FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS Collaboration. Communication. Critical thinking. 21st century soft skills are vital to career success.
Learn about a new partnership with U-M’s Lurie Nanofabrication Facility.
ALUMNI SUCCESS STORIES What do STEM Teachers of the Year, music engineers and business leaders have in common? WCC!
The Michigan STEM Teacher of the Year for Region 2 is alumnus Caleb Coon, a former U.S. Navy flight instructor-turned-middle school teacher.
After earning a Sound Engineering and Music Production certificate from WCC, Evan Starr is living his dream in the Country Music Capital of Nashville.
Alumna and HBCU student Kaelyn Collins secured an executive level internship with Rock Ventures in Detroit, building a firm foundation for her international business aspirations.
STEM students Arterah Griggs and Alaa Almounauar have more than one thing in common. They both have a heart to inspire young women in STEM even while they pursue their own promising careers.
11 12 COMMUNITY COLLEGE
WCC is focusing on crucial “soft” skills needed to succeed in a tech-driven world.
Greetings!
Advanced skills training and mastery of soft skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity can combine to skyrocket employees to the top of their fields.
Technical skills and knowledge are crucial for performing specific tasks, and WCC enjoys an excellent reputation for our advanced skills training programs.
Did you know we also place a special emphasis on the “soft” skills?
Learning to command these so-called 21st century skills can truly set you apart from the rest. And, yes, we can all learn how to improve these skills!
Our LA Innovate faculty group and instructors throughout all departments work to weave these important skills through the very fabric of our courses.
WCC also dedicates an entire week — Liberal Arts Week — to highlighting the market value of and demand for these skills. In fact, the theme of this year’s Liberal Arts Week, to be held October 21-25, is #Liberalartsgetpaid.
This issue of Launch also details the new Community College Guarantee, which provides a means to help turn dreams of a college education into reality for recent high school grads. Read for yourself how a WCC education has set up alumni for success in areas of STEM, business, education and more.
I look forward to seeing you this Fall semester!
WCC Board of Trustees
Angela Davis, Board Chair; William G. Milliken Jr., Vice Chair; David DeVarti, Treasurer; Ruth A. Hatcher, Secretary; Christina M. H. Fleming, Trustee; Alex Milshteyn, Trustee; Diana McKnight-Morton, Trustee
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D., WCC President
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D., President Washtenaw Community College
Visit wccnet.edu/enroll for the full list of programs and to learn more.
BROADCAST, COMMUNICATION, VISUAL, DIGITAL & FINE ARTS
BROADCAST & COMMUNICATION
Audio Production and Engineering
Broadcast Media Arts
Journalism
Technical Communication
DIGITAL ARTS
3D Animation
Animation for Film and Broadcast
Animation for Game Art
Digital Media Arts
Digital Video Production
VISUAL, FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
Arts Management
Fine and Performing Arts
Global Studies
Graphic Design
Photographic Technology
Photography: Digital Imaging
Photography: Portrait Imaging
Photography: Traditional Imaging
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
Accounting
Accounting for Business
Administrative Assistant
Business Administration— Transfer Pathway
Business Enterprise
Business Office Administration
Computer Software Applications
Core Business Skills
Digital Business Marketing and Sales
Entrepreneurship Essentials
Entrepreneurship Innovation
Esports Management
HR Essentials
HR Skills and Operations
Management
Marketing
Occupational Studies
Retail and Business Operations
Retail Management
Social Media Management
Sports & Entertainment
Management
Supply Chain Essentials
Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Operations
General Studies— Transfer Pathway
General Studies— Employment Pathway
DENTAL
Dental Assisting
IMAGING
Computed Tomography (CT)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Mammography
Radiography
NURSING
Nursing Assistant
LPN to RN
RN
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
Cardiac Telemetry Technician
Health Administration
Health Care Foundations
Health Program Preparation
Medical Assisting
Medical Billing and Coding
Physical Therapist Assistant
Sterile Processing
Surgical Technology
HUMAN SERVICES, PRE-EDUCATION & PUBLIC SAFETY
HUMAN SERVICES
Addiction Studies
Human Services
PRE-EDUCATION
Child Development
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education Transfer
Introduction to Elementary Education
Secondary Education
PUBLIC SAFETY
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement
Paralegal Studies/Pre-Law
Police Academy
LIBERAL ARTS TRANSFER
Liberal arts transfer
MANUFACTURING, TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES, SKILLED TRADES & CONSTRUCTION
TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES
Auto Body Repair
