The Quad - Fall 2022

skilled

Davenport Univ. davenport.edu

Eastern Michigan University emich.edu

Grand Valley State Univ. gvsu.edu/next

Henry Ford College hfcc.edu/apply

Lawrence Tech University admissions@ltu.edu

Macomb Community College macomb.edu

Oakland Community College occ.edu

Oakland University oakland.edu

Schoolcraft College schoolcraft.edu

Univ. of Detroit Mercy admissions@udmercy.ed Univ. of Michigan oblueguarantee@umich.edu

Wayne State Univ.

Western Michigan University

Detroit at Work

Focus:Hope Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity Oakland Community Health Network Wayne County Human Resources

Yourstudent’sstartto an ywhereishere

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

• Passionate and personable instructors

• Career pathways ranging from business to health to skilled trades

• Over 100 career–oriented degrees and certificates

And your investment goes far at Macomb. Over 80% of our students leave debt free.

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

Ready to help your student advance? We are!

Learn more at macomb.edu/parents

By Linda Moragne

What does this mean? It means we have to take charge of our lives. We need to look ahead to the future --our future. We might have a vision. We need a plan. How do we start? What is the next step?

The Quad wants to help guide you to people and programs to assist you.

College courses, skilled trades programs and employment opportunities for all ages – all stages.

• For some, after graduating high school, college is the next step.

• For those who are not planning to go to college, skilled trades training might be the answer.

• For those who are currently working, a career change might be considered.

Career choices – Career changes.

The goal is to be able to provide financially for yourself and your family. The information in this publication offers opportunities for education, training and employment.

We hope we can help you with planning your NEXT STEP.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 4 It’s never too late to return to school

Page 7 EMU helps remove barriers to pursuing your education

Page 10 Learn about the Trio Program at GVSU

Page 22

Prepare for High Tech Health Careers at Schoolcraft College

Page 26 High paying & In-demand jobs

Page 28 Visit Detroit At Work for Career Services: training and job search

Page 31 Focus:Hope offers job training programs

Page 32 Tuition-free education is now available thru Michigan Reconnect

Linda Moragne Project Manager Juan Sifuentes Graphic Designer

Contributors: Sherri Kolade Joyce Johnson

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND CREDITS

Thanks so much to our special sponsors:

It’s Never Too Late to Return to School

By: Sherri Kolade

The adage, “You’re only as young as you feel,” could easily be applied to college students who are in their golden years and looking to move into the next phase in their life – no matter how old they are.

According to the Education Writers Association, over 6.6 million students, 25 or older, attended colleges and universities across the country in 2018, which made up 35 percent of the total student population.

According to bestcolleges.com, an older college student refers to students who are adult learners, nontraditional students or mature students. These students vary widely in age, background and previous educational experience, which makes them “the most diverse student group in the country.”

The article noted the top advantages of being an older college student, which includes:

1. Having real-world experience

“Life experience is among the primary advantages of being an older college student. You know what it means to work hard, manage your time well and balance your personal, professional and academic obligations.”

2. Older students bring a unique viewpoint to the classroom

“Older college students add a great deal of value to class discussions and projects. They tend to possess knowledge and backgrounds that many traditional students do not.”

3. Older students could be more determined

“Many people in college work hard, but older college students may have a greater appreciation of the importance of higher education and the value it holds. Older students attending college for the first time have

likely seen how difficult it can be to advance in a career without a postsecondary education.”

4. Older students have clear expectations

“Many younger students enter school without clearly defined goals. It often takes them a year or two to choose their major and even longer to determine a career path.”

5. Older students might be more committed

“Older college students tend to maintain a much greater commitment to their studies and coursework. You are likely in school to learn, get good grades and graduate as quickly as possible with a degree that can help you achieve your goals.”

6. Older students could get discounts on classes

“Some institutions offer discounts for older college students. For example, the University of Alaska, the University of Arkansas, Georgia Tech and Penn State all offer free tuition to those at or above the age of 60 or 62. Other schools provide discounted tuition rates for nontraditional students who are either starting college for the first time or finishing their degree after spending some time away from school.”

