MICHIGAN CHRONICLE - QUAD JAN 2022

IN OUR WORLD THERE IS DIVERSITY

IN OUR SCHOOLS | ON OUR JOBS | IN OUR COMMUNITIES L o o k ins id e f o r h e lp f u l in f o r m a t io n to h e lp y o u p r e p a r e f o r y o u r c a r e e r.

Diversity and inclusion says everyone is welcome; everyone is important; everyone contributes.

With diversity, our experiences in school and at work lead to better dialogue, better decisions and better development to exist in a multi-cultural, multi-plistic society.

Davenport University Eastern Michigan University Grand Valley State University Henry Ford College Lawrence Technological University Macomb Community College Oakland Community College Oakland University University of Detroit Mercy University of Michigan Wayne State University

davenport.edu emich.edu gvsu.edu/next hfcc.edu/apply admissions@ltu.edu macomb.edu occ.edu oakland.edu admissions@udmercy.edu goblueguarantee@umich.edu wayne.edu

e d nt’s s u t s r ta u o Y

OUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS

Whether your student is new to college or no sure what to do next in life–count on us to he

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• Passionate and personable instructors • Career pathways ranging from business to health to skilled tra • Over 100 career–oriented degrees and certificates

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And your investment goes far at Macomb.

Over 80% of our students leave debt free.

THANKS TO OUR LEAD SPONSOR

Students can apply, register and pay later fo spring/summer, fall and winter semesters no

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THANKS TO ALL OF OUR ADVERTISERS

Ready to help your student advance

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We are!

Learn more at macomb.edu/parents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

By Linda Moragne The world is made up of people from many cultures, races and ethnic backgrounds.

Our country has been the melting pot for many years where all cultures are welcome and come together to build a better country. This great country has grown and prospered from the contributions of a diverse population.

We have learned from each other. We live, work, study and attend church together.

We’re growing, we’re learning, we’re developing because of our diversity. Our differences are appreciated.

P6

Mentors Make A Difference

P8

Live in a Dorm or Commute?

P 14

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards

P 18

What Should a Resume Look Like for a Recent Graduate?

P 20

Preparing for online courses

P 22

State of Michigan Provides Helpful Information

P 23

Wayne County is Hiring

In our classroom and in our workplace, we have a mixture or assortment of people with different appearances, different thoughts, skills and abilities. That’s the way of the world.

A wise older woman once told me “No two snowflakes are alike, but they all fall from the sky to form a beautiful blanket of snow. Also, no two leaves on a tree are alike, yet they come from the same tree, the same roots. They are all different and they are beautiful.” She taught me early to appreciate differences.

As we continue to learn to live in a society where our differences are accepted and appreciated, we can celebrate diversity.

Diversity allows for better dialogue, better discussion and better development. Better?

Well, let’s say broader or more interesting and more considerate and respectful. Diversity can be expressed as - “We welcome you. We accept you. We appreciate you and your contribution.”

The experiences we have while studying in a classroom with people who are not all like us, with a teacher who might not look like us or talk like us, will lead us to a broader scope of life that prepares us for our places of work where it might be more or less diverse. We learn to adapt to changes and we prepare ourselves for the world where people are different and changes are made. It’s the way of the world.

D iv e r s it y h e lp s t o p r e p a r e u s f o r a b e t t e r f u t u r e .

W e lc o m e . . .

D IV E R S IT Y – E V E R Y O N E IS W E L C O M E E V E R Y O N E IS IN C L U D E D Linda Moragne Project Manager/Coordinator Juan Sifuentes Graphic Designer Contributors Deborah Durr Alan Hughes Joyce Johnson Nicolas Penas *Michigan Dept. of Labor Communications Dept.

StreetWise Partners *Wayne County HR Dept.

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If you take a humanities course at Macomb, you may find yourself seeing the world from Darrett Pullins’ perspective. The one-time candidate for Detroit City Council and Macomb instructor is a graduate of Cornell and Central Michigan universities and a big believer in the power of education.

Dental Hygiene program receives accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

For that, he says, he has his parents to thanks.

Pullins, too, wants to make a difference. That’s why he and his siblings created two scholarships in 2021 in honor of their parents. One is for nursing students, the other for humanities or history majors. They are among the more than 150 scholarships available at Macomb, where Pullins continually empowers his students with curiosity and optimism as his parents did him.

“Both of my parents grew up in Alabama and my dad had no more than a GED,” relates Pullins. “But he and my mom were both readers and believed in the importance of education. They did the best they could with what they had.”

The humanities courses that Pullins teaches are part of Macomb’s Arts and Sciences curriculum, which can provide you with a strong foundation (and transfer credits) for further study at a four-year college or university.

Perhaps you’d like a quicker route to employment and opt, instead, for the 16-week Dental Assisting program, one of several short-term training programs offered at Macomb. In that case, you’ll be won over to the field by the enthusiasm of Instructor Lisa Nieves. A dental health activist with a master’s degree, she has more than 20 years of teaching experience in the schools of dentistry at the University of Michigan and the University of Detroit Mercy.

“I chose this field because I wanted to help people access oral health care,” says Nieves.

“Dentistry has always been an underserved area, and I wanted to make a difference.”

“My greatest rewards are those aha moments for students,” said Pullins, “ That’s when they see that the world can be a wonderful place if they open their minds to it and get out and experience all it has to offer.”

Darrett Pullins, a humanities instructor at Macomb, is on a mission to empower his students with curiosity and optimism.

“I have a passion for community health dentistry,” says Nieves. “I enjoy creating programs and playing a pivotal role in the resolution of oral health disparities in underserved communities.”

For that reason, Nieves was particularly interested in Macomb’s new, high-tech Dental Clinic, that will offer low-cost dental care to low-income residents once its

Whether your student is new to college or not sure what to do next in life–count on us to help!

