Fox Valley Technical College | Focus Magazine | Fall 2017

focus

volume 10, issue 2• Fall 2017

Fox Valley Technical College

MAJOR

IMPACT

Oshkosh Corporation looks to FVTC for its talent.

your future

Inside: Words of wisdom for new students from social media buzz. Page 6 Paralegal students expand free legal clinics. Page 7 Digital Marketing program to develop next generation of marketers. Page 12

welcome!

My greatest memory of Fox Valley Technical College will always be everyone’s kindness and compassion. From the college president to my fellow students, everyone treated me like a neighbor. My teachers cared about my education and made me feel like I was a name, not a number. I always knew they had my best interests in mind.

Starting out at FVTC is a much more affordable option than taking all of your credits at a four-year college. I could get hands-on learning and then transfer my credits to UW-Oshkosh.

I’m now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Leadership & Organizational Studies.

Welcome to Fox Valley Technical College.

Adam Meinert, 2017 Alumnus, Agribusiness/Science Technology

contents

Focus is published bi-annually for the communities of Fox Valley Technical College.

features 8

8

500+ Strong Two graduates generations apart are among several hundred from FVTC impacting Oshkosh Corporation.

10 12

in every issue

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Around FVTC See what’s making news.

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Focus on High-Demand Careers Neurodiagnostic technologists are enjoying rewarding careers in the fastgrowing field of studying brain waves.

Made For More When Marcia Anderson wanted more from her career in manufacturing, she made it happen at FVTC.

5

Digital Natives The new Digital Marketing program is designed to develop the next generation of marketers.

Focus on Alumni This manufacturing inspector travels Wisconsin to ensure equipment is operating safely and effectively.

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Focus on the Student Experience Paralegal students expand free legal clinic in the Fox Valley.

focus on social

Connections 6 Creating We asked our campus community what words of wisdom it would give to students just starting college. Check out some of our favorite responses. s!

On the Cover: FVTC graduates Jeff Resch and Kim Lundin of Oshkosh Corporation

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Focus on Workplace Training Law Enforcement recruits gain an advantage training at the nation’s premiere public safety facility.

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Focus on the Entrepreneur New training modeled after successful program is assisting military veterans with their small business plans.

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Focus on the Foundation The Seeds of Hope fund celebrates 10 years of helping students deal with life’s unexpected moments.

Director of College Marketing Barb Dreger Executive Editor/Manager of Media Relations Chris Jossart Art Director Cara Jakubiec Contributing Editors Casey Britten, Susan Lucius Contributing Writers Joan Neumahr, Amy Vander Stoep Photographers Gary Brilowski, Gary Gawinski, Adam Shea President Dr. Susan A. May Fox Valley Technical College

1825 N. Bluemound Dr. P.O. Box 2277 Appleton, WI 54912-2277 1-800-735-3882 TTY (hearing impaired) 920-735-2569 www.fvtc.edu jossart@fvtc.edu (email inquiries) Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission since 1974.

FVTC offers more than 200 associate degree, technical diploma and certificate programs, and instruction related to 15 apprenticeship trades, in addition to providing services to business and industry. The college serves about 45,000 people annually, more than any other technical college in Wisconsin.

© 2017 Fox Valley Technical College.

Fox Valley Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in employment, admissions or its programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policies: Patti Jorgensen, FVTC Appleton Campus, Office A104C, 920-735-5649.

around FVTC A National Treasure Historical forestry is on display in Washington, D.C. thanks to master craftsmanship.

It’s hard to miss the projects that Mark Lorge (left) and Glenn Koerner instructors Mark Lorge and Glenn Koerner of Fox Valley Technical College’s Wood Manufacturing Technology program have done with their students. Prominent memorials recognizing the service of military veterans in the Outagamie County Justice Center and Xavier High School are recent examples.

The efforts of these two woodworkers have now found their way into the nation’s capital. A reception desk made from historically-significant woods is the centerpiece fixture in the office of the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service in Washington, D.C. The historic Ford Sawmill in Baraga County, Michigan was used to process wood from the nearby Ford Forest.

The desk contains birds-eye maple from the 1,700-acre Ford Forest in Michigan. Wood from black cherry trees in the Kane Experimental Forest in Pennsylvania is also used in the desk. Kane is known for its studies associated with clean air and atmospheric trends. Filipino mahogany that was once tested for use as aircraft propeller laminations and used at the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison since 1915 makes up part of the desk as well.

