1,900 per course in a semester-based academic year. CollegeNOW! classes are taught by MCC faculty, either on campus or online. More than 1,500 classes are offered during the summer quarter. Concurrent Enrollment Navigators, Success Navigators, Contact Center representatives and other MCC employees are available to help students set appointments, answer questions, assist with the registration process and keep CollegeNOW! students informed about what they need when classes begin. For full details and to register, visit mccneb.edu/collegenow and complete the free application to obtain an MCC identification number. Once review is complete, participating students will receive an email requesting confirmation with their MCC ID number. After selecting your desired courses, fill out and sign the registration form and email it to centralregistration@mccneb.edu. A confirmation email will be sent once the registration form is processed. Additional assistance is available by calling 531-MCC-4NOW.
SUPPORT STUDENTS IN UNIQUE WAYS BY GIVING TO: • STUDENT FOOD INSECURITY FUND • STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND • MCCF GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND VISIT MCCNEB.EDU/FOUNDATION OR CALL 531-MCC-2346.
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Metropolitan Community College P.O. Box 3777 Omaha, NE 68103-0777
Stay informed. Connect with your Community. issuu.com/mccneb @mccneb
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