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e d n u t t ’ s s s r ta u o Y

• Passionate and personable instructors • Career pathways ranging from business to health to skilled trades • Over 100 career–oriented degrees and certificates

he anyw

And your investment goes far at Macomb.

Over 80% of our students leave debt free.

Students can apply, register and pay later for spring/summer, fall and winter semesters now!

Ready to help your student advance?

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Learn more at macomb.edu/parents

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4 • The QUAD • WINTER-SPRING | 2022

We are!

L a w r e n c e Te c h n o lo g ic a l Un iv e r s it y In n o v a t iv e p r o g r a m s

C o -o p s , in t e r n s h ip s

H ig h ly -r a n k e d u n iv e r s it y

F in a n c ia l a id a n d m o r e

Lawrence Technological University is a private, nearly 3,000-student university that offers about 100 innovative programs in Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, and Engineering.

Small classes, taught by professors with industry know-how, and an exceptional focus on theory and practice, contribute to Lawrence Tech’s ranking among the nation’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review.

Your hands-on education in programs such as business, design, engineering, and nursing begins on day one.

LTU’s unique Southfield location provides opportunities for co-ops, internships, and professional development in a region with one of the largest concentrations of engineering, architecture, and technology jobs in the world.

About 74 percent of students receive financial assistance. For more info, contact Lawrence Tech’s Office of Admissions at 800.225.5588 or admissions@ltu.edu.

Ready to apply now? Go to ltu.edu/applyfree.

O u t s t a n d in g e a r n in g p o t e n t ia l

The Brookings Institution ranks Lawrence Tech fifth among U.S. colleges and universities in preparing graduates for well-paying occupations. Also, Payscale.com reports alumni salaries are in the top 11 percent nationally, and some 84 percent of students are employed or grad school bound by graduation, above the national average.

New and ex panded spor ts teams

Lawrence Tech also features 30 men’s and women’s athletic teams, including basketball, soccer, women’s softball, and men’s football; LTU has also added new teams such as women’s hockey and competitive cheer, and expanded team rosters in sports such as track and field, and women’s bowling.

T I H S I S

Y O U R

M O M E N T

Find your true path at Lawrence Tech and become a leader who inspires, innovates, and solves the challenges of today, while building a better future.

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN ARTS AND SCIENCES

5boosting th in nation for graduates’ earning potential

84%

of students employed or registered for graduate school at commencement

11:1 student/ faculty ratio 30 + men’s and women’s sports teams

BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING

admissions@ltu.edu

Southfield, Michigan | BLUE DEVILS DARE! WINTER-SPRING | 2020 •

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Make a Difference

By Alan Hughes A 2018 Strada Gallup Alumni Survey reported 90 percent of recent college graduates either agreed or strongly agreed that a mentor provided guidance on their careers and academic advice. The same research also showed that only 47 percent of underrepresented students reported having a professor mentor in college compared to 72 percent of white students having one. Mentorship is critical to students’ success both in college and entering their career fields.

Students should look to establish three types of mentors: peer, professor, and alumni/career professional.

Peer Mentors Peer mentors are great to have, especially as an underclassman, because they were just in a firstyear student’s position. Navigating college is not an easy task and having someone not too far removed from their first or second year can be a tremendous help.

When I first got to college, I had questions about where the best restaurants were to eat, what people did for fun, and which professors I should take courses with. Thankfully, the scholarship program I was a part of set me up with a mentor, but I could only imagine how much easier transitioning from high school to college would have been if every freshman had the opportunity I did.

Professor Mentors The same 2018 Gallup survey found that 64 percent of recent graduates said a professor mentor encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams.

Additionally, the National Bureau of Economic Research reported students who sign up for a mentor are 14 percent more likely to stay in college and 13 percent more likely to graduate after four years.

Up until college, most young people view faculty and staff through an authoritative lens. In addition to teaching, most educators teaching K-12 also enforce some form of discipline. College is the first time a lot of students are treated as adults. Most professors don’t check attendance, they are not able to contact parents, and some even allow you to address them by their first name. This challenges what students previously have known educators to be.

Not only do college professors encourage critical thinking, but they are also a great resource in starting students’ professional careers. They are often connected to great internship opportunities, can be a solid asset for grad school, and even connect students to jobs based on their own professional experience and relationships.

A l u m n i /C a r e e r M e n t o r Access to school alumni is also a great resource to have. People really love their alma mater and are generally more than willing to help young, aspiring professionals from their college. Homecoming is a good opportunity to meet alumni if students are not already involved in organizations with alumni networks.

Students should also establish a mentor in their career. College won’t fully prepare students to enter the workforce, so having a career mentor goes a long way. Not only can they keep students current on the latest trends in their field, but they can also assist with interview preparation, and be a credible resume reference.

Any professional will tell you, it’s less about what you know and more about who and having multiple mentors across networks has provided a proven advantage.

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The world NEEDS Titans more than ever!

University of Detroit Mercy’s Jesuit and Mercy values of rigorous learning and service are unmatched. With 95% of students employed, in graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation, students enter the world ready to make an impact.

Service learning is one of many differentiations that sets our graduates apart from those at other institutions. Through determination in the classroom, dedication to giving back and willingness to fight for her beliefs, 2021 Class Valedictorian Nurzahan Rahman is a perfect example. During college, she participated in Rx for Reading, TRIO Upward Bound, Student Alumni Leadership Council and the Science, Race, Technology Learning Community. See how she plans to make our world a better place: https://www.udmercy. edu/about/news/articles/2021/05-13-commencement-profile-nurzahan-rahman.php.