In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also recognizes the importance of college education for all as last year she joined forces with Republican and Democratic legislators to announce the start of the $30 million Michigan Reconnect program, the largest effort in state history to help more than 4.1 million Michiganders (25 or older) who do not have a college degree to have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate.

“All Michiganders deserve a pathway to a good-paying job, whether they choose to pursue a college degree, technical certificate or an apprenticeship,” Whitmer said

during a virtual press conference. “Michigan Reconnect will connect thousands of Michiganders to good-paying jobs and connect businesses with the talent they need to thrive in their communities.”

Michigan Reconnect pays the cost of tuition for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate at their in-district community college. The program also offers skills scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition through more than 70 private training schools with 120 programs that offer certificates in highdemand careers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, information technology, healthcare or business management. Michiganders can submit applications at Michigan.gov/Reconnect. The application process can be completed on a mobile device.

“Reconnect offers a path for so many Michiganders hoping to begin – or complete – their education and career journey,” said Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Acting Director Susan Corbin. “This program, like so many others we’re focused on, will help expand opportunity for all Michiganders and make Michigan a better place to live, work and play.”

Eligible residents can learn more and apply for Michigan Reconnect at michigan.gov/Reconnect.

Across the state, future students can also participate in Central Michigan University’s Global Campus and Walsh Business College.

For more information visit www.cmich.edu or walshcollege.edu.

START YOUR SOMEDAY AT OCC

You’ve Heard Of OCC, But Have You Heard The Top Reasons

You’ll Thrive Here?

YOUR

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

• 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

Experience Eastern Michigan University

You will get an excellent education and make life-long friends when you enroll at Eastern Michigan University. At EMU, you can choose from more than 300 undergraduate majors, minors, and certificates, plus more than 150 graduate programs designed to help you thrive in an everchanging workforce.

National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. In 2021 and 2022, the University was ranked among the best in Michigan by U.S. News & World Report in the social mobility category. The ranking reflects Eastern’s core value of creating an environment that supports and engages members of diverse groups and identities.

Keeping education affordable

We were among the first public universities in Michigan to offer free tuition to high-achieving students with financial needs. Now known as Eastern Tuition Advantage, incoming students with a 3.0 grade-point average and an annual household income of less than $60,000 are eligible for free undergraduate tuition. Students can receive free tuition for four years if they continue to meet family financial requirements and fill out the FAFSA each year. To learn more, visit www.emich.edu/eastern-tuitionadvantage.

Also, students who live on campus for four years receive two years of free tuition under our 4Ward Graduation Scholarship. For complete details visit emich.edu/ admissions/scholarships/4ward.

High rankings

Eastern is ranked No. 1 in Michigan and No. 9 in the U.S. for the support of military veterans on our campus, and is ranked among the most LGBTQ-friendly schools in the state. Our Clinical Research Administration is regularly cited as one of the top five programs in the nation, and we’ve been named a “Best in the Midwest’ by The Princeton Review for 19 consecutive years. To see these and other accolades, visit emich.edu/about/points-ofpride.

As a #TRUEMU Eagle, you’ll enjoy the following:

• New housing as part of our Welcome Home 2025 project, which includes two new residence halls with apartment-style living

• Newly constructed outdoor basketball, beach volleyball and pickleball courts and expanded recreation center featuring new equipment, an esports gaming lounge, pool, yoga studio, cycling, kickboxing, student study spaces, and nutrition and emotional wellness programs

• More than 200 student-run organizations, including the Pan-Hellenic and National Pan-Hellenic Council

Embracing diversity, inclusion and belonging

Eastern is Michigan’s most diverse public university, with the largest percentage of Black and Hispanic students and a strategic focus on equity and inclusion, which is at the core of our mission. As our campus signage proudly proclaims, “All Are Welcome Here.” It is not just a slogan – it’s our way of life and is evident by the many programs we have in place to support our students’ academic achievements.

