The Quad - Winter Spring 2023

CHOICES – DECISIONS

We need information to help us make the right choice.

The Quad presents information to help you along this path of making decisions about your future.

Davenport Univ.

Eastern Michigan University

Grand Valley State Univ.

davenport.edu

emich.edu

gvsu.edu/next

Henry Ford College hfcc.edu/apply

Lawrence

CHOICES – DECISIONS…

It’s good that we get to make them as adults. We can’t get around making them, and many times, we have to live with our decisions.

We decide: what to wear, what to eat, where to live, whether or not to attend college, where we will go to school and how we will earn a living or what job offer we will accept.

IT’S YOUR FUTURE ---IT’S YOUR CHOICE

We are providing information for you to consider as you are faced with making decisions concerning your life. Decisions you make now, will in some way affect your future.

THE QUAD – presents you with amazing opportunities, school or work programs to help prepare for your future, as well as job planning and placement guidance as you navigate thru your journey.

Whether you are planning to attend college or enroll in a special skills training program to prepare you for work, your future awaits.

IT’S YOUR FUTURE – IT’S YOUR CHOICE CREDIT

Linda Moragne

Project Manager

Juan Sifuentes

Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTORS

Rasha Almulaiki

Sherri Kolade

Danisha Williams

If you’re a Detroit resident, there’s a good chance that during February you heard that $100m in scholarships was available to help adult Detroit jobseekers. But if that’s all you heard, you may be wondering what it is and more importantly, how can it help you?

The scholarships are available through the city’s workforce agency, Detroit at Work, and are intended to give Detroiters access to job, training, and education programs that will help them build a future and earn more money. And because no two Detroiters are exactly the same, the scholarships are designed to meet them where they are, and get them to where they want to go.

Improve Your Education and Your Opportunities

Many Detroiters can’t get the opportunities they need because, often for reasons beyond their own control, they did not leave high school with a diploma. Once you’re out of full-time education and trying to earn a living or raise children, it’s not easy to find time to go back to school. Detroit at Work can help. They have scholarships that pay you to improve your reading or math levels, get your high school diploma, or attain your GED. Studies show that getting these baseline educational qualifications can raise your annual income by $10,000, $20,000, or even $30,000.

Making a Living while Building Your Skills

Many Detroiters know that they are capable of achieving more, but find themselves stuck in positions where they are able to earn just enough to live but not enough to get ahead. When you need to keep your current job to support your family, how do you learn the skills that will get you into a better career? If you don’t earn enough to invest in your future, who will?

Detroit at Work can help. With programs like ‘Skills for Life’ and ‘Get Paid to Learn a Trade’, Detroiters don’t have to choose between supporting their families and improving their career options – they can do both. With scholarship opportunities you can continue to earn a good wage while learning the skills that are needed to get you into a great-paying career.

A Wide Range of Demand-Driven Training Programs

If you’re just starting out and don’t know what career you want, or if you’ve been working for a few years but you want a new challenge, it can be difficult to know which career options are possible, which ones are growing, how much they pay, and most importantly where to start.

Detroit at Work can help. They have dozens of training programs available across a wide range of industries, from Healthcare to Skilled Trades, from Manufacturing to IT. All of them are in growing sectors with opportunities for career progress. And all of them are free, subject to eligibility. Some of them will even pay you while you are training.

Getting the Support You Need to Get Ahead

For many Detroiters, having access to a new job, or education, or training, is only half the battle. Detroit is a big city – what if you need to travel across town to get to these opportunities? What if you have children and need reliable and affordable childcare while you are training or when you’ve just started a new job? What if a justice-related problem from years ago is still slowing you down?

Detroit at Work can help. Whether it’s help with childcare, transportation, criminal record expungement, or a range of other supportive services, these scholarship programs are designed to remove the barriers that are stopping you from getting the opportunities you deserve.

Three Ways to Access the Scholarships

Career Centers: Detroit at Work has nine career centers located throughout the city – you can see the locations on their website. At these career centers, friendly, experienced staff will meet with you, talk with you about your background and your ambitions, and show you what opportunities could work for you.