Automotive Cybersecurity
Automotive Services Technician
Automotive Test Technician
Custom Auto Body Fabrication and Chassis Design
Electric Vehicle (EV) Safety & Fundamentals
Powertrain Development Technician
Transportation Technologies
MANUFACTURING
Advanced Manufacturing (CNC)
Automation Specialist
Industrial Electronics Technology
Mechatronics-Robotics and Automated Systems
Robotics Technician
SKILLED TRADES & CONSTRUCTION
Construction Management
HVAC
Welding & Fabrication
COMPUTERTECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, & MATH AND SCIENCE
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Computer Networking
Computer Systems and Networking
Computer Systems Technology
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Operations
Principles of Cybersecurity
Programming in C++
Programming in Java
ENGINEERING
Engineering and Design Technology
Pre-Engineering Science-Transfer
MATH AND SCIENCE
Environmental Science
Exercise Science
General Studies in Math and Natural Sciences
Math and Science
Biology/Pre-Medicine
Chemistry/Pre-Medicine
Mathematics
Pre-Actuarial Science
Pre-Pharmacy
APPRENTICESHIP & UNION TRADES
Apprenticeship Completion
Construction Supervision
Industrial Training
Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship
Journeyman Industrial
To learn more about our Student Success Guarantee, visit wccnet.edu/guarantee
Scan here to enroll
From Washtenaw Community College to Harvard University, Lourena De Abreu owes her achievements to more than simply good grades.
The opportunity to dig into leadership roles in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Black Student Union — even the WCC softball team — helped De Abreu sharpen critical soft skills.
Employers say these are more valuable than ever in today’s technology- and AI-driven world.
After earning her associate degree and high school diploma from WCC and the Washtenaw Technical Middle College on campus, De Abreu graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Howard University.
a Juris Doctor degree. Ultimately, she hopes to shape the ethical landscape of healthcare, making a positive impact on medical practice and patient outcomes.
Commonly known as 21st century skills, the soft skills De Abreu began to hone at WCC have proven invaluable tools to last a lifetime.
According to a LinkedIn Global Talent Trends report, 92% of companies report that soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills in today’s business world. Indeed, other research by universities has found that companies with soft-skills training for employees can boost productivity and retention and deliver major returns on investment.
Leading the softball team, for example, required coordinating, communicating, strategizing, quick thinking and adaptability during games.
Organizing events for students required leadership and creativity. Inside the classroom, problem-solving and communication helped tackle challenging coursework and resolve conflicts within a team project.
“The ability to communicate effectively, solve problems efficiently, and think both critically and creatively has set me up for success in higher education. These skills also give me confidence as I move into my career, knowing I am well-equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ” De Abreu says.
“It’s the interpersonal, the critical thinking, the ability to problem-solve. The employees who do those things are the employees who are going to excel and be successful managers and attract and retain clients,” says Anne Nichols, Ph.D., Dean of Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences at WCC.
The importance of communication, collaboration and problem-solving is nothing new but in recent years has been emphasized even more with the advancement of technology in the workplace.
WCC's faculty-led LA Innovate group weaves soft skills instruction throughout course curriculum and class projects and organizes Liberal Arts Week activities. WCC also hosts TEDx events for student speakers.
“The rapid pace of technological advances has put renewed emphasis on transferrable skills,” Nichols says. “In the past, many people could learn a single skill and have a successful career for their entire adult life, but that stability is gone. … Many employers are willing to teach new hires technological skills, but they need employees who are both teachable and have leadership potential.”
Anne Nichols, Ph.D., Dean of Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, answers questions about 21st century skills and how they help to set up WCC students for success.
QWhat are 21st century skills and why are they important?
AThe name “21st century skills” is a rebrand for what was previously known as “soft skills.” “Soft skills” was originally coined by the military in the 1960s to contrast “hard skills” that involved machinery. Ideally, “hard” and “soft skills” should work together, but over time the two terms came to be seen as mutually exclusive. Additionally, in some sectors, “soft skills” took on a negative connotation, as if it were easier, lazier, or less valuable than “hard skills.” So, a rebrand was needed.