N e w S t u d e n t Un io n o p e n s in 2 0 2 2 This year, we will open our state-of-the-art Student Union, which represents the first phase of a multi-million-dollar renovation to the McNichols Campus. New on-campus student apartments, green space on newly acquired land, a Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning, upgrades to academic buildings, administrative space and residence halls will soon follow! For more, visit https://www.udmercy.edu/admission/ renovations.php.

industry and military partners. The consortium supports upskilling and reskilling for vehicle cybersecurity by prioritizing underrepresented populations, military personnel, and veterans. For more, visit https://eng-sci.udmercy.edu/academics/engineering/ vehicle-cyber-eng.php.

N e w Ve h ic le C y b e r s e c u r it y In s t it u t e A $1.12-million award from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) recently helped the University to establish the Metro-Detroit Regional Vehicle Cybersecurity Institute, a regional-based, cybersecurity consortium. Led by Detroit Mercy, it consists of multiple academic institutions in southeast Michigan with plans to expand and enhance the cybersecurity engineering workforce through an applied curriculum developed with

A n a t io n a lly r a n k e d Un iv e r s it y Detroit Mercy once again ranked among the top 20% of all universities nationwide in The Wall Street Journal’s 2022 Times Higher Education college rankings and ranked among the top 200 national universities by U.S. News & World Report, earning a No. 187 rank in the publication’s “Best Colleges” 2022 edition. Additionally, Detroit Mercy is the highestranking private university in Michigan and one of three to be ranked in the top 200 of the National Universities category.

To learn more about how you can become a Titan and make an important impact on the world, visit www.udmercy.edu today!

PRODUCING REAL RESULTS AND CAREER-LONG EARNINGS Did you know that 95% of our graduates receive career opportunities or gain entrance into graduate programs upon graduation from Detroit Mercy? And in recent years, a study by Georgetown University ranked Detroit Mercy among the top 15% of universities in the U.S. for career-long earnings.

Learn how you can start building your future virtually and in person by calling 313-993-1245 or visit udmercy.edu/admission.

udmercy.edu admissions@udmercy.edu 4001 W. McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221-3038

THE WORLD NEEDS TITANS The Quad 2022 Ad.indd 2

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2/7/22 10:15 • AM 7 The QUAD

Do I want to live on campus in a dorm room?

Or should I commute?

By Alan Hughes More than 85% of college students today do not live in institution-owned housing according to insidehighered.com. These students are commonly referred to as commuters.

One obvious benefit is the amount of money saved by not living in a dorm.

According to The College Board, living on campus at a public four-year university increases expenses by $11,510 annually.

Over the course of four years, that adds up to more than $46,000. As a commuter student, you save money, but the full college experience is lost. There is a lot of bonding and community building that happens within dorms. Most of the friends students make do not come from attending class, or even going to a party, but rather within a dorm. Living off campus, students have to take additional steps to boost social engagement and miss out on the random, spontaneous fun that comes with dorm life.

Commuter students experience more privacy. They do not have to share a tight space with a roommate, walk down the hall in shower flip flops to a

community bathroom, or check in at the front desk after a late night. Commuters also will never have to worry about noise complaints or looking to a RA (resident advisor) on the floor to mediate any conflict.

While privacy is nice, too much of it can breed isolation. Coming to campus just for class can lead to commuters feeling lonely and almost as if they don’t belong.

Associate Dean of Communications and Behavioral Sciences at Elgin Community College, Dr. Kristina C. Alcozer Garcia says, “Research indicates that students’ sense of belonging within college can positively influence their decisions around engagement and persistence.

Commuter students also have to become great time managers. Since commuters are not always on campus, they have to maximize their time. They do not have the convenience of taking a nap in the dorm in between classes or having the university library within walking distance. Commuters also have to factor in time to eat or bring food from home since they do not have a meal plan that is offered to those living on campus. Driving during inclement weather is also a consideration. More time has to

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be allotted for the commute. Also, when assigned a group project, commuters have less availability than those on campus 24/7.

Colleges and universities have started to do more to aid its growing commuter student population. Many have set up commuter lounge spaces for students to

chill while on campus. Some also offer free dining hall passes and even host events solely for commuters to get a chance to meet new people. The college experience is what students make it to be, so whether students live off-campus by choice or necessity, they must be intentional in creating the experience they desire.

tips for choosing a college that’s right for you T i p 1 : Never lose sight of deadlines Even with the extension some schools have provided, there may be additional deadlines you won’t want to forget. Deadlines for scholarships, financial aid, housing and athletics shouldn’t be missed or you could miss out on important opportunities.

T i p 2 : Choose the experience that fits your lifestyle Every college offers a different experience and it’s important to be aware of these differences before making a choice about which college to attend. Make sure the college you select provides a comfortable learning environment. Things to consider include class size, availability of online courses, student advisors and support services.

T i p 3 : Figure out how much financial support you will receive Don’t write off any college before making sure you understand the financial resources they provide. At first glance, tuition rates can look scary. However, these rates can be misleading without considering the amount of financial aid and scholarships a school offers.

T i p 4 : The school’s location needs to be right for you The decision to be close or far away from home is a very personal one. You may have always wanted to get away as a college student and be completely independent. Or you may have envisioned your family as a big part of your college experience. This choice requires a lot of self- reflection.

T i p 5 : Make sure it’s YOUR decision To help make this decision, you should visit (or complete a virtual tour) to explore each school and try to envision yourself going there. You can also talk to alumni of the school you’re interested in to find out what they liked most about their experience. Just remember – while taking other people’s advice into account, the school you feel most comfortable with should be your top priority.

Much more than business, technology, health and urban education.

You might have heard that Davenport University offers more than 60 high-demand degrees, and that 92% of our graduates are employed within six months of graduation. But those aren’t the only reasons we stand out.