Online: Visit the Detroit at Work website at detroitatwork.com to find out all about the programs available. You can also read the free 32-pge career guide, see thousands of jobs and dozens of training programs that are available. You can also register with Detroit at Work and in many cases get access to apply for new job opportunities before they are available to people outside Detroit, Phone: Wherever you are, Detroit at Work call center staff can help you by answering frequently asked questions, helping you find your nearest Detroit at Work career center, or setting up an appointment to meet with a career advisor when you’re ready.

Detroit at Work is standing by so don’t delay starting your journey towards a better career.

The Detroit at Work Career Guide is available free at detroitatwork.com

Program graduates with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan at a recent public meeting about the scholarships

If you’re an adult Detroiter looking for a new career, a better career or even a first career, there has never been a better time to connect with Detroit at Work.

$100 million in funding is available for adults looking to restart, improve, or accelerate their career opportunities with programs such as:

Learn to Earn – get paid to improve your reading and math skills, to finish your high school diploma or get your GED

Skills for Life – Work 3 days a week and train 2 days a week, all while getting paid $15 a hour, 40 hours a week

Dozens of training programs are available, all of them paid for, and some that pay you while you train

Help with transportation, with childcare, or with expungement to help get you into a new or better career

“The best way to drive success is by having the courage to master your fears”

-Danisha Williams

Most stories of success and accomplishments start off talking about the struggles and challenges the author faced as a child. However, I cannot start my story off that way. For me, my story starts with observing the challenges my mother overcame as a parent, which were teaching moments for me. There were many teaching moments throughout my childhood and early adult life that would eventually lead me to where I am today, as a wife, a mother, a mentor, an Engineer, and an entrepreneur.

Growing up on the west side of Detroit, I was an introvert and I mostly kept to myself, reading books and using my imagination for entertainment. Education was always important to me. I took every opportunity I could to challenge myself. At an early age I wanted to become a doctor. I even went as far as practicing the infamous illegible handwriting that I would often hear my grandmother and mother talk about doctors having. Little did I know, my desire for education would take me on a different trajectory. While attending Beaubien Middle School, I was introduced to the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP). I remember taking the flyer home and asking my mom if I could participate. She said “Are you sure you want to get up early on the weekends to go to another school?” I told her ‘yes’, and it was all up hill from there. DAPCEP introduced me to design and development. One of my first projects was a wireless microphone. There was extreme excitement completing the circuitry and putting the final product together, but the real thrill was seeing it actually work. I had never built anything like this before and it was then when I knew I wanted to become an electrical engineer.

I carried the dream of becoming an engineer all through high school and sought out colleges that would help make my dream a reality. I attended Southern University A&M Colleges where I studied electrical engineering and minored in computer science. Even though I was over a thousand miles away from home, Southern provided a strong community and support system amongst the students and faculty that didn’t make home seem so far away. While attending this HBCU I received more than schooling, I gained an extended family.

My life’s journey continued to push me farther south where I started my engineering career as a Systems Software Engineer for a major telecommunications company. Still passionate about learning I broadened my education and received my Master’s in Engineering and Technology Management while working full time. I eventually transitioned into the Defense Industry where my career achievements and integral role in the community earned me the Outstanding Achievement Black Engineer of the Year Science Spectrum Trailblazer Award and the Women of Color Rising Technical Star Award. As a child, I never imagined all the possibilities that education would provide me. As time went by, I did not pursue another degree. I did, however, continue my professional development with certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) that aided in the transition of my career path, from the design and development aspects of engineering to where I am today as the Project Manager for a multimillion-dollar portfolio of technical projects. In addition to managing the portfolio, I work closely with the Executive Leadership and Directors of my organization to produce innovative solutions to meet our business and customer needs. While my story does not take me from rags to riches., it does show how my desire for education gave me the power to realize my childhood dream and achieve success beyond my imagination. Pursue your dreams – I Made The Right Decision.

• The full college experience is here. A student-run restaurant. Varsity sports. Student clubs, art, music, theatre, dance, and culture.

• More than 150 academic and trades programs.

• Guaranteed transfer admission to select universities.

• You can earn a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts

• We are as affordable as colleges get.

• We are warm and welcoming place where you can belong. Academics and careers are the main reasons your peers choose Henry Ford College:

• Engineers and entrepreneurs start here. Our science, technical, and business programs can launch your future.

• Health care careers are booming. HFC is a leader in nursing and health care fields.