21st century skills include critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration. They are important in all fields and in all aspects of society. These skills lead to higher quality professional work, healthier relationships and engaged citizenship.
How does WCC emphasize these skills?
general education courses that includes English, communication, social science, and the humanities. The Liberal Arts and General Studies degrees allow students to more fully submerge themselves in these skills.
Tell us about LA Innovate, the group of faculty leaders.
They have identified 12 workplace skills very similar to the 21st century skills. I see LA Innovate as both an incubator and a hub: it’s a place where new ideas are first piloted within WCC, and then launched into the rest of the institution for broader implementation. For example, LA Innovate is promoting both projectships (think mini-internships, or projects that help real-world companies) and ePortfolios (a vehicle for students to showcase and communicate their skills).
creativity. What have you done so far, how did you get it done, and what are you capable of doing next? A WCC education will prepare students to answer these questions with concise and compelling language.
Liberal Arts Week, to be held October 21-25, is an opportunity to learn how to leverage 21st century skills in professional success. Q A Q A Q A Q A
WCC emphasizes 21st century skills in all of its associate degrees by ensuring that students complete the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA). The MTA is a 30 credit block of
What skills are employers looking for when they hire?
When applying for jobs, the written materials are the first opportunity to showcase communication skills, collaboration, and
Job interviews and job fairs are opportunities to show 21st century skills in action. I can’t over-emphasize the value of good eye contact, a firm handshake, and the right amount of confidence. Most employers want to hire candidates who are competent but not arrogant, and who can answer questions with the right amount of supporting detail.
A new partnership between Washtenaw Community College and University of Michigan’s Lurie Nanofabrication Facility (LNF) is a win-win.
Just ask the three future engineers who started their college education at WCC and are working at the lab. Or Sandrine Martin, Ph.D., Managing Director of the LNF.
LNF is a state-of-the-art shared cleanroom facility, which provides advanced micro- and nanofabrication equipment and expertise to enable cutting-edge research from semiconductor materials, biotechnology, medical devices and more.
Dietz and Nicolas Troost plan to continue part-time employment during the school year. “They are helpful in what they provide to our research community, and it
to equipment maintenance, calibration and inventory management tasks.
“There is a lot that needs to happen for everything to
The trainability element is an important one,” Martin says.
Having begun working in the LNF as full-time summer interns, WCC students Liam Moore, Zane Goldenberg-
WCC Program:
Pre-Engineering Transfer Associate (2025 completion); Applied Sciences Associate (2017)
gives the interns hands-on experience. This is a program that’s very beneficial on both sides,” Martin says.
WCC’s interns are mentored by LNF staff and contribute
WCC Program: Pre-Engineering Transfer Associate (2024 completion)
Future Plans: Transfer to U-M for Mechanical Engineering
“My ultimate career goal is to work in the motorsports industry. I became interested in semiconductors when the chip shortage happened during COVID. It’s incredibly interesting to now learn first hand what goes into the creation of semiconductors.”
Future Plans: Transfer to U-M for Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Biophysics
“I plan to gain some work experience before ultimately attending graduate school to pursue a master’s or doctorate in biomedical engineering. … Every day I come in I learn something new, and it always keeps me engaged and focused.”
work right in the LNF, and there are a lot of significant safety procedures and protocols. A successful intern is someone who can be trained, follow instructions and be responsible.
WCC Program:
Pre-Engineering Transfer Associate (2025 completion)
Future Plans: Transfer to U-M for Electrical Engineering
“I hope to get involved with quantum computing at some point down the line, which would require a master’s degree, at least. … This opportunity has given me exposure to the electronics manufacturing world, which is very relevant for me.”
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY IN MICHIGAN?
The new partnership is among a number of efforts contributing to the state’s goal to establish a global semiconductor center of excellence in Michigan. This fall, WCC will launch a Semiconductor Technician Training program and is planning stackable credentials for 2025. The mean annual wage for Semiconductor Processing Technicians in the country is $48,970, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“We expect the partnership to grow, including our existing collaborations as part of the Michigan STAR program,
Michigan’s semiconductor workforce ranks among the top 10 in the nation, with jobs projected to grow by at least 11% in the next five years. Source: State of Michigan
Knowledgeable. Passionate.