Our small, safe campus features apartment-style residence halls with private rooms. We’re home to over 41 athletic teams, including 22 varsity sports in the NCAA Division II, 24 academic clubs, and 18 social and recreational organizations. With 95% of our students receiving financial assistance, and an average student/teacher ratio of 13:1, our students get the personal attention and resources they need to succeed.

Check us out at davenport.edu/newstudent or call us at 800.686.1600 Get where the world is going

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U-M CAMPUS PROFILES

A nn A rbor U-M’s Ann Arbor campus has 19 schools and colleges offering 280 degree programs. It is ranked the #1 public university in the U.S. by QS World Rankings and the #1 best value public school in Michigan by The Princeton Review. More than 31,000 undergraduate students are enrolled on this campus.

U -M ’ s f r e e t u it io n p r o m is e — t h e G o B lu e G u a r a n t e e — n o w av a ila b le o n a ll c a m p u s e s The University of Michigan’s Go Blue Guarantee — a promise of four years of free tuition for qualifying Michigan residents — is being offered on all three of its campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint.

Dearborn UM-Dearborn is home to four colleges offering nearly 100 majors. It is consistently named one of the best regional universities in the midwest and a best college for social mobility and veterans by U.S. News & World Report. There are more than 6,300 undergraduate students pursuing degrees at UM-Dearborn.

High-achieving in-state undergraduate students attending U-M full time will automatically qualify for the award if they have a family income of $65,000 or less and assets less than $50,000.

Students do not have to apply specifically for the Go Blue Guarantee. It is awarded to qualified Michigan residents who apply to U-M, get admitted, and apply for financial aid. The Dearborn and Flint campuses have additional GPA requirements.

In addition, all three campuses will continue to provide significant financial aid for students who do not qualify for the Go Blue Guarantee based on individual need and merit.

The Go Blue Guarantee first launched on U-M’s Ann Arbor campus in 2018. Nearly one in five undergraduates on that campus are from families with an income less than $65,000. More than 70% of in-state undergraduates in Ann Arbor receive aid and 27% pay no tuition at all.

Learn more: goblueguarantee.umich.edu 10 • The QUAD • WINTER-SPRING | 2022

F lin t Close to 5,000 undergraduate students attend this U-M campus in the heart of downtown Flint. It has six schools and colleges offering more than 100 degree programs in online, hybrid, and in-person formats.

UM-Flint has been named a gold level veteran-friendly campus by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

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OA K L A ND UNIV ER S IT Y Leaders don’t just meet expectations. They shatter them.

They dig deep to enforce change and define destinies. Leaders push beyond what’s possible to find what’s best. They transform the world — and themselves. Unlock your inner leader at Oakland University, and revolutionize your future.

Become a #FutureGrizzly and pursue excellence with 140 undergraduate degree programsthat push you to think beyond four walls. To get out and experience it for yourself. To find theanswers in the lab, the field, the stage and the community.

As an OU student, you’ll enjoy: • Advising throughout each year • Tutoring, study groups and supplemental instruction • Full-service writing center • Study abroad opportunities • Research projects as early as freshmen year • 24/7 library You’ll find your professors become your mentors, and they’ll help you make important connections between theory and practice. They stand firm on years of academic excellence — they are published authors, noted researchers, experts in their fields — and use their knowledge to cultivate and challenge yours.

L e t ’s G o

Let’s get back to pursuing dreams and pushing for our highest achievement. At OU, we continue to offer accredited, valuable degree programs with no-fee tuition pricing and special scholarships. And our faculty continue to offer the same

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personalized instruction and tremendous support students have come to expect from OU. Other areas of university life have been adjusted for your health, safety and support. See for yourself why it’s the best time to invest in your education at oakland.edu/support/future-students.

Ge t to K no w Us

There is no better way to get a feel for your future college than by visiting campus.

Right now, you can visit OU in-person and virtually. Just go to oakland.edu/visit to view everything that’s been tailored just for you.

MEET MONTASIA • Psychology Major • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority • Future Leader Dogs at OU • HOPE at Oakland University • Undergraduate Women in Healthcare

RESILIENT oakland.edu

MONTASIA was attending a private college that raised its tuition during the pandemic. Realizing she needed more financial support, she transferred to OU — and quickly found social support as well. Despite an isolating time, Montasia met new friends, created connections and stayed involved on campus, taking advantage of every opportunity to thrive.

At Oakland University, we’re preparing the next generation of leaders.

ucb24276/1.22

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GVSU scholarships announced for students of University Prep charter high school, other charter schools Beginning in the Fall 2022 semester, students who graduate from a public charter high school authorized by Grand Valley State University are eligible for the new GV Charter Schools Alumni Scholarship. Each graduate from a GVSU-authorized high school will receive $1,000 annually for up to four years to attend GVSU for a possible total award of $4,000.

In addition, students who graduate from a University Prep charter high school in Detroit will also receive an additional scholarship worth $1,000 annually for up to four years to attend GVSU for a possible total award of $8,000.

“We are thrilled that Grand Valley State University continues to deepen their commitment to its schools and specifically UPrep,” said Danielle Jackson, CEO of University Prep Schools.

“GVSU’s generosity, which doubles the $1,000 scholarship investment for four years in UPrep Schools graduating seniors who attend GVSU, reinforces the foundation for achieving a college degree for our scholars.”

Grand Valley authorizes 18 charter schools that serve high school students. More than 34,000 students attend the 80 charter schools across Michigan that are authorized by Grand Valley.

For more information about the scholarships, visit gvsu.edu/cso/charteralum.