“The project was a partnership with FPL in Madison,” says Lorge.

Photo credit: Baraga County Historical Museum “We were asked to provide a reception desk that represents some of the culture of the Forest Service. FPL singled out our program to design, manufacture and install the project.”

Lorge adds the project exemplifies the value of woodworking skills and the importance of partnerships with industry. “It’s an honor to have worked with Glenn and our students to create such relevant symbolism of the nation’s forests.”

• • • View video: www.fvtc.edu/ConstructionVideo

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Campus Happenings

Read | Watch | Share

Find out what’s happening and what’s ahead. Visit www.fvtc.edu/News for all the latest news and events on campus.

See something you’d like to share?

All of the articles in this magazine are available online, with additional links, photos and videos. Visit www.fvtc.edu/Focus to easily share content on Facebook, Twitter and more.

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

News Briefs • City of Oshkosh Fire Chief Tim Franz

• The Adult Basic Education department held its 30th HSED/

was named 2017 FVTC Alumni of the Year. Franz is a 1983 graduate of the Fire Protection program. He has served on the program’s advisory committee for 15 years and has taught as an adjunct instructor since 1990.

• Graduates of the Licensed Practical

GED completion ceremony in 2017. More than 150 students earn their high school credential each year from FVTC.

• Mary Downs, executive director of

Tim Franz

Nursing program passed the National Council Licensure Examination at a 100% rate, representing the best standing in the country.

• Eric Kovacevich, a student in the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program, was one of six students nationally to receive a Mike Rowe Works Foundation Eric Kovacevich scholarship. The $5,300 award recognizes Kovacevich’s commitment to working in the skilled trades.

the FVTC Foundation and Community Relations, was named 2017 Janet Berry Volunteer of the Year as part of the region’s annual Celebrating Our Volunteers initiative. Downs was recognized for her leadership in bringing increased support and treatment options to nonprofits that work with mental illness.

Mary Downs

• Culinary Arts Instructor Chef Jeff Igel earned the John “Boss Hog” Bertoldi Wisconsin BBQ Person of the Year award during a Kansas City Barbecue Chef Jeff Igel Society sanctioned competition. Igel’s dedication to students, exemplary fundraising for scholarships and leadership in growing Wisconsin barbecue events contributed toward his award.

Technology for Good Former international students are working to close a digital divide in South Africa.

The Information Technology (IT) instructional services department at Fox Valley Technical College celebrated the opening of its expanded labs last spring with an added bonus of inspiring two students to change lives across the globe.

South African students Juliet Malambe, Sibasa, and Victor Masombuka, Siyabuswa, were among the first FVTC learners to use the new IT Center on the Appleton campus.

Masombuka often volunteered in the IT Help Desk lab assisting other students with computer issues. It was there he became motivated to take his knowledge back home to address a gap in digital skills. “The greater Johannesburg region needs people with basic IT skills,” says Masombuka. “The problem is most students don’t have access to computers.”

Juliet Malambe

Victor Masombuka

Masombuka and Malambe are both raising money to implement computer learning centers in their homelands.

Once the centers are furnished with computers and related resources, the IT graduates will assume instructional roles in teaching basic computer applications with an end goal of creating jobs and building their economy.

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on high-demand careers

$22

an hour average starting wage for neurodiagnostic technologists, according to regional employers Students will train in FVTC’s

Health Simulation Technology Center.

Mindful Neurodiagnostic technologists are enjoying rewarding careers in the fastgrowing field of studying brain waves.

ThedaCare’s Kelly Hackbarth conducts a neurodiagnostic test.

Two years ago, Kelly Hackbarth, manager of neurodiagnostic services at ThedaCare, was having difficulty hiring qualified neurodiagnostic technologists. “These qualified technologists perform testing of the central and/or peripheral nervous systems,” she explains. “Their assistance is critical in diagnosing a neurological condition or disorder.”

ThedaCare is one of the largest healthcare systems in Wisconsin and a strong partner with Fox Valley Technical College. “I approached Fox Valley Tech to address a shortage of qualified practitioners in this field,” notes Hackbarth.

“There are no other schools that offer a neurodiagnostic degree in the state. After meeting with health science educators at FVTC, they started working with ThedaCare to develop a solid program.”