Those are some of the attributes that Caleb Coon, U.S. Navy veteran and Michigan Region 2 STEM Educator of the Year, recalls about his own instructors at WCC.
“I experienced their energy and excitement for both their teaching pedagogy and their content, and it helped me build my teaching philosophy and style,” says Coon,
who has taught science at Beach Middle School in Chelsea for five years.
Originally from Battle Creek, Coon earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Eastern Michigan University in 2002 before enlisting in the Navy for eight years. He served as a Weapons Systems Officer in FA-18F Super Hornet and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. Following his sea tour, Coon
eligible programming.
Beginning science coursework mid-year wasn’t a problem at WCC. “They offered all of the needed first level courses during the winter semester, which was not the case everywhere,” he says.
He then transferred to the University of Michigan and earned a Master of Educational Studies with a 6th-12th grade Integrated Sciences Teaching Certification.
Coon is quick to give credit to his fellow teachers for his recent STEM Teacher of the Year honor.
“As a former military service member, I can't help but be humble when receiving an award. I am definitely proud of it, though,” he says.
“I also think it demonstrates the strong group of colleagues I work with at Beach Middle School. We all put immense amounts of energy into the educational experience we provide. I certainly don’t feel like an outlier at the school, so it’s nice to be reminded we are all exceptional educators.”
was stationed in California as a flight instructor and finished his time as a Lieutenant. It was his job as a Navy flight instructor that inspired him to pursue teaching as a career outside of the armed services.
He enrolled at WCC in Winter 2014 to start taking core science courses needed to pursue his master’s degree. Staff at Wadhams Veterans Center helped him navigate VA-
WCC serves more than 500 veteran students and their families. The college is designated a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly School and a National Military Friendly School.
®
During his time at WCC, Starr juggled full-time classes, mentored with audio engineers and purchased his first PA system for $1,000 so he could start mixing on his own.
He interned with Pegasus Entertainment and the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Starr also started performing with a band and did a lot of work building the stage, programming lights and wiring the sound with his equipment before the shows even started.
“It was tiring work as I was also finishing school, but I was committed to carving this path for myself,” he says.
If there’s a lesson WCC graduate Evan Starr wants to share, it’s that falling down and getting back up is OK. But his education — and perhaps most importantly the encouragement from his instructors — has paved a path toward his dreams in the “Country Music Capital of the World."
Starr, who earned a certificate in Sound Engineering and Music Production from WCC in 2022, lives in Nashville,
Tennessee, where he works as an audio engineer and performs with his band.
Now 25, he is the lead sound engineer for a local church and has mixed sounds for multiple events and businesses, including for The KentuckyHeadhunters band in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and for the Nashville Marathon through Brantley Sound Associates.
Moving to Nashville was eye-opening, and Starr admits the music industry is hard and can feel like a rollercoaster at times. Not every gig works out and securing commercial success can be challenging.
“The truth is that successes always come with failure,” he says. “On a positive note, my music is thriving. I have a new band. I’m releasing music and playing with people I idolized when I first moved here. I have grown so much as a musician.”
Alona Dytynenko
FROM: Originally Ukraine; Now Ann Arbor BACKGROUND: WCC, associate with high honors (2023), Computer Science: Programming in Java; Kyiv National Economic University, master’s (2016) and bachelor’s (2014) EMPLOYED: OneMagnify, Data/ Software Engineer
Q: Describe your job responsibilities.
A: I am actively involved in building and maintaining data systems and pipelines required for optimal extraction, transformation, and loading of data from a wide variety of data sources using different programming languages. Furthermore, my job entails identifying, designing, and implementing process enhancements, including automating manual processes, optimizing data delivery, and re-designing infrastructure for greater scalability. Additionally, I engage in building algorithms and prototypes, preparing data using various ETL methodologies for reporting and prescriptive & predictive modeling.
Q: How did WCC set you up for success?