WHATEVER IS

NEXT

WASHINGTON, DC – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) recently announced the 300 regional recipients of the 23rd Annual Youth Awards, which will be celebrated during virtual ceremonies in February and March. The Awardees – who are Latinx high school students selected from up to 30,000 applicants from all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and Washington, DC – will also receive grants for their education, or to support a community-based project or idea. Awardees will be recognized in various categories.

“We are thrilled to honor and celebrate 300 Latinx outstanding young leaders, but it is also a call to action because they give our community and our nation our best hope,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “We are grateful to our dedicated sponsors for continuing to invest in these leaders of today. Also, a big thank you to singer Ozuna who was the spokesperson for the Youth Awards promoting our applications during Hispanic Heritage Month in partnership with the NFL.” The Youth Awards for more than two decades are the main feeder to the LOFT (Latinx On Fast Track) Leadership Institute (LLI), which is an active institution focused on leadership, workforce, community, culture, and social justice across 10 sectors (10 cohorts of 30 students bridging the end of their senior year in high school to freshman year in college) founded by Trinity University and HHF. The Youth Awardees and the applicants will also be funneled into the LOFT Network with access to mentors, resources, networking, workshops, symposia, summits, Charlas, and internships and full-time positions with Fortune 500 Companies. In Michigan, the recipients of the HHF Youth Award include: H e a lt h c a r e & S c ie n c e G O L D - GYAN FARRELL CALUAG Macomb, MI – GPA 4.0 – International Academy Heritage: Filipino B R O N Z E - AUNICA WILLIAMS Detroit, MI – GPA 3.82 – Renaissance High School Heritage: Mexican S p o r t s & F it n e s s S ILV E R - JACOB TOVAR-MURRAY Rochester Hills, MI – GPA 3.90 – Rochester High School Heritage: Mexican Te c h n o lo g y G O L D - EMILY DOBAO Livonia, MI – GPA 3.99 – Adlai E. Stevenson High School Heritage: Cuban

For Grand Valley students, next is opportunity and innovation.

Next is global, connecting and uniting us. It’s local, shaping the spaces in which we work and live. It’s a commitment to progress. Next is where minds are free to imagine what could be. At GVSU, next is now. And whatever’s next for you, we will help you get there.

A b o u t t h e H is p a n ic H e r it a g e F o u n d a t io n a n d t h e Yo u t h A w a r d s The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a national non-profit focused on education, workforce, social impact and culture. Through HHF’s 23-year-old Youth Awards program, more than 20,000 impactful Latinx high school students have been identified, celebrated, prepared and connected across the country and provided with more than $5 million in grants for their education or for an idea or project.

For more information, contact: nicolas@hispanicheritage.org

gvsu.edu/next 14 • The QUAD • WINTER-SPRING | 2022

Your academic journey awaits you at Eastern Michigan University Leaders are destined for greatness. At Eastern Michigan University, our faculty and staff are ready to empower students to take their career paths to new dimensions they didn’t know existed.

From health and human services to engineering, we’ve always focused on helping students reach their full potential. In addition to being a premiere learning and research institution, EMU offers a wide range of organizations where students can feel connected and motivated to continue—and excel—in their academic journey.

In addition to a distinct mix of academics and community involvement, EMU prides itself on being one of the most diverse public universities in Michigan where students can benefit from a global classroom experience so they can learn, grow and thrive in today’s workforce. In fact, 44% of the students in Eastern’s 2021 incoming class represent diverse communities.

At EMU, you can choose from more than 200 undergraduate majors, minors and certificates, plus more than 150 graduate programs offered to more than 16,000 students.

Here’s one more thing. Eastern Michigan graduates get jobs. Period. Some of the biggest name employers in Michigan and around the country share something in common: EMU graduates.

So, what are you waiting for? Stay true to your academic goals and discover life’s possibilities at Eastern Michigan University. To learn more, visit emich.edu.

OUR GRADS LAND MORE JOBS. THAT’S TRUE. EMU. Named a “Best in the Midwest” University for 19 consecutive years. Text your grad year to 734.480.8311 and receive your personalized scholarship estimate.

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Graduation rate gains continue at Wayne State Wayne State University’s reputation as a national model for student success is growing. The university’s six-year graduation rate has once again improved, it continues to close the student success equity gap among students of color, and a new report has recognized Wayne State as the best university in Michigan in helping students achieve socioeconomic growth.

WSU’s six-year graduation rate is 55.8%, a 3.9 percentage point increase over 2020, and a 115% improvement in the last decade from 26%.

Gains have been particularly significant among Black students. The current Black graduation rate is 34.6% — a 9.8 percentage point jump from 2020 and quadruple the 7.6% rate from a decade ago.

Improvements have also been made among Latinx, firstgeneration and low-income students.

“This progress is the result of determination, innovation and passionate commitment, campus-wide, from our faculty, staff, campus leaders and the students themselves,” said Monica Brockmeyer, WSU’s senior associate provost for student success. “And we won’t rest until every Wayne State student has the opportunity to learn, to thrive in college, to graduate in a timely manner and to enjoy the benefits of a college degree throughout their lives.”

The university continues to make progress on its goal of

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closing the student success equity gap.

Nationally, in 2019, Black undergraduates were 24 percentage points less likely than white students to graduate within six years. The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) launched a major initiative, Powered by Publics, to scale student success and achieve parity in graduation rates by race/ethnicity.

Because of WSU’s reputation for innovation on this issue, it was selected to lead the initiative’s urban cluster of 11 institutions.

Participating universities were asked to commit to an aggressive goal of boosting Black graduation rates by 2.7 percentage points per year. In 2020, Wayne State volunteered to double that goal to a 4.6 percentage point annual improvement.

“To move the needle on underrepresented graduation rates is very difficult, so asking universities to improve by almost 3 percentage points a year is truly a stretch goal,” said WSU President M. Roy Wilson. “So, for Wayne State to improve almost 10 percentage points in a single year on its Black graduation rate is remarkable. I am extremely proud of our staff who have taken this as a personal challenge and put a lot of effort into this.”