• Liberal arts graduates are in demand. Critical-thinking skills, writing, communication, leadership – everything you need.

• Great salaries for graduates. Depending on your field, you can earn from the mid-$30,000s to $100,000 or more.

The work world is changing in exciting ways. No matter what your dreams, we’ll help you keep up and get ahead!

The University of Michigan’s Go Blue Guarantee — a promise of four years of free tuition for qualifying Michigan residents — is available on all three of its campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint.

High-achieving in-state undergraduate students attending U-M fulltime 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 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 incomes of less than $65,000. More than 70 percent of in-state undergraduates in Ann Arbor receive aid.

Learn more: goblueguarantee.umich.edu

U-M campus profiles

Ann Arbor

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 #1 on Money magazine’s 2022 list of “Best Colleges in America,” ranked by value. More than 32,600 undergraduate students are enrolled on this campus.

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.

Flint

Nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend this U-M campus in the heart of downtown Flint. Its six schools and colleges offer more than 100 degree programs in online, hybrid, and in-person formats. UM-Flint was recognized among Princeton Review’s 2023 Best Colleges and has received the highest designation from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency every year since 2015.

Open the door to bright opportunities and forge your path with 275 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Dive deep into your area of study and pursue academic excellence with the support of expert faculty. With personalized instruction and true mentorship, you’ll shine wherever you blaze your trail.

As an OU student, you’ll have access to:

• Advising throughout each year

• Tutoring, study groups and supplemental instruction

• A full-service writing center

• Study abroad opportunities

• Research projects as early as freshman year

• 24/7 library

Ready. Set. Be Golden.

We’re best in class: For success. For value. For location. For support. Our accredited degree programs with no-fee tuition pricing help you embrace your fullest potential. We’ll match your determination with unique opportunities for academic exploration, career immersion and self-discovery. Our faculty are here for you: From becoming valuable mentors to offering tremendous support, they provide the personalized instruction that students have come to expect from OU. Our faculty 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. At OU, all areas of university life are committed to your health, safety and support. See for yourself why now is the time to shine at oakland.edu.

We are Here for You.

Seize the golden opportunity for life—and learning— without limits. There is no better way to get a feel for your future college than by visiting campus. With a variety of in-person and virtual opportunities available, you can find the visit experience that best fits your schedule and comfort level.

Visit oakland.edu/visit to get started.

By Sherri Kolade

The need for tech organizations to bolster their workforces with qualified computer workers is expanding along with the demand for coding employment.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of computer programmers will decline by 10 percent between 2021 and 2031. Yet, despite this decline, it is anticipated that 9,600 new openings for computer programmers each year due to workers who will transfer to other occupations or retire.

The skills required to launch lucrative professions in coding are now taught in coding boot camps and other training courses and Detroit, among several other select states, is meeting the need.

A new cohort of students to Google’s Code Next program in downtown Detroit, the only of its kind in the Midwest, is inspiring young, future technology leaders to dream of what’s possible for their careers and futures – and state leaders are taking notice. Google Code Next is an immersive computer science education program for Black, Latinx, and Native high school students and offers after-school and Saturday programming to prepare them for this high-demand field and future career opportunities. Other labs are in Oakland, California, Chelsea, New York, and Harlem, New York.

The new class of 20 students has access to cuttingedge technology, live coaches, and courses on topics like JavaScript programming and UX design. The lab offers curricula and programming that are centered on the future of mobility, from drone racing to selfdriving cars. The students have the chance to interact with other young people their age from various backgrounds who share their passion for coding. “Exposing young people to technology gives them more than skills—it gives them the confidence to know that they can build whatever they can imagine,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “The students I met at Google’s Code Next at The Factory at Michigan Central in Detroit, are already creating impressive applications. I know that every child in this program will be positioned for success in their educations and their careers.”

Gilchrist has had a lifelong passion for computer science and technology, and previously held a career in the field.

Along with Ford, Google is one of Michigan Central’s original founding members. Through the Grow

with Google and Code Next programs, Google will contribute to the mentorship and training for career readiness at Michigan Central and Detroit. Google has a long history of supporting Computer Science education in Michigan, including working with local organizations like SMASH Detroit, TechSlam Detroit, and Detroit Public Schools. Google has proudly called Michigan home for more than 15 years. In addition to collaborating with regional groups like SMASH Detroit, TechSlam Detroit, and Detroit Public Schools, Google has a long history of supporting computer science education in Michigan. For more than 15 years, Google has proudly named Michigan its home.