• A beautiful campus and award-winning Student Center

• New engineering and technology campus

• Modernized science complex with state-of-the-art labs and research spaces

• Nationally-recognized debate and forensics programs

• Acclaimed business, teacher-training, nursing and arts programs

Eastern Michigan University’s graduates find promising careers – approximately 90% of our graduates are employed within months after graduation. Our students understand the grit and determination necessary to succeed in today’s society. Stay true to your academic goals and discover your passion at Eastern Michigan University. Become an Eagle today! To learn more, visit emich.edu.

As Michigan’s largest and most comprehensive Catholic university, Detroit Mercy offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional academic degrees and programs through seven schools and colleges. Detroit Mercy educates the whole person, focusing on the value of excellent academics, service to the community and a deeper spirituality to prepare graduates to live lives of purpose. With 95% of students employed, in graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation, students enter the world ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of everyone they come in contact with.

For a fourth year in a row, Detroit Mercy was once again ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report ‘Best Colleges’ 2023 edition in the National Universities category. Twelve other Michigan universities earned a place in this year’s National University category. Detroit Mercy ranks fourth in the state and is the highest ranked private university in Michigan.

One of the many hallmarks of a Detroit Mercy education is the chance for students to make a positive impact on the community through service learning. The moment students arrive on campus, they begin experiencing service learning and community outreach through the University’s orientation program, Prologues, Transitions and Viewpoints (PTV). Check out how students helped our community this fall at https://youtu.be/jbjm6-huQ70.

Providing students state-of-the-art labs and facilities represents a core goal for Detroit Mercy. This past summer, the University officially opened the newly renovated Student Union, which offers an enhanced experience for all students on the McNichols Campus. In this one-stop center, students can complete financial aid, registration, and other student services, eat, congregate, and socialize.

Offering cutting edge academic programs to support local, state and national workforce development needs also represents a critical function of the institution. Earlier in 2022, the College of Engineering & Science received a $1-million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to improve access to high-quality computer science education to high school students in Detroit Public Schools Community District. The collaborative grant expands Detroit Mercy’s iDRAW (innovating Detroit’s Robotic Agile Workforce) program by implementing AP Computer Science Principles courses at several Detroit Public Schools (https://www.udmercy.edu/about/news/ articles/2022/02-15-nsf-idraw-expansion.php).

In addition, Detroit Mercy’s McAuley School of Nursing (MSON) in the College of Health Professions is one of only 50 schools from 28 states that will participate in the national initiative Building a Culture of Belonging in Academic Nursing, funded by Johnson & Johnson to help nursing schools create environments where students, faculty and staff have a strong sense of belonging and are

encouraged to thrive (https://www.udmercy.edu/about/ news/articles/2022/08-03-mson-diversity-pilot.php).

This past academic year, Detroit Mercy continues to establish new academic programs geared toward the needs of students and industry. These include

• A new accelerated 5-year Health Services Administration master’s program through the College of Health Professions: https://www.udmercy.edu/about/ news/articles/2021/11-12-mhsa-new-acceleratedprogram.php

• A new Master of Science in Ethical Leadership offered by the College of Business Administration: https://www. udmercy.edu/about/news/articles/2022/03-04-masterof-ethical-leadership.php

• A new Vehicle Cyber Engineering graduate certificate offered through the College of Engineering & Sciences Vehicle Cybersecurity Institute, which was funded by a $1.12 million award from the U.S. Dept. of Defense: https:// eng-sci.udmercy.edu/academics/engineering/vehiclecyber-eng.

• An accelerated Bachelor of Social Work geared toward community college transfer students that allows them to complete their degree in one year: https://liberalarts. udmercy.edu/academics/swk/index.php.

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

PRODUCING REAL RESULTS AND CAREER-LONG EARNINGS

THE

GVSU earns federal grant to establish TRIO program in Detroit

In June, Grand Valley State University received a five-year, $1.4 million federal grant to establish a TRIO program in Detroit designed to create a successful college-going culture for high school students who would be the first in their families to attend college.