New instructor Heidi Hartle looks forward to preparing students for careers Graduates will have the in the field. “This career is both rewarding and challenging,” she notes. “It’s an exciting time to provide trained technologists for a profession that is in ability to work with innovative major need of specialized skills.” Hartle received her training through Mayo technologies while exercising Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and she brings experience from working as a neurodiagnostic technologist at Prevea Health in Green Bay. professional skills in patient Students in the new associate degree program this fall are learning skills communications and case needed to effectively monitor, study and record electrical activity from the brain, management. spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles during neurological testing and surgical procedures. “Graduates will have the ability to work with innovative Kelly Hackbarth technologies while exercising professional skills in patient communications and ThedaCare case management,” adds Hackbarth.

“

”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/HealthScience

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www.fvtc.edu www.fvtc.edu Fox FoxValley ValleyTechnical TechnicalCollege College

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on alumni

Q&A : Management Development Grad Byron Tasch The 40-year-old inspector for Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company travels Wisconsin to ensure that boilers, air tanks and all other types of pressure equipment are operating safely and effectively.

Byron Tasch

What first brought you to FVTC? As a millwright, my company sent me to Fox Valley Tech’s Chilton Regional Center to take a few courses. I loved that the center was located close to my home and offered online, accelerated and evening classes. When I decided to further my career by going into management, it was an easy decision to enroll in the Management Development program in Chilton.

What did you enjoy most about your FVTC education?

I enjoyed making new connections with people from different industries. The pleasant campus environment and knowledgeable staff made me feel at home. If I had a question, it was convenient to just visit the center in Chilton and talk to someone.

Why are your skills so valued in the workplace?

Every day I work with new people, and it’s important for them to trust my judgement and capabilities. The skills I learned at FVTC’s Chilton Regional Center gave me confidence to do my job properly, think critically and communicate effectively.

What advice can you give others about selecting a college?

Find a college that provides the curriculum and degrees for the career you want to pursue. It’s also important to choose a college that works with your schedule and helps reduce student debt.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Programs

FVTC’s

Management Development & Business Management grads can earn their bachelor’s degree entirely through the college’s Chilton Regional Center.

“

The skills I learned at FVTC’s Chilton Regional Center gave me confidence to do my job properly, think critically and communicate effectively.

”

Byron Tasch

Seeking Outstanding Alumni

FVTC is seeking nominations for its 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award.

Each year, this distinguished honor is presented to a deserving alumnus who has completed a Fox Valley Technical College associate degree, technical diploma or apprenticeship program.

The nomination deadline is noon on February 20, 2018. To find out what we’re looking for in this award, visit www.fvtc.edu/Alumni.

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focus

on social

We asked our campus community what words of wisdom it would give to students just starting college. Here are some of our favorite responses!

Something to share?

We want to hear from you. Follow us and chime in on future Focus on Social questions. We just might include your comments in the next issue of Focus. @FoxValleyTech @FoxValleyTech @FoxValleyTech

Fox Valley Technical College

Carrie, LinkedIn Apply for scholarships, even if you don’t think you fit the requirements. There are national and local scholarships, and many have very few applicants.

Carolynn, Facebook Plan to travel abroad, and make time to volunteer! It helps your community and also looks good on a resumé.

Daniris, LinkedIn Instructors are very kind and always willing to help.

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Sammy Jo, Facebook You can do this! The teachers are incredible and actually care about you as a student and a person.

Brittany, Facebook Make time to sit down with someone in the Teaching & Learning Center! It’s not just for class-specific tutoring.

Even a pro can learn something new.

Melissa, Facebook If you’re a nontraditional student, time management is the key to college success.

You took the step to go back to school, so make sure you create a schedule to help you succeed! It is possible.

Tony, Facebook Take your time; don’t just rush through things to get them done.

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on the student experience

“

There are always new challenges, but FVTC taught me how to think critically and find answers.

”

Jeremy Schoenike

Legal Matters Paralegal students expand free legal clinic in the Fox Valley.

Prior to graduating from Fox Valley Technical College’s Paralegal program, CASES & CLINICS Jeremy Schoenike, Anna McGraw and Toni Hasenfus decided to use what Free legal assistance is available for the they were learning as students to help others. “We were returning from a following cases at the Fox Valley Free Legal paralegal conference,” Schoenike recalls, “and came up with the idea of Assistance Clinic: creating a free legal clinic in Appleton.”