Wayne State’s targeted rate of increase should lead to parity for Black students at the university in 2030 — five years ahead of the APLU’s stretch goal.

All of these advances are quite literally paying off for Warriors. The U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Colleges rankings recognize Wayne State as one of the top-performing schools in the nation — and the best in Michigan — at helping economically disadvantaged students succeed and graduate.

Wayne State is ranked 66th in the country and first in the state for social mobility. The ranking is calculated by identifying the number of students who enroll and graduate and who received Pell Grants. Students who earn Pell Grants typically come from households with family incomes of less than $50,000.

All of the aforementioned gains were made possible through WSU’s Student Success Initiative that began a decade ago with the hiring of more than 45 academic advisors and other academic staff, and evolved to include over 150 projects and initiatives supporting students.

WHERE LIVING IN THE MOMENT MEETS PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE. At Wayne State University, our campus is alive 24/7. With thousands of students living here and over 500 student organizations, there’s always something happening.

There’s incredible food, art, culture and music all around Detroit, and everyone who experiences our campus knows one thing: Warriors live here.

SPRING OPEN HOUSE: MARCH 12 Register for this event at go.wayne.edu/openhouse-22 To experience campus life, scan here or visit go.wayne.edu/yourfuture

WARRIOR STRONG

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Applying for that first job after graduating college can be daunting.

However, having a solid resume is the best first impression for potential employers. According to Glassdoor, on average, each corporate job offer attracts 250 resumes. Employers look at a resume for six to seven seconds on average according to Indeed. With the margin for error being so slim, here are some practical steps grads can take to make their resume stand out for all the right reasons.

First, make sure all information is up to date. Contact information should be the first thing an employer or recruiter sees on a resume. If a mailing address will be changing after graduation, a resume should reflect that. Additionally, if a grad will no longer be using their university email address, or created a new email for job applications, that information should be updated as well. Remove any reference to high school also. Employers want to learn about what is current with potential candidates, not teenage years.

Below your contact information, Indeed suggests providing a brief statement on skills, experience, and education known as a resume summary. Indeed reports, “This is a valuable section for college graduates without much job experience because it allows you to curate the impressive highlights of your resume in a short statement that demonstrates your value as an employee.”

Any licenses or certificates should be included on the resume. Mentioning GPA is not essential, but if an alumnus or alumna graduated with honors, it’s worth listing so an employer can get a better understanding of a job candidate. Also, graduates should spell out the name of the institution they graduated from. For example, instead of

having WMU on the resume, it should read Western Michigan University. Remember employers are not spending much time looking at resumes, so the easier it is to read and comprehend, the better.

Graduates who may not have much work experience, should include whatever experience you have including internships. Employers like to see candidates who are dependable and responsible.

Listing skills relevant to the job for which you are applying, can also substitute for any lack of experience.

The best way to overcome any lack of work experience on a resume is listing solid references. Having two or three professionals who can speak to a graduate’s character and work ethic can go a long way. Before listing any reference, a graduate should ask permission first, then make sure they have the right job title and phone number. Good references include former supervisors, university personnel, or contacts made through an internship.

A 2017 Recruiter Sentiment study found that nearly 1 in 4 resumes reviewed by recruiters were considered “unqualified junk resumes”. Implementing the tips listed previously will boost the odds of making the cut.

About StreetWise Partners Be greater than you ever imagined.

BE A MENTEE StreetWisePartners.org

Are you 18-65 unemployed or underemployed, and actively seeking employment in a professional setting, and need a mentor to guide you? StreetWise Partners pairs you with business professionals and provides the skills, resources, and access to networks you need to secure and maintain employment.

Build Confidence Grow your Network Enhance your Interview Skills

Interested? email eboni@StreetWisePartners.org 18 • The QUAD • WINTER-SPRING | 2022

StreetWise Partners was built on the principle of equity. We know that talent is distributed equally across all people, but opportunity is not. Research shows that where you grow up, go to school and whether your parents are college-educated gives you 12x the advantage in gaining access to opportunity and jobs. For 25 years StreetWise has worked with those who have not had that access to close the professional network gap and create opportunities.

StreetWise Partners leverages mentorship to increase employment opportunities for adults from overlooked and under-resourced communities within New York, Washington, D.C. and Michigan by pairing volunteers with jobseekers who are unemployed or underemployed to provide them with the skills, resources and access to networks they need to secure and maintain employment.

This year StreetWise Partners Michigan is partnering with Google to deepen our impact in the lives of the job seekers we serve. After going through an essential soft skills development boot camp, job seekers will be able to earn a Google career certification that is designed to equip them with skills for in-demand fields within three to six months.

Job seekers will be able to gain a certificate in the following areas: IT Support, Data Analytics, Project Management, and UX Design as part of the Grow with Google Initiative and Google’s commitment to working with Detroiters and its partnership with Ford.

What does Henry Ford College offer that other colleges can’t provide?

Why HFC? We enjoy fielding tough questions. We start by making sure people know some of the core facts about living and studying at one of Michigan’s best community colleges: • You can get the full college experience at Henry Ford College. This includes dozens of student organizations; art, music, theatre, dance, and culture; varsity athletics; a student-run restaurant; and more.

• We deliver more than 120 programs of study, touching nearly every academic field.

• Students who want to earn a bachelor’s, master’s or even doctoral degree can get an exceptional start at Henry Ford College. In fact, our students do better as upperclassmen than their peers who attend regular four-year colleges from the start.

• Not every career requires a four-year degree. There are hundreds of fields that offer well-paying, challenging employment with an associate degree, internships and co-op, or certification programs.