The Detroit TRIO Upward Bound program will serve 60 students in ninth-12th grades from three schools in Detroit: University Preparatory Academy, University Prep Science and Math, and University Prep Art and Design. All three schools are among the charter schools authorized by GVSU.

TRIO Upward Bound programs serve high school students from low-income families and those who would be first-generation college students. Program staff work in partner high schools four days a week, providing workshops and tutoring services to students. Upward Bound participants attend college tours, cultural field trips and a five-week summer residential program.

President Philomena V. Mantella noted this is Grand Valley’s ninth TRIO program, aligning with the university’s strategic goals to open access to higher education while meeting the needs of state residents.

“We want to help students reach their full potential by removing any barriers so they can enroll in college and be successful,” Mantella said. “Establishing a TRIO Upward Bound office in Detroit continues our important work of advancing educational equity and empowering student voice.”

John Johnson, director of postsecondary and alumni affairs for University Preparatory Academy, said the schools are excited to partner with TRIO and GVSU. “Through this partnership we hope to strengthen our proactive college-going model by introducing students to postsecondary education at an earlier stage in their high school tenure and equip them with college readiness skills that will result in their success in college and beyond,” Johnson said.

Nykia Gaines, assistant vice president for federal TRIO programs, said the Detroit program will be operational by the fall. It will be housed in the GVSU Detroit Center, 163 Madison St., and three people will be hired to manage the program.

Gaines is a Detroit native and first-generation college student. “Receiving this grant and having a location in my hometown is heartwarming and humbling,” she said. “This is why I love TRIO; it provides access to a post-secondary education and removes barriers for first-generation students to reach their true potential.”

B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, said the new Detroit staff members, like all TRIO employees, will be on the front lines of providing resources and guidance to help students succeed in high school and beyond.

“We know the keys to help learners achieve success and this Detroit Upward Bound program is an example of a very intentional, hands-on approach to supporting students,” Truss said. “Staff members meet students where they are to help them navigate new systems and environments.”

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.

The Upward Bound program at Wayne State continues to rise.

Now in its 56th consecutive year, the program — which furnishes Detroit students with college enrollment help, career counseling, academic support and community engagement — recently received yet another boost , when WSU was awarded a five-year federal grant worth nearly $4 million to continue its Upward Bound outreach.

The renewal grant will allow the program, which is cost-free for students and operates as part of a broad network of student support initiatives overseen by the university’s Office of Federal TRIO, to continue to serve low-income Detroiters and high school students who would be the first in their family to attend college.

Mark Jackson, Ph.D., director of the university’s Office of Federal TRIO, described Upward Bound’s impact on participating students as “life-changing.”

“The phrase ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ has become a cliche, but it is particularly applicable with regard to first-generation and low-income students,” Jackson said. “Through continued exposure, guidance and encouragement from our college students

and professionals, students learn so much more about the importance of being successful in school and how it will help them be successful in life.”

Mark Kornbluh, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Wayne State, praised the program for its consistent success.

“TRIO Upward Bound is a proven model to engage and expose students from historically excluded groups to the benefits of higher education,” Kornbluh said. “As we continue to strengthen our commitment to access, it is important to have programs like Upward Bound to extend into the community school districts — particularly in Detroit.”

Created by the federal Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and launched at Wayne State in 1966, Upward Bound originally was one of three significant support initiatives — Educational Talent Search and Student Support Services are the other two — developed by the federal government to widen access to college for low-income and traditionally underrepresented students. The term “TRIO” was coined to describe the three

programs, which operate nationwide at colleges and public and private institutions dedicated to working with disadvantaged youth.

TRIO has since expanded its offerings to include the Veterans Educational Opportunity Program; the Educational Opportunity Center; the King-ChavezParks College Day Program; the McNair Scholars Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program; the Child Care Means Parents in School Program; and the Michigan Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (MI GEAR UP), designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

Upward Bound is open to students enrolled at any high school in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Eligible students must meet the criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education, plan to enroll in postsecondary education to pursue an associate or bachelor’s immediately after high school, and have at least a 2.5 GPA and an academic need.