More than 90 percent of the program’s most recent 12th-grade graduates accepted and attended college/higher education programs. Nearly 90 percent of their most recent 12th-grade graduates are majoring in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) field in college.

Programming is available for 9th-12th grade students who live in the areas around the labs and covers topics from rigorous coding to entrepreneurship.

University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) is Michigan’s largest and most comprehensive Catholic university. UDM offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees and programs. Graduates go on to boundless careers and make a huge impact in their professions and communities.

The evidence of this impact is recognized by national studies and organizations. According to the Georgetown University report A First Try at ROI: Ranking 4,500 Colleges, UDM graduates rank among the top 13% of U.S. universities in earning a higher ROI than graduates from public colleges 40 years after enrollment. On Average, a UDM graduate will earn more than $989,000 over the course of their career compared to those from other institutions.

This is one of the many reasons that U.S. News & World Report ‘Best Colleges’ 2023 edition once again ranked UDM among the top national universities in the U.S. in 2023. In Michigan, UDM ranks fourth overall and is the highest ranked independent university in the state. And our online graduate program in Nursing ranked among the top 50 in the nation, coming in at number 37 according to U.S. News &

World Report’s Best Online Programs for 2023.

Continuous academic enhancement and program offerings also serve as a foundation of the UDM academic experience for both new students and transfers. For example, our new Bachelor of Social Work is geared toward community college transfer students and helps them complete their degree in one year. For more, visit https://liberalarts.udmercy.edu/academics/swk/index.php.

In addition, new programming is helping students bring digital characters to life through acting and animation techniques as part of a new course, Computer Animation and Voice Acting. Students in the Communications Studies and Theatre programs work together to create animated films using Adobe Character Animator. They’re tasked with handling a variety of steps in developing a short film, from scriptwriting to directing to producing to editing.

And students gain amazing experience even before they graduate. Check out UDM Business student Samaiyah Abdur-Rahman, who reached the pinnacle of her small business career by participating in New York Fashion Week with The Model Experience in September 2022. Her clothing line had already been featured at Michigan Fashion Week, the Beauty In Me Fashion Show, Voyage Magazine, and sold at Old Soul Vintage in Detroit, but the Empire State experience pushed her to achieve more: https://www.udmercy.edu/about/news/articles/2022/10-03-samaiyah-fashion.php.

Finally, check out what current students say about their experiences at UDM by viewing our Titan Taxi series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UVyO1i3UAo&list=PLgYOx6mewvXYmDZKoHa9E48p6tgmuMfGu.

To learn more about how you can become a Titan, visit www.udmercy.edu today!

PRODUCING REAL OUTCOMES 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 13% 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

By Sherri Kolade

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) says there will be an average of more than 520,000 job openings projected annually in Michigan through 2030. CTE programs offered in our state will help fill some of these openings.

“Career and Technical Education programs prepare Michiganders of all ages for high-skill, good-paying, and in-demand careers,” Governor Whitmer said. “CTE programs also support our state’s businesses by preparing the talent they need to fill jobs and grow our economy. Let’s continue creating paths for people to get the skills they need to build a bright future in Michigan including CTE, Michigan Reconnect, and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.”

CTE programs are offered by high schools, colleges, and certain universities in Michigan that are matched to high-demand, high-paying professions in industries like business, information technology, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing. To facilitate a smooth transition to postsecondary education, most high school programs also give possibilities for early college credit.

“Those who participate in Career Technical Education programs are more engaged, earn

degrees and industry-recognized credentials, and have careers that are both rewarding and selfsustaining,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “That’s why we’re working hard to ensure all students have equitable access to CTE opportunities.”

During the 2021-2022 school year, 106,077 secondary students were enrolled in 2,130 CTE programs. CTE concentrators reported a placement rate of 95.2% in the 2021–2022 follow–up survey, which was conducted six months after students graduated from high school. Particularly, 56.7% of CTE concentrators were employed, 2% were in the military, 0.1% were involved in national, communal, or Peace Corps duty, and 68.4% of them were continuing their education. In addition, 71% said they were applying the knowledge and abilities they had acquired in their CTE programs for further study or in their present positions.