Today, the Fox Valley Free Legal Assistance Clinic helps more than 100 Family Law Small Claims residents a month navigate the complexities of common legal matters. With Landlord-Tenant Domestic Abuse locations in the Neenah, Menasha and Oshkosh Public Libraries and on Harassment Injunctions Probates & Wills FVTC’s Appleton campus, the clinics are staffed by volunteer lawyers and Guardianships Property Disputes paralegal students and graduates. Each clinic is open once a month under the direction of FVTC Paralegal Instructor Christine Perkovich O’Brien.

For clinic offerings: www.fvtc.edu/LegalClinics Schoenike, a 2017 Paralegal program graduate, has a history of helping others. He has served as a youth sports coach and as a supervisor for his local township. “When I decided to change careers at age 30, I knew I wanted to work with people,” he states. “Fox Valley Tech’s Paralegal program was a perfect fit.”

Today, Schoenike volunteers at the clinics while working full-time as a legal secretary for the Wisconsin State Public Defenders Office. “We are the first contact with clients to determine eligibility and answer questions,” says the 33-year-old native of Big Falls, Wisconsin. “There are always new challenges, but FVTC taught • • • View video: www.fvtc.edu/Paralegal17 me how to think critically and find answers.”

Paralegal Instructor Christine Perkovich O’Brien (left) and her students (left to right, front row) Toni Hasenfus, Jeremy Schoenike and Anna McGraw presented the concept of expanding the free legal clinics to Outagamie County judges and court commissioners.

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500+

Strong

Two graduates generations apart are among several hundred from FVTC impacting Oshkosh Corporation.

“

Don’t be afraid of getting a two-year degree. My FVTC education in engineering led to a number of advancements throughout a long and successful career.

Jeff Resch Oshkosh Corporation

”

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www.fvtc.edu www.fvtc.edu Fox FoxValley ValleyTechnical TechnicalCollege College

Kim Lundin

Jeff Resch, vice president and general manager of Oshkosh

A mechanical designer at Pierce Manufacturing, another

Airport Products, launched his career in 1978 with associate

division of Oshkosh Corporation, Lundin designs equipment

degrees in both Mechanical Design Technology and

brackets for airport fire trucks. “I see my job as a gateway to

Manufacturing Engineering from what was then known

finding better, more cost-effective solutions,” she says. “Fox

as Fox Valley Technical Institute. Thirty-three years later,

Valley Tech helped me develop strong problem-solving skills

co-worker Kim Lundin followed a similar career path with an

and technical capabilities.”

associate degree in Mechanical Design Technology from Fox Valley Technical College.

Oshkosh Airport Products is a division of Oshkosh

Today, more than 550 FVTC graduates from a wide variety of programs work at Oshkosh Corporation. “We are always looking for skilled people,” says Resch. “Don’t be afraid of

Corporation, a world leader in the design and manufacturing

getting a two-year degree. My FVTC education in engineering

of specialty vehicles used for military, fire and emergency

led to a number of advancements throughout a long and

applications. Resch worked in engineering for the

successful career.”

company early in his career before switching into contract

After a 40-year career, Resch is set to retire soon. “I went

management. “The engineering background helped me

to the Tech right after high school and I’m glad I did,” he

understand what customers were looking for due to my

states.

education from Fox Valley Tech,” he says.

Lundin, a 28-year-old Appleton native, also believes that

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Engineering

her FVTC education paved the way for a great career.

550+

FVTC graduates working at Oshkosh Corporation in areas like mechanical design, welding, tool design, safety, operations management, truck driving, materials facilitation, information technology and more

$43,800+

average annual starting salary for graduates of FVTC’s Mechanical Design Technology program 2017 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report

Left: Kim Lundin and Jeff Resch alongside an Oshkosh Corporation specialty truck

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Marcia Anderson

Made for More 10

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

When Marcia Anderson wanted more from her career in manufacturing, she made it happen at FVTC.

Anderson graduated from the Quality Engineering Technology program in 2016.

Today, she is overseeing quality for three facilities at United Plastic Fabricating.

Marcia Anderson, a 35-year-old native of Neenah, started

Anderson graduated from the QET program in fall of 2016.

working at nearby United Plastic Fabricating (UPF) a couple

Today, she is overseeing quality for three facilities at UPF.

years out of high school. Though she was working for a

She also serves as an ISO coordinator—an internationally-

leading manufacturer of products in the fire and trucking

recognized level of certification that ensures products and

industries, Anderson wanted to advance her career.

services are safe, reliable and of the highest quality.