As Jackson noted, entire generations of families in Detroit have participated in WSU’s Upward Bound. “This relationship has thrived for so long because schools, parents and students can count on caring and compassionate services,” he said. “Students and staff form meaningful partnerships over the four years and work together to trust each other. Parents and teachers evolve to trust in the care and activities provided by Upward Bound for their high school students.”

Jackson said he hopes that the Upward Bound program can continue to serve the Detroit high school community by providing valuable exposure and development to interested students.

“The challenges facing Detroit students have continued to grow over the last few years, and our Upward Bound staff will continue to be innovative and motivational to help students and families meet those challenges,” he said. “I also very much hope to expand the support provided by WSU academic departments and other university offices to further enhance students’ educational and career aspirations.”

WHERE LIVING IN THE MOMENT

BECOME A WARRIOR

Access to college education is more critical now than it has ever been. Western Michigan University is working to break down systemic barriers to success with unprecedented scholarship and support opportunities.

The University recently announced the first initiatives made possible by the historic Empowering Futures Gift—a $550 million contribution to the WMU Foundation over 10 years—which will provide not only tuition-free education but also low-cost housing, a new Living Learning Community and a paid internship program for incoming and current Broncos.

“In this rapidly changing world, a college education is more important than ever. But the cost of that education has shifted from the public to the student, putting it increasingly out of reach for too many. Western Michigan University is closing that gap by taking a holistic view of student success,” says WMU President Edward Montgomery.

“The University is building an ecosystem of financial aid and programmatic support designed to meet students where they are and support them in their ambitions.”

THE BRONCO PROMISE

The first step toward upward mobility is getting a seat at the table. The new Bronco Promise will provide a tuitionfree Western education for up to five years for first-year students who come from Michigan families earning an adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less and have net assets under $50,000.

“Western is committed to opening the doors to higher education for all students who have the talent and determination to succeed,” Montgomery says.

The University awarded nearly 400 of these scholarships in the 2022-23 academic year and anticipates awards will rise to 600 scholarships in subsequent years.

EMPOWERING FUTURES HOUSING SCHOLARSHIP

Even with very low or no tuition costs, living expenses can also keep a student from embarking on a college degree. The Empowering Futures Gift will provide up to $6,000 in housing scholarships to more than 100 incoming students for their first year and offer holistic support through the Bronco experience in the form of a new Living Learning Community.

The Bronco Connect Living Learning Community is responsive to students who are still exploring their major. They get the chance to discover their interests while they explore careers, get involved in campus life and hone their study skills. In the Bronco Connect Community, students are encouraged to embrace the full campus experience— inside and outside the classroom—as they build an exciting and inspiring future.

Preference for these need-based scholarships will be given to admitted first-year or new transfer students who graduated from Kalamazoo Public Schools, a Detroit high school with a Detroit address or a select list of Grand

Rapids high schools, but all other Michigan residents are eligible to apply. Applications are due March 15, 2023.

WMU PAID INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

On-the-job experience is crucial for Broncos to explore careers and make the connections that could lead to their first job. But that experience doesn’t always come

with enough financial compensation to cover students’ financial responsibilities.

The WMU Internship Program, which provides financial support through the Empowering Futures Gift for internships at private and nonprofit organizations while subsidizing up to $3,600 in wages.

“The University remains fully aware that a holistic approach requires financial assistance and more. There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Montgomery says. “Students need support. They need guidance. They need the University to join them on their journey. And Western is committed to rising to that challenge.”

Learn more about Empowering Futures scholarships at wmich.edu/empoweringfutures.

HERE’S OUR PROMISE

You’ve got the talent and determination to create a meaningful life. We can help make it happen.