MDE also provides Early Middle Colleges (EMCs), where students can pursue a college-level study program while earning high school and college credit.

15,013 students were enrolled in EMCs in 2021–2022, of whom 1,429 were CTE Early Middle College students.

“All Michigan students should have access to a wide range of CTE programs, which help make learning

relevant, help students develop career interests and skills, and help prepare students for college and the workplace,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “We need to expand CTE programs in areas that have limited offerings. It’s a matter of fairness, career development, and workforce development.”

Postsecondary institutions in Michigan have 370 qualifying CTE programs offering a certificate or associate degree. During the 2021-2022 school year, there were 113,821 students enrolled in these postsecondary programs in the state.

Visit Pathfinder, Michigan’s free online career exploration tool, if you’re a student, parent, educator, or lifelong learner interested in learning more about career opportunities, training, salaries, and expected openings. On the MDE website, you can find more materials and details about high school CTE.

CTE ties into Gov. Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal, which aims to increase the percentage of adults in the state with a postsecondary degree or credential by the year 2030, as well as Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan Goals 4, 5, and 6, to expand rigorous secondary school programming, including CTE; to increase high school graduation rates; and to increase postsecondary credential attainment rates, respectively.

GRADUATES WHO MAKE AN IMPACT.

Every year, Wayne State University graduates start making an impact the moment they earn their diplomas. That’s because a Wayne State education combines academic excellence with hands-on experiences that employers are depending on. From the Fortune 500 to startups, our graduates are ready to get on the fast track to career success. Being driven and prepared isn’t just strong — it’s Warrior Strong.

GET STARTED WITH A TOUR TODAY

Schedule your visit online or on campus at go.wayne.edu/visit

WARRIOR STRONG

JENAE LODEWYK

CLASS OF 2022

NALANI RENTA-VILLANUEVA

CLASS OF 2019

GUS NAVARRO

CLASS OF 2021 SIMON MOURANI

RAJ CHHAYA

KIANNA MATEEN TERONTO ROBINSON, M.D.

CLASS OF 2022 CLASS OF 2016 CLASS OF 2022 CLASS OF 2011

CLASS OF 2015

CHRISTINA GUSTIN

By Rasha Almulaiki

The decision between a 2-year college and a 4-year college makes perfect sense for the young student who is eager and prepared to begin a job. The more money you spend on school-related expenditures, the more debt you may wind up with after you graduate and begin working.

Four years of college can be not just expensive, but also out of reach for some people with hectic schedules and long-term objectives. Having an associate degree gives you plenty of opportunities to find a career that pays well and is in high demand. Additionally, it is less expensive than the normal tuition for a complete four-year degree. Fouryear programs often have far higher tuition and fees than two-year programs, and this is true regardless of how lengthy the program is. On the other side, one of the main benefits of attending a two-year college is that courses are substantially less expensive per credit hour, which lowers (or eliminates) the student’s debt load once they graduate and begin working.

The flexibility of a two-year college is one of its major benefits. Students may not only schedule their classes so that they fit into their schedule, but students can also usually transfer their credits to a four-year university later. Community colleges provide a lot of benefits, so students may want to consider enrolling in a two-year program rather than a typical four-year one.

It’s crucial for students to receive the greatest education available in the classes that are most pertinent to their chosen path. Attending a 2-year college has additional advantages, such as the ability to focus on a more specialized academic path with less general education requirements.

The class size in a local program could be less than it would be at a conventional four-year institution. 50 students or more in a class is not unusual in such

universities. Although there are fewer one-on-one contacts, the student still has access to the material. The student in the two-year program will, in many ways, have a better opportunity to engage with the subject matter, communicate with the instructor, and participate in the classroom. Professors are forced to make the learning process more participatory and engaging because of decreased class numbers. Additionally, this enhances the quantity and caliber of knowledge the learner receives. Getting an associate degree makes sense in many situations, even if there are some situations when the distinctions between 2-year and 4-year colleges justify enrolling in the lengthier degree. Job placement is a key concern for many students. Some people are unable to wait four years to begin making a living. Students in these circumstances may find a better timetable by enrolling in a twoyear college. A two-year school should ideally collaborate with a network of local businesses to help with job placement. Many of the same options are available to associate degree students as they would at a bigger, four-year university, but they also have access to more flexibility, earlier job placement, more one-on-one time with instructors, and better education on a personal level. All of this translates into students being able to accomplish their career goals in less time.