“My manager suggested that more education would

The hard work involved in returning to school has certainly

help me advance,” she states. “Fox Valley Tech’s Quality

helped Anderson build her career. “I was 30-years-old and

Assurance certificate program had what I needed in terms

my second child was a year old,” she recalls. “It was a lot of

of curriculum and online convenience, so I started working

work, but I could take one or two classes a semester. Plus,

toward certification.”

I took advantage of taking classes online and studying after

Anderson not only earned her certificate, she also enrolled in FVTC’s Quality Engineering Technology (QET)

the kids were in bed.”

Anderson thanks her family for support, UPF for its

associate degree program. “Kudos to Janet Braun, the QET

encouragement and education assistance program and

department chair, and her team for designing a program that

FVTC for providing personalized instruction and guidance.

is so beneficial to the real world,” says Anderson. “Most of

“The college’s staff and instructors kept me on track and

the classes immediately impacted my position. I improved

showed me how to succeed,” she says.

my technical capabilities as well as skills in problem solving, data analysis and communications.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/ManufacturingOperations

Quality Engineering Technology graduates perform a variety of relevant job functions, like: Analysis of processes Development of continuous improvement plans Inspection of products Lean Six Sigma Quality audits Supervision And more

Marcia Anderson with UPF Quality Assurance/Trainer Todd Bartz

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Krystal Maloney at Blue Door Consulting

Digital Natives

The new Digital Marketing program is designed to develop the next generation of marketers.

“

Fox Valley Tech’s new program will help organizations fill a need for skilled digital marketers who understand the creative, technical and analytical sides of digital marketing.

Krystal Maloney

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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

”

Thirty-year-old Krystal Maloney credits

skills to succeed. “Students will learn

Fox Valley Technical College for her

how today’s consumers use the internet

successful career in marketing. The 2008

to find products and services and utilize

Marketing graduate is now serving on

data to continuously improve the online

the program’s advisory committee. One

experience,” she says.

of the committee’s recent projects was

According to Maloney, the need for

helping develop the new one-year Digital

digital marketing skills in the workplace

Marketing program at FVTC.

will only continue to grow. “Graduates

“Simply put, today most marketing

will be qualified for a variety of entry-level

includes a digital element,” Maloney

positions in digital marketing,” she says.

says. “It includes everything from

“Plus, this program is a great opportunity

websites to online advertising and social

for people with experience in web design

media management, in addition to

or writing to expand their career.”

accessibility considerations on computers and all mobile devices.”

A native of Oshkosh, Maloney is senior

The digital world will change the way people communicate. “The use of screen-free devices will keep increasing

marketing consultant for Blue Door

in popularity,” says Maloney. “Soon, this

Consulting, a full-service marketing and

will require a different approach to how

consulting agency. “I work with clients on

information is presented, and we’ll have

all their marketing initiatives, including

to be prepared.”

website development, mobile apps and online advertising strategies,” she says.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Marketing

“Fox Valley Tech’s new program will help organizations fill a need for skilled digital marketers who understand the creative, technical and analytical sides of digital marketing.”

Maloney is confident the Digital Marketing program will provide graduates with the creative knowledge and technical

• • • View video: www.fvtc.edu/DigitalMarketing17

47%

of businesses are doing digital marketing without a clear strategy, according to a recent IBM-published study by Smart Insights.

Digital marketers bring critical skill sets in

Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, video content marketing, community management, automation and analytics

to the business marketing strategies of companies big and small.

Krystal Maloney (center) converses with her former instructors Teri Stark and Jason Voelker.

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on workplace training

“

We have a high-tech center with instructors who are experienced, working police officers and subject-matter experts.

”

Tim Hufschmid

Best Prepared

Law Enforcement Recruit Academy training at our Public Safety Training Center

Law Enforcement recruits gain an advantage training at the nation’s premiere public safety facility.

Fox Valley Technical College’s Law Enforcement Recruit Academy provides both the hands-on skills and academic know-how needed to be successful police officers. “The goal is to give recruits the best knowledge and skills to investigate crimes, enforce the law and serve the public,” says Criminal Justice Instructor Tim Hufschmid. “The 75-acre Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) provides realworld training simulations in a safe, controlled environment.

The more realistic training you can give recruits, the better police officers they will become.”

The 18-week Academy allows recruits to immediately apply their skills in non-emergency, emergency and investigative scenarios. They train in a simulated village called River City, making their experience even more realistic. “If they make a mistake, we can stop, debrief and then let them do it again in a real-world setting,” states Hufschmid.