The BRONCO PROMISE provides free tuition and fees for admitted, full-time, first-year students who are Michigan residents and whose families earn $50,000 or less and have net assets below $50,000. For consideration, the FAFSA must be completed by July 1.

EMPOWERING FUTURES HOUSING SCHOLARSHIP

We’re also making sure you get the support you need to benefit from the full college experience.

More than 100 housing scholarships of up to $6,000 each are awarded to admitted, full-time, undergraduate students who are Michigan residents with demonstrated financial need. For consideration, the FAFSA and scholarship application must be completed by March 15.

Learn more at wmich.edu/empoweringfutures.

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 al ways 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.

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

You might have heard that Davenport University offers more than 60 high-demand degrees and that 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.

Check us out at davenport.edu/newstudent, or call us at 800.686.1600.

Get where the world is going

Innovative programs

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

Highly-ranked university

Small classes, taught by professors with industry know-how, and an exceptional focus on theory and practice, contribute to Lawrence Tech’s ranking among the nation’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. Your hands-on education in programs such as business, design, engineering, and nursing begins on day one.

Outstanding earning potential

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

NAIA sports teams

Lawrence Tech also features more than 30 men’s and women’s NAIA athletic teams, including basketball, bowling, competitive cheer, cross country, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, track and field, volleyball, women’s softball, men’s football, and more. And if you are a gamer, LTU offers a collegiate, competitive esports team.

Co-ops, internships

LTU’s unique Southfield location provides you with opportunities for co-ops, internships, and professional development in a region with one of the largest concentrations of engineering, architecture, and technology jobs in the world. Which means – you can hit the ground running when you graduate.

Y

Financial aid and more

About 74 percent of students receive financial assistance. For more info, contact Lawrence Tech’s Office of Admissions at 800.225.5588 or admissions@ltu.edu. Ready to apply now? Go to ltu.edu/applyfree.

U R

M O M E N

Leaders don’t just meet expectations. They shatter them.

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

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

As an OU student, you’ll enjoy:

• Advising throughout each year

• Tutoring, study groups and supplemental instruction

• Full-service writing center

• Study abroad opportunities

• Research projects as early as freshmen year

• 24/7 library

You’ll find your professors become your mentors, and they’ll help you make important connections between theory and practice. They stand firm on years of academic excellence — they are published authors, noted researchers, experts in their fields — and use their knowledge to cultivate and challenge yours.

Let’s Go

Let’s get back to pursuing dreams and pushing for our highest achievement. At OU, we continue to offer accredited, valuable degree programs with no-fee tuition pricing and special scholarships. And our faculty continue to offer the same personalized instruction and tremendous support students have come to expect from OU. Other areas of university life have been adjusted for your health, safety and support. See for yourself why it’s the best time to invest in your education at oakland.edu/support/future-students.

Get to Know Us

There is no better way to get a feel for your future college than by visiting campus. Right now, you can visit OU in-person and virtually. Just go to oakland.edu/visit to view everything that’s been tailored just for you.

MEET MONTASIA

Psychology Major

Phi Beta Sorority

Future Leader Dogs at OU

at Oakland University

Women in Healthcare

RESILIENT

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

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

U-M offers free tuition promise, the Go Blue Guarantee, on all campuses

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 full-time 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.

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 31,000 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

More than 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 has received the highest designation from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency every year since 2015 and received the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation in 2020.

goblueguarantee.umich.edu

Daryl Singleton and Michelle Davidson have never met but their paths have likely crisscrossed as ardent advocates for inclusion and diversity.

Born and raised in Detroit, Singleton now visits the city’s high schools to spread the word about the programs and resources available at Macomb Community College, where he works as an Admissions and Outreach coordinator.

“It’s great. I get to recruit students from my hometown,” said Singleton. “People don’t know what’s available to them or what the campuses are like (at Macomb.)” My message to all students is: ‘You’ll belong. You won’t be lost.”