Percy Masanga grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Ivan Thomas in suburban Detroit. And while Masanga is well on her way to establishing roots because of Macomb Community College, Thomas is excited about the world of possibilities it has opened up for him.

“The reason (we) immigrated to the U.S. was for a better standard of living, education and career opportunities,” said Masanga, who speaks three languages: French (the DRC’s official language) the Central African language of Lingala and English. “I intend to stay in the U.S. for the rest of my life.”

At Macomb, Masanga is a Phi Theta Kappa (international honor society) officer and a member of its cross-country team. She is earning an associate of arts degree and intends to major in international relations when she transfers to Oakland University next fall.

“I want to become an expert and a mentor in my field,” said Masanga. “I want to help other people like myself.”

Masanga video chats with family and friends in Africa every weekend but still misses them. And she also misses traditional Congolese foods, the “carefree lifestyle” and the “warm, dry and sunny weather.” But living in her adopted country has been worth the trade-off.

“The college has amazing staff and you always feel

safe walking around campus,” said Masanga. “I am in a much better place than I was (before she immigrated to the U.S.) Here (people) feel that each person should have the same opportunities.”

Thomas enjoyed his job at an MJR Cinema (where’s he’s now assistant manager) after high school but was otherwise bored without the routine of classes and a goal in sight.

“I sat down with myself and asked, ‘What is it that you really like?’” related Thomas.

“I like food, and that’s when I

knew what I wanted to do.”

Thomas credits his interest in cooking to his grandmother, whose potato salad, peach cobbler and “famous” meatloaf are the stuff of family legend. He learned under her watchful and caring eye, and the camaraderie he found in Macomb’s Culinary Arts program was a welcomed taste of the familiar.

“Great classmates. Great faculty,” said Thomas. “I love each and every one of them.”

Last May, Thomas joined a few of them on a ten-day tour of Italy, which included stops in Milan, Bologna and Florence. They marveled at the art and architecture, toured the countryside with its many ancient vineyards, participated in cooking workshops and sampled everything from gelato to gorgonzola. “In America, we’re still so new,” offered Thomas. “There’s artwork there from hundreds of years ago. It was a fantastic trip.”

The first in his family to travel abroad, Thomas reveled in the adventure and now the 20-year-old plans to visit Japan next and hopefully stay for at least a month.

“I never knew going to school would open up so many opportunities,” said Thomas. “I’ve learned you shouldn’t be scared to try new things.”

Ivan Thomas discovered a love of travel after a visit to Italy with Macomb’s Culinary Arts faculty.

Percy Masanga immigrated to the U.S. looking for a better quality of life.

A unique degree program at Grand Valley State University was designed to get people who have technical training into the jobs they want – and quickly. The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree program will begin in the Fall 2023 semester. Enrollment is now underway. It was created for students who earned associate of applied science degrees (AAS) and want to advance their careers.

In the metro Detroit area, more than 44,000 people have AAS degrees. Research shows that jobs that require bachelor’s degree have a medium advertised wage $21,000 higher than those that require associate degrees.

Melanie Shell-Weiss, associate dean for Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, said the BAS program provides a fast step to higher wages for people who may have met “the glass ceiling” in their current roles.

“There is a population of people who were very tempted to join vocational programs right out of high school, maybe because they had to be the breadwinners in their families,” Shell-Weiss said. “Then they work for a number of years and find that it becomes harder and harder to transfer into a traditional bachelor’s degree program.”

With four majors to choose from, all BAS programs are offered online and get students to the finish line faster by accepting up to 80 credits of an associate degree plus life experience.

• Technology Project Management: This program, presented in a semester-long format, builds on a technology-based degree like robotics or welding. Students will learn skills in CAD, programming, drafting, safety and management.

• Web Design and Development: This program, presented in a semesterlong format, builds on technical skills and adds computing language for front-end web development and programming. Classes in writing for web and graphic design will help with the artistic side of web design.

• Leadership and Business Fundamentals: Students will gain skills in accounting, finance, management, marketing, organizational dynamics, leadership and team-building. Classes are offered in an accelerated, six-week format.