Nothing matches the PSTC and its programs like the Academy. “We have a high-tech center with instructors who are experienced, working police officers and subject-matter experts,” Hufschmid explains. “Our Academy graduates understand what it takes to be successful police officers during uncertain times.”

The Academy was built through a partnership with law enforcement agencies around the state. “These agencies come to Fox Valley Tech to sponsor candidates, administer tests and hire our graduates,” notes Hufschmid. “Our Academy is a key element in building partnerships with law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/PublicSafety

FVTC’s Law Enforcement Recruit Academy grads from last year are police officers, deputies, and corrections officers in more than

• • • View video: www.fvtc.edu/Workplace17

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cities/counties in Wisconsin.

www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

The annual FVTC student-led Criminal Justice Job Fair attracts about 50 agencies from around Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.

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“

on the entrepreneur

All the participants have feasible ideas and some are existing business owners looking to grow their enterprise.

”

Enterprising Veterans New training modeled after successful program is assisting military veterans with their small business plans.

Amy Pietsch, FVTC’s Venture Center

Amy Pietsch converses with Envoy trainees.

Earlier this year, Fox Valley Technical College’s Venture Center received a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to offer the region’s first-ever entrepreneur initiative for military veterans. “The funding provides professional support and free tuition for participants in the Envoy program,” says Amy Pietsch, director of the Venture Center.

Fifteen participants are enrolled in the current Envoy initiative, modeled after the Venture Center’s successful 13-week E-seed program.

“This is a diverse group of men and women of all ages who served in almost every facet of the military,” says Pietsch. “What they have in common is discipline and experience. They’re critical thinkers and problem solvers who understand the need for good systems and processes.”

As part of E-seed, Envoy participants learn from area business leaders who serve as mentors. In addition, completers of the program earn two college credits.

“All the participants have feasible ideas and some are existing business owners looking to grow their enterprise,” says Pietsch.

Pietsch also credits community support for the success of the program. “We even have successful completers of E-seed volunteering their time to help our veterans,” she adds.

The Envoy program is additionally supported by FVTC’s Veterans Resource Center. Plans are underway to apply for funds to continue the program based on its initial success.

Envoy program projects include these industries:

• Software/Information Technology • Children’s Clothing • Agriculture • Organic and Natural Foods • Service • Transportation • Construction • And more

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/VentureCenter

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on the foundation

Life Happens The Seeds of Hope fund celebrates 10 years of helping students deal with life’s unexpected moments.

Founded 10 years ago by Fox Valley Technical College employees and managed by the FVTC Foundation, the Seeds of Hope (SOH) fund helps students cover expenses resulting from personal emergency situations.

“Many students would have fallen behind or been unable to stay in school without this fund,” says Julie Coenen, scholarship manager for the FVTC Foundation.

“A Seeds of Hope grant can cover things like medical or family expenses, transportation to attend classes or an unexpected childcare issue.”

Students who receive these funds are not required to pay them back. “We ask recipients to ‘pay it forward’ by volunteering at Seeds of Hope events such as the popular One Stop Shop Holiday Craft Fair,” adds Coenen.

Alesha Handa, a 29-year-old Accounting student, was a recent recipient of a SOH grant to fix a flat tire on the vehicle she uses to get to FVTC. Handa and her husband

“

The grant helped me return to class while motivating me to work hard and not give up.

”

Alesha Handa

came to Appleton from Delhi, India. “I could not afford to buy a new tire,” Handa recalls. “The grant helped me return to class while motivating me to work hard and not give up.”

In addition to taking accounting classes at FVTC, Handa volunteers as a peer tutor helping students learn basic accounting. “I cannot say enough about how wonderful Fox Valley Tech has been to me,” she says. “I want to give back to the school by helping others succeed.”

• • •Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Foundation

TC FV Seeds of Hope Seeds of Hope has helped 926 students since it was founded in 2007.

In 2016-2017, Seeds of Hope awarded

184 grants totaling nearly $80,000 .

Alesha Handa

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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

Scholarships Paying for college is one of the biggest concerns for both students and parents. One way Fox Valley Tech can help lighten the burden is through scholarships.

Last school year, 1000+ high school and current students were awarded scholarships.

It’s free and easy to apply.

Just fill out one form and we’ll do the work to determine the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Application dates for high school seniors: October 1, 2017-March 1, 2018 For more information: www.fvtc.edu/Scholarships focus fall 2017

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High school students:

Thinking about your NEXT steps after high school?

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Next year Next step Next door Next up Next school Next dream

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