• You can earn a bachelor ’s degree in culinary arts at HFC. Or stick to an associate degree or certificate option.

• Henry Ford is as aff ordable as colleges get. Our per-credit-hour fees are the lowest in the state for in-district students, and among the lowest for out-of-district fees.

• We provide tens of millions of dollars in financial aid every year.

Every student can afford to attend Henry Ford College.

• We are a true community. Henry Ford College is a warm and welcoming place, and we are proud of the diverse experiences and lives of our thousands of students.

Academics and careers are the main reasons students choose a college, and Henry Ford College is no exception. We are truly future driven!

• Engineers and entrepreneurs start here. Our science, technical, and business programs can launch you directly into the workforce, or lead you directly to any college of your choice, anywhere in the nation, to continue your education.

• Health care careers are booming, and HFC is a leader in health education across the spectrum of programs and careers.

• Liberal arts graduates are in demand. Liberal arts at HFC fosters exceptional critical-thinking skills, as well as the ability to write, communicate, problem-solve, and lead in team and cross-disciplinary settings.

• National median salaries for careers through HFC degrees are highly competitive. Depending on your career path, you can earn anywhere from the mid $30,000s to $100,000 or more.

The work world is changing rapidly, and we are committed to helping our graduates keep up with the changes. Whether you have a pre-defined career path or if you need help figuring out what you want to do, HFC can help you get there.

Learn more: hfcc.edu or look for us on social media.

Now is the best time to invest in yourself.

Contact us today. | hfcc.edu/apply WINTER-SPRING | 2020 •

The QUAD • 19

Education Will Be My Legacy!

By Deborah Durr, M.B.A, MA.ED, C.A.F.

There is free money for adults that have not earned associates’ or bachelor’s degrees to attend college.

The funds are paid through the Reconnect Program directly to community colleges to earn certifications, apprenticeships or a degree.

The Reconnect Program (https://www.michigan.gov/ reconnect) provides tuition assistance to adults age 25+ that have not earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree but completing college coursework requires thought and effort. Online learning removes the transportation and child care concerns but invades the home and requires time management with schedules and consistency. Both commitment and dedication are required to practice and enhance skills before entering the online classroom and skills must be built and sharpened so that the student’s time and efforts are directed to the materials presented rather than learning how to use the hardware and software.

O N L IN E C L A S S E S Paid tuition, coupled with community college offerings of online, live-interactive online and interactive television courses and a comprehensive collection of online continuing education courses can aide adults (25+) to combat the downward trend in the job market due to COVID-19.

The guidelines to access the funds are clearly written but may seem confusing because the targeted group is riddled with personal commitments and family responsibilities including transportation and child care but both are eliminated when coursework is completed online.

Since the onset of the pandemic, children are learning across various platforms using a desktop, laptop, and notebook computers. Adults have witnessed and assisted with the learning process and have gained experience with using computers to attend classes, engage teachers and classmates, and complete assignments.

So, adults can benefit from the experience and use the technology to attend community college in the comfort of their homes.

T IM E M A N A G E M E N T Adults may have a set routine and if so they may ask themselves is it possible to add online classes to a schedule that is full?

Yes, it is possible if completing classes online is a family activity. Everyone living in the household must agree to follow a schedule so that all tasks are completed and all appointments are kept. With input from all family members, the class time will be respected and observed.

The home must be treated as a classroom during set hours of the day with a study area designated containing a desk and a comfortable chair that can be purchased gently used.

20 • The QUAD • WINTER-SPRING | 2022

A wall-size calendar listing tasks, activities, appointments, commitments, and due dates for assignments is a tool that is inexpensive and can be used to support household activities.

During study time all electronics, with the exception of the computer, must be silenced. If silence is not possible, consider using noise-canceling headphones. Set a specific time to attend class online. The time available after the children are in bed or in the early morning hours to complete coursework may be ideal.

G U IDA N C E Technology has provided opportunities for face-to-face contact using Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and other software packages. Each college has the platform to engage students, removing the tendency to feel isolated.

C O M P U T E R S K IL L S There may be hesitation in attending classes online because computer skills may be marginal. To strengthen the skill set before enrolling in college classes, online training may be beneficial. There are websites that offer free training. One such site is found at GCFLearnFree. org. The website is a program of Goodwill Industries of Eastern NC Inc. (GIENC) and the Goodwill Community Foundation Inc. The site offers an array of free classes including computer basics, typing tutorial, and Windows basics.

L E A R N IN G S T Y L E S If the potential student does not know how they learn, it may be advantageous to determine the learning style before starting classes online. Information can be found on websites and YOUTUBE.com offers information on each learning style.

Some of the learning styles are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

E QU IP M E N T C O S T S The purchase of refurbished computers, monitors, and printers with the Microsoft Office suite loaded onto the hard drive is suggested. The cost is minimal in comparison to new equipment. With the purchase, a point of contact can be established for repair if needed.

Potential learners can search their communities for refurbished computer stores.

“ E d u c a t io n W ill B e M y L e g a c y .”

Deborah Durr - M.B. A., MA.ED., C. A.F. ONLINE Instructor/Facilitator ddurr.compose@yahoo.com

At OCC, we don’t just say it. We live it .

• We lis t e n intently, with compassion, to understand others.

• We in s p ir e others, by working together and by the examples we set.

• We v a lu e ourselves, others and the contributions we all make, our differences and our rights to a fair society, and the integrity we show one another through our words and actions.

• We e m p o w e r a culture of caring, where all have the opportunity to be their best and to speaking out when something’s not right.

At Oakland Community College, we prepare our students to be contributors to the larger world as global citizens. Toward that end, we provide services, programs and initiatives that ensure an inclusive community that affirms diverse perspectives and cultures. We respect and embrace all differences. We strive to listen, to understand. And to learn.