• Professional Innovation: Students in this program can choose from stackable credentials in a variety of specialized areas: health care, hospitality, leadership and more. Classes are offered in an accelerated, six-week format.

Each major requires an internship, giving students practical experiences. Lindsay Corneal, associate professor of engineering, said an internship could be completed at a student’s current employer.

“Students in the BAS program will have real-world experience from an internship plus take classes from which they will develop problem-solving and design thinking skills,” Corneal said. “These are the skills employers want in their leaders today.”

The BAS program will enroll students six times a year, meeting the flexibility of adult learners.

WHATEVER IS NEXT

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.

Here’s A Step by Step Guide to Becoming an Educator

By Rasha Almulaiki

One of the most fulfilling occupations you can pursue is teaching, but not just anybody may browse for job openings and apply. Before a prospective teacher enters a classroom, they must meet minimal prerequisites for degrees, license, and certification.

This in-depth manual offers a step-bystep analysis of what it takes to become a teacher, including advice on selecting the best educational path and determining if it’s the right job for you.

Teachers have the power to mold students’ minds in ways that will last a lifetime. To be the best teacher possible, you need the correct attitude, temperament, and mentality for the job.

Ask yourself if your career and personal interests align with teaching before investing the time and money required to complete a teaching degree and training. You should also be completely aware of the qualifications in terms of training and certification needed to work as a teacher.

The following qualities of an impactful teacher might aid you during this crucial decision-making process:

• patience

• empathy

• drive for self-improvement

• adaptability

• stress management

• communication

These interpersonal skills are key to knowing how to navigate the many layered needs of students and an educational atmosphere. Observing a teacher in the classroom might be helpful if you’re unsure whether teaching is something you should pursue. You can gain personal knowledge of the duties and obligations by working as a teacher’s aide. Depending on where you live, there could be a structured program for job shadowing that includes following a teacher. If not, there ought to be options to volunteer at a nearby school where you may see instructors in action.

If you believe you have the right temperament, the next step is obtaining the necessary certificates and training to learn how to be an effective instructor.

The time it takes to become a teacher is influenced by three key factors: what you want to teach, what you have studied and worked on, and the state’s criteria for teaching certification. But typically, to become a teacher, you need both a teaching license and at least a bachelor’s degree. This indicates that you should plan to attend school for four to five years while pursuing a certification.

If a student starts the certification process while still in school, full-time students who pursue bachelor’s degrees may be eligible to begin teaching soon after they graduate. Others may have to extend the four-year bachelor’s degree program by roughly a year to finish the certification or licensing requirements. The overall time needed to begin working as a teacher can be increased by around two years if a master’s degree is necessary.

It’s possible that a master’s degree is not necessary for many teaching professions. Teachers are permitted to get their master’s degree later, often within five years after starting their careers if it is necessary.

The master’s degree can offer extra teaching abilities, open the door to possibly greater compensation, allow the instruction of a new set of students, or open the path for progress in education, such as in administration, depending on the level and subject matter. To really become a teacher is another incentive to get a master’s degree in education or teaching. Many aspiring educators already hold a bachelor’s degree but have not yet finished the Teacher Preparation Program (TPP). The master’s degree program provides this opportunity.

Alternative Track to Teaching + Equity

Alternative programs, such as Teach For America, provide undergraduates with an opportunity to pursue teaching by addressing educational inequity in underserved communities. Teach For America is a broad network of leaders who fight educational injustice by serving as teachers for at least two years before putting their whole energy towards building a society free from this injustice. For two years, corps members committed to working as teachers in low-income neighborhoods across the U.S., where they face the difficulties and rewards of enhancing chances for students and families.

For more information on Teach for America, visit teachforamerica.org

Who are you? It’s a question of discovery. It’s a story you write yourself. And it’s just getting started. At Eastern Michigan University, you’ll discover a place that lets you experiment, ask questions, and be unapologetically you.

More than 14,000 students from 50 states and 83 countries call Eastern Michigan their home away from home— and it’s easy to see why. We offer more than 200 majors, minors, and concentrations delivered through the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Business; the College of Education; the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology; and the College of Health and Human Services.

We are known for our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and our many other points of pride:

• Our 800-acre campus features mature trees, outdoor art, a tranquil lake, and 18 miles of walkways and jogging trails. Newly renovated buildings include those that house the sciences, engineering and technology, and recreation and wellness.