A: My current role places a strong emphasis on advanced mathematical skills and programming expertise, both of which I cultivated at Washtenaw Community College. I owe my work and experience in the computer science field entirely to WCC! Before starting my associate degree, I knew nothing about programming. I had only taken a short data science course once in Ukraine, but my knowledge was very shallow. And now, I work at one of the best companies in the USA! All of the programming classes, assignments and projects prepared me for this role.
Q: Any advice for current or prospective students?
A: Go to the Career Fair and apply to any prospective company. Even a small unknown company can become an important step in your own long way to success! Use any opportunity that life brings to you! And one more — prepare very carefully for the interview. I attended a free lecture at WCC about preparing for interviews and later all these materials really helped me to succeed at my interviews.
MY SUCCESS HAS BEEN DUE PRIMARILY TO THE ABILITY TO HAVE BEEN A FULLY REMOTE STUDENT.
— Dawn
FROM: Adrian BACKGROUND:
Enrolled in WCC to advance career after 20+ years with employer; Futures for Frontliners scholarship; associate (2024) with high honors in Business Administration Transfer
EMPLOYED: TLC Community Credit Union, Commercial Business Administrator
Q: Describe how your WCC education has helped your career
A: Due to the classes I have taken at WCC, I promoted to Commercial Business Administrator in June of 2022. The classes have helped me understand the different business structures better, the supply and demand chain, and assisted me to be able to read and understand financial
documents better. This knowledge has assisted me in the application and decision process for commercial lending. I am also able to support other staff in different departments with business structure knowledge.
Q: How did earning your degree online help you manage work and family responsibilities?
A: My success has been due primarily to the ability to have been a fully remote student. Being remote allowed me to take classes and study after my family had gone to bed. I worked full time during the day and attended sporting events and other family gatherings evenings and weekends. I am a mother of two. I couldn't have attended all my son’s sporting events and other activities without the ability to be fully remote.
It was only one year ago that she graduated from Washtenaw Community College, but in some ways it seems like a lifetime.
Since May 2023, Kaelyn Collins moved from her home in Ypsilanti to Washington, D.C., for a busy freshman year at prestigious HBCU Howard University and then spent this summer as an executive intern with Rock Ventures in Detroit.
With one of Collins’ goals to work in international business, specifically real estate, she has been right at home in the parent company of Rocket Mortgage and over 100 other companies. Another goal is to work on Wall Street and help young Black students learn how to invest and build wealth.
“I’m learning so much. This company’s philanthropy includes donating millions to the city, reducing home foreclosures by 90%, and promoting
a client-focused business approach. Our mission is to ‘Help Everyone Home,’ and I am excited to contribute my passionate perspective, be part of an organization that values compassion at every level, and learn about the operations of large corporations at the executive level,” Collins says.
The internship is a powerful entry on an already impressive, rapidly growing resume that’s thrusting Collins toward her dreams. Those dreams began to percolate while on the WCC campus as a college student and a Washtenaw Technical Middle College high school student.
“I feel that WCC really set me up for success at Howard and beyond. The leadership opportunities that you can get on what seems like a smaller scale really benefited me when I made it to Howard,” Collins says.
In addition to earning two associate degrees in Math and Science from WCC, Collins was involved in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Black Student Union and other WTMC clubs and organizations.
As soon as she arrived on the Howard University campus last year, she immediately got to work networking and was elected secretary on the College of Arts and Sciences Freshman Council. Among Collins’ other activities when she returns to campus this fall: serving on the board for the first Black Intercollegiate Ice Skating Team.
“Because of the focus on gaining college credits while still in high school now I can graduate in two to three years from Howard. That puts me in the workplace and into internships so much earlier so that I can kind of start life earlier” — a life of impact helping others.
Are you a recent Michigan high school graduate? Come start your college education with us at Washtenaw Community College. Thanks to a new state plan, Michigan will pay up to three years of in-district tuition for full-time students starting with the high school Class of 2023.
The new Michigan Community College Guarantee through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship allows you to earn a skills certificate or associate degree — and a solid foundation for career success.
The new scholarship pays in-district tuition, contact
hours and mandatory fees for full-time students regardless of family income. Out-of-district students would be responsible for the tuition difference An additional $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus for Pell-eligible students may also be awarded for other college costs.