We want our OCC community—students, faculty and staff—to feel safe and supported.

Education is more than intellect. It is the application of that intellect with character, with respect for other people, and for the community.

T h e r e is n o b e t t e r t im e t h a n n o w Get the training and education you need to compete for today’s high-demand careers. OCC provides you with the resources you need to be successful and offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates.

We offer online, in person and hybrid course options in a variety of fields, including the arts, business, sciences, criminal justice and more. Flexibility in scheduling allows you to obtain your degree or certificate from anywhere.

Start your journey today at oaklandcc.edu/admissions

Start Your Someday At Oakland Community College, we prepare our students to be contributors to the larger world as global citizens. We foster a campus community that is inclusive—for students, faculty and staff, independent of appearance or how they began life or where they came from.

What matters is that they are here. And we are here for you.

Save up to 60% on your bachelor’s degree by starting at OCC Nearly 100 degrees and certifications in high-demand industries such as manufacturing, IT and healthcare In person (5 campus locations), online and hybrid classes #1 transfer institution in the state

Summer registration opens March 9 Fall registration opens March 30

Ready to start your someday?

Tell us your why and we’ll show you the how. Get ready to register.

oaklandcc.edu/startyoursomeday WINTER-SPRING | 2020 •

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Information provided here is from The Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity S k ills to Wo r k Did you know residents with a college degree are more likely to: • • • • • •

Earn higher wages Be employed Have benefits from their employer Vote Volunteer Exercise Data Source: College Board, 2016 For more information, visit S k ills to Wo r k https://www.michigan.gov/SkillsToWork

I T ’ S N E V E R T O O L AT E . S TA R T N O W. 1. Apply to college. Each college and university in Michigan has slightly different application requirements. You’ll want to visit your institution’s website and find the admissions page to learn more.

2. Apply for financial aid. You may be eligible for financial aid from the federal government.

S k ills t o W o r k More than 75% of all Michigan jobs will soon require at least some post-secondary education. Whether you’re a seasoned professional who’s looking for a better job or you’re just starting out in the workforce, now is the right time to explore new possibilities.

M ic h ig a n R e c o n n e c t EARN COLLEGE CREDIT FOR FREE

Modern States Education Alliance and the College Board have partnered with the state to offer Michigan residents free online courses to prepare for any of College Board’s College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests - giving Michiganders a chance to earn college credits at Michigan universities and community colleges without taking or paying for coursework.

Find out how you can accelerate your career and education by signing up for one of 10,000 offers from Modern States to take CLEP tests for free - get started today! Visit: www.modernstates.org

“ M AY B E S O M E D AY ” J U S T B E C A M E “ D E F I N I T E LY T O D AY.” Free tuition at your in-district community college to earn an associate degree or Pell-eligible skill certificate if you’re 25+. Visit our List of Colleges to contact the community college nearest you to see if you’re considered ‘in-district’ there.

COMMUNIT Y COLLE GE I T ’ S N E V E R T O O L AT E An education beyond high school opens the door to many new opportunities.

Michigan Reconnect can help you get there—tuition-free. $7,500 – more per year in earnings with a two-year degree 75% of Michigan jobs will require education beyond high school YOU CA N DO T HIS !

• We know that starting or going back to school can be a daunting task. And that being able to afford tuition may not be the only challenge you’re facing. But we also know that with the help of additional resources, we have all the confidence in the world that you can find the help you need to achieve your college dream.

• For help with child care, transportation, or additional financial support, check in with the state and local partners who are here to help you.

• MICHIGAN WORKS! AGENCIES Your local Michigan Works Agency can connect you with career exploration and coaching, tuition assistance, training and much more.

• MI BRIDGES • MI Bridges allows you to apply for assistance programs and can help you to access more than 30,000 state and local services across Michigan.

• COMMUNITY COLLEGES Reach out to your local community college to see what types of assistance, programs and services are available to make your education dreams come true.

• Free tuition at your in-district community college to earn an associate degree or Pell-eligible skill certificate if you’re 25+. Visit our List of Colleges to contact the community college nearest you to see if you’re considered ‘in-district’ there.

Source: www.michigan.gov/reconnect

M ic h ig a n ’ s G o a l

Our goal: Increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree from 49% today to 60% by 2030.

Sixty by 30 seeks to build a better Michigan in three ways: Close the skills gap that poses the single greatest threat to the success of our businesses and our state’s prosperity. Jobs requiring skilled employees today, as well as jobs on the horizon, demand greater education and training than ever before. Increasingly, the best jobs require more than a high school diploma.

Increase opportunity and Michiganders greater access to the education and skills that create opportunities for better jobs and bigger paychecks.

22 • The QUAD • WINTER-SPRING | 2022

Make Michigan more competitive for inclusive economic growth.

Become a Proud Way n e C o u nt y Em p lo y e e Wayne County, Mich. – County Executive Warren C. Evans leads plan to fill nearly 1,000 Wayne County careers. Applicants in pursuit of careers in criminal and civil justice, business and administration, and public health are urged to apply now. Further, county-wide job availability is not limited to only those areas of expertise.

“By hiring well educated, culturally diverse and career ready individuals we can build a stronger workforce for Wayne County,” said County Executive Evans.

Applicants should have a valid driver’s license, most recent educational transcripts and three professional letters of reference (if applicable) when beginning the hiring process.

For more information on the job fair and to register, visit www.waynecounty.com/jobfair or download the Wayne County mobile application from the Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wayne-county-mobile/id1449796370?ls=1) or Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waynecounty.wcMobileApp).

You may also scan the QR code to register

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The Beauty of the World Lies in the Diversity of its People.

-Unknown

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