• We are renovating all existing

housing and all rooms will have air conditioning. We are also building two new modern apartment-style apartment complexes. Go to emich. edu/welcome-home-2025 to see pictures.

• Students who live on campus for four years receive two years of free tuition under our 4Ward Graduation Scholarship. Go to emich.edu/4ward to learn more.

• We award millions of dollars in academic scholarships each year and almost all our students receive some form of financial aid. Our goal is to help students leave EMU with as little debt as possible so that nothing stands in their way.

• Students with a 3.0 grade-point average and an annual household income of less than $60,000 are eligible for free undergraduate tuition through our Eastern Tuition

Advantage program. Go to emich. edu/eta to learn more.

• EMU has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for providing pathways to success—earning a national ranking in the category of social mobility.

• Approximately 90% of our graduates are employed within months after graduation.

• EMU has been named a “Best in the Midwest” university by The Princeton Review for 19 consecutive years.

• We are a large research university and students also benefit from student-centered faculty, one-on-one mentoring, and a welcoming and supportive community.

• We are ranked the No. 1 militaryfriendly college/university in Michigan—and No. 3 nationally.

• EMU is considered one of the top LGBTQ-friendly colleges/universities in Michigan.

Are you ready to start your EMU story? Schedule a visit today at emich.edu/visit.

Tip 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.

Tip 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.

Tip 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.

Tip 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.

Tip 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.

Future-focused degrees

You might have heard that Davenport University offers more than 80 career-ready degrees and certificates, and that 90% of our graduates are employed within six months But that’s not the only reason we stand out.

Our small, safe campus features apartment-style residence halls with private rooms. We also have 44 athletic teams, including 23 NCAA Division II teams, plus all kinds of clubs and activities. With 100% of our incoming freshman students receiving scholarships and an average student/teacher ratio of 13:1, our students get the resources they need to succeed.

You might have heard that Davenport University offers more than 60 high-demand degrees and that 90% 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 44 athletic teams, including 23 varsity sports in NCAA Division II, 24 academic clubs, and 18 social and recreational organizations. With 96% 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.

or call us at 800.686.1600.

Get where the world is going

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

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• We listen intently, with compassion, to understand others.

• We inspire others, by working together and by the examples we set.

• We value 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 empower 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.

There is no better time than now

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

careers. offers

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NOW HIRING

THEY’RE YOUR METROPARKS. JOIN OUR TEAM.

Each year, there are a variety of summer jobs available at all 13 Metroparks across southeast Michigan, and that make for the perfect summer job experience. These seasonal positions are essential to the operations of the parks and allow the Metroparks to deliver exceptional experiences to more than 7 million visitors each year.

Now is your chance to become a part of that team!

Are you a student or teacher looking for summer work? Or maybe you’re just looking to try out a job in the parks for a change of scenery? The Metroparks have seasonal openings in all types of positions. You could greet visitors in the toll booths, work on one of the seven regulation golf courses, watch over the pools from your lifeguard tower, help the maintenance crew mow the grass, pick up trash and clean facilities in your favorite park, serve food at one of the beaches and so much more.

Metroparks Director, Amy McMillan, encourages people to consider parks for a summer job, “Many people don’t think about parks as a place to work, however we have some of the best jobs! Where else do you get to spend your summer outside in the sunshine while making a positive impact on our communities? The work that we do is even more important in these times, as our communities look for outdoor escapes to support their physical and mental health.”

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The Metroparks provide a unique working environment that you won’t find anywhere else. Your workspace almost certainly comes with amazing views and a team environment where you can make new friends. Additionally, our summer jobs come with some perks like training and development, flexible work schedules, free or discounted facility use (golf, water facilities, food service, etc.) and a summer bonus! These jobs are also a great start towards a career in parks and recreation and related fields. Many of our seasonal employees come back for multiple seasons and even work their way into full time positions with the Metroparks or other park systems and related jobs in the field. Metroparks Director, Amy McMillan, started as a Metroparks intern herself, and built a career in parks and recreation that led her back as the Director.

Now is the perfect time to apply. The Metroparks are looking for a team of people dedicated to providing exceptional experiences for visitors, and every position plays a role. Summer jobs are already posted on the website and more will be added in the coming weeks.