If your goal is to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher, earn all your general education courses with us and then transfer to a fouryear university. WCC is the largest transfer school to the University of Michigan and sends students to colleges and universities throughout the state and beyond.
All recent Michigan high school graduates are eligible.
] Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
[ Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
[ If you’re a dependent, your parent(s) must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
] Graduate from a Michigan high school — Diploma, certificate of completion or high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after.
[ Enroll in college full time within 15 months of high school graduation.
LEARN MORE
Visit the state’s website at michigan.gov/mistudentaid to learn more details
Q: Am I eligible to receive the Community College Guarantee if I’m out-of-district?
A: Yes, you are eligible to receive Washtenaw's in-district rate. WCC will calculate the amount you are able to receive.
Q: If I graduated in 2023 and wasn't eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship due to not meeting the EFC/SAI requirement, will I be eligible to receive the Community College Guarantee beginning in Fall 2024?
A: Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements you can be considered for the Community College Guarantee at a community college in the Fall 2024 semester.
Q: When do I have to start college by to qualify?
A: Class of 2023 spring graduates, by Fall 2024. Class of 2024 spring graduates, by Fall semester 2025.
Q: Is this only for low-income families?
A: No, all families regardless of income are eligible. All students are required to complete the FAFSA.
Q: Is this scholarship renewable?
A: Yes, the scholarship may be renewed for up to three years at a community or tribal college and up to five consecutive years if you’ve transferred and are earning a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. Students must meet eligibility requirements each year.
Q Describe your internship and hands-on experiences?
A After graduating from WCC, I have been working through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program at the University of Michigan in the Mechanical Engineering Energy Transport Lab (ETL). My internship involves testing ice adhesion strength on different surfaces … to be able to create ice-phobic surfaces. Ice-phobic surfaces would help reduce the damages and disasters caused by ice formation and accumulation.
Q What are your educational goals?
A I plan to transfer to the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering and I will major in Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, I want to earn my master’s, and hopefully a Ph.D. in Aerospace engineering.”
Q What was your experience like at WCC?
A It was the best thing that happened in my life. It’s a college that has so many clubs and programs that assist students. It’s a community that houses cultures and backgrounds that allow students to widen their perspective about life.
Q Did you receive financial support?
A WCC helps students get to the finish line. At first, I worked part-time and went to school part-time and thanks to WCC’s STEM Scholars program, I was able to attend full-time and work minimally. With the scholarships, I was also able to do internships and volunteer in areas that gave me so much knowledge about sciences in my field.
Q How else did you get involved?
A I have tutored a lot because I want to help others like I was helped. One student increased their grade. It makes me so happy. I want to be an inspiration for fellow students, especially girls in STEM.
Q What advice would you give new students?
A When you’re at WCC, you're never really alone because you have a community. Never give up and don't be shy to ask for help because there's always somebody who can help you.
Alaa Almounauar would tell you one of the best things that happened to her was someone calling her out — to pursue more education. “A person saw potential in me. She knew many individuals who transferred from Washtenaw Community College to the University of Michigan, and she wanted that for me,” says Almounauar, 24, originally from Damascus, Syria. At one point homeless, she earned her GED and was encouraged to further her education. At WCC, Almounauar was a STEM Scholar, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member and recently graduated with honors, earning a Pre-Engineering Science associate degree.
As a young adult living on her own while enrolled at WCC, Chicago native Arterah Griggs has relied on the many forms of support offered through the college. After graduating with her associate in the General Studies Transfer pathway, she plans to enroll at Ferris State University for a bachelor’s in Product Design Engineering Technology. “Whether it's through invitations to events like the Women’s Council luncheon, support through office hours, participation in faculty/student discussion groups, or access to counseling and emergency food supplies, WCC has consistently supported me academically and personally.”
Q What are your ultimate career goals?
A My ultimate career goal is to work in an engineering design firm similar to Pentagram, where I can blend creativity with technical expertise to create impactful brand identities and innovative products.
Q What was the most impactful experience at WCC? A
A The support and resources provided by WCC have been transformative. Receiving the 2023 WCC Foundation Towsley Access Scholarship was instrumental in relieving financial stress and reaffirming my commitment to academic excellence. Moreover, access to emergency funds and food cupboards, as well as the convenience of free parking and prompt public safety assistance when I locked my keys in my car, have exemplified WCC's dedication to student well-being and success to say the least.
Q Tell us about your other goals to inspire young people.
A I am passionate about advocacy and outreach, especially empowering girls through STEM projects, fostering self-confidence, mentorship, and career development. Inspired by organizations like Elite 23 International Inc., I aim to create programs that educate and inspire young women to excel in STEM fields and beyond.
Q How do you integrate your skills and passions?
A My part-time support clerical position at Parkridge Community Center has allowed me to connect deeply with the Ypsilanti community and facilitate art workshops with middle school students. It's been incredibly fulfilling to witness firsthand the positive impact of education and community engagement on young minds. Through opportunities at Parkridge, I have
honed my artistic skills and community engagement. I also volunteer with U of M's Empower U Girls group, which has enabled me to integrate art-centered activities into community outreach, reflecting WCC's commitment to nurturing creativity and civic responsibility.
Q How has WCC prepared you for career success?
A WCC has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. The college provides a nurturing environment where every student is valued and encouraged to excel. The supportive faculty and staff have ensured that I feel seen and heard, fostering an environment where my progress and contributions are recognized and celebrated.”
The Michigan Reconnect scholarship program has become a family affair for the Reeds.
Ryan Reed enrolled at WCC with the help of the Reconnect scholarship after noticing many positions posted on Indeed required college degrees. “I thought I might be underqualified, and I might want to go to school. It’s more for job security,” he says.
His decision has already paid off. His employer of more than a decade, D.E. McNabb Company in Milford, learned that he was taking accounting classes and asked if he would be interested in the controller position.
Reed earned his associate in Business Administration Transfer and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.
The Reconnect scholarship was launched during the pandemic as an effort to help adults 25 and older suddenly laid off from work finish their college education. Last year, the minimum age to qualify was lowered to 21 on a temporary
basis. Reconnect is a “last dollar” scholarship and is applied after other scholarships and types of aid are used.
Reed’s wife, Jessica, and father, Steven, have also attended WCC thanks to Reconnect.
Jessica Reed, a trade show administrator at McNabb, which provides flooring for automotive businesses and major shows across the country, will graduate in December with an associate degree in Business Administration Transfer. “Reconnect has helped our family immensely, allowing both my husband and I to attend college simultaneously without any financial burden.”
The elder Reed, 69, completed his associate degree in Transportation Technologies along with two Motorcycle Technology certificates in 2023.
A retired lifelong learner, Steven Reed says, "Michigan Reconnect helped me finish what I had started 50 years earlier.”
Nicole Reed, WCC's lead Reconnect Navigator, answers questions.
Q: WHAT IS RECONNECT?
A: Michigan Reconnect is a scholarship program that pays for you to attend your in-district community college and offers a large tuition discount if you attend an out-of-district community college.
Q: WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
A: To be eligible for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, you must:
• Be at least 21 when you apply.
• For a limited time, eligibility has expanded for those 21 and older. This expansion will only be available to 21-to-24-year-olds until the deadline: November 15, 2024.
• Be a Michigan resident for at least one year.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent and not yet earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Q: HOW DO I APPLY?
A: Complete an application at www.michigan.gov/Reconnect
This can be done on a mobile phone. You are notified instantly of eligibility. You can also call the Customer Care Center at 888-447-2687.
Complete a FAFSA at studentaid.gov/fafsa.
Born and raised in Iraq, Azzam Aziz’s family immigrated to the U.S. in 2008. After earning an associate degree in Computer Science, he transferred to Eastern Michigan University.
Now based in Colorado for Indeed, Aziz works as a senior software engineer focusing on the backend of the company’s platform. He works remotely — occasionally even while enjoying the state’s mountainous landscape backdrop. His prior positions were at Rocket Mortgage and Salesforce.
Aziz says starting his education at WCC offered key benefits such as small class sizes and personalized attention from instructors, which played a crucial role in preparing him for career successes.
“The focused classes and quality education I received at WCC not only helped me grasp the material more effectively but also equipped me with a strong foundation for further academic and professional pursuits.”