Singleton earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Spring Arbor University. He went on to work as a mental health clinical case worker with the HOPE Network in Jackson, director of Multicultural Affairs and Minority Engagement at Huntington University in Indiana and academic advisor in the TRIO program at St. Clair County Community College.

The federally funded TRIO identifies and enhances services to disadvantaged students who are underrepresented in student populations at college and

universities across the country.

“Like my entire career, the focus (of TRIO) is diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Singleton.

It’s a cause shared by Michelle Davidson, a Macomb alumna and self-described “activist.” After earning her associate degree in Pre-Social Work from Macomb, she transferred to Oakland University (OU), where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2018. She was 38 at the time, a bit older than the average college student.

“I was juggling the demands of school and a full-time job, and raising two children,” said Davidson. “My Macomb and OU professors were compassionate to my needs as a nontraditional student.”

Today, Davidson is operations coordinator with We the People, a social justice nonprofit that builds multiracial coalitions to support working-class democracy.

“I think of myself as an “emerging” leader. I know the endgame I want to achieve — equality,

empowerment for the community and a unified society,” said Davidson, who has cofounded two nonprofits with the same mission.

“The Metro Equity Collaborative spearheads equity initiatives,” explained Davidson, “and The Black Business Association of Macomb uplifts, connects and enriches Macomb County’s Black business owners.”

Stories like Davidson’s inspire Singleton as he takes his message to Detroit high schools, telling students about Macomb’s affordability, accessibility and the TRIO-like program called Student Options for Success (SOS). Working with community service organizations, Macomb’s SOS office assists students in finding the resources they need to overcome financial challenges so that they can stay in college and earn the credentials that will open doors for them.

“Macomb has a great name and reputation in the community, and students benefit from that when they interview for jobs,” said Singleton. “From (Macomb) they can accomplish their goals and attain their dreams.”

Michelle Davidson, a Macomb alumnus, is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion through her work with We the People and the two nonprofits she cofounded.

Yourstudent’sstartto an ywhereishere

Passionate and personable instructors

Career pathways from business to health to skilled trades 200 career degree and certificate programs

Financial aid, scholarships, tuition payment plan

Learn more at macomb.edu/getstarted

Jessica, alum

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

Students can apply, register and pay later for winter semester!

“As soon as I started at Macomb, my life changed immediately.”

Daryl Singleton is a Macomb Admissions and Outreach coordinator who empowers students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about college.

LEARN HIGH-TECH HEALTH CARE AT SCHOOLCRAFT COLLEGE

Expert faculty with real-world experience and important industry connections, state-of-the-art equipment and labs, and a brandnew facility await students in Radiologic Technology program at Schoolcraft College.

From a high level, Radiologic Technology is the x-ray portion of the wider field of medical imaging, which also includes sonography, also known as ultrasound.

Jufauri Ely serves as Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs. He brings more than two decades of professional experience as a Technologist, Lead Technologist, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and now as an educator.

“It was essential for me to find a position that helped students know their role as a health professional and how they could positively improve the lives of patients,” Jufauri said. “I wanted to work with Schoolcraft College specifically because they were responsive to the vast need for medical imaging professionals.

“We have created new, in-demand occupational programs, designed a state- of-the-art imaging facility (the Health Sciences Center), and secured the latest equipment in diagnostic imaging.” Many area healthcare systems are eager to add these specialists.

“When the students complete these programs, they will find gainful employment and earn excellent salaries in a short period of time,” Jufauri said.

Imaging technologists provide essential services to the community – they make the invisible visible, while being on the front lines. These professionals are there prior to the diagnosis and participate in a multitude of health areas for the well-being of patients.

Go here to learn more about the Medical Imaging programs as well as all the other health professions programs offered at Schoolcraft College.

Start your path to get a position in an in-demand career

CRAFT YOUR FUTURE

AT SCHOOLCRAFT COLLEGE

You have it in you to succeed. Start by transforming your dreams into action at Schoolcraft College.

Whether you want to quickly get a job in an in-demand career or start your track to a bachelor’s degree, Schoolcraft College can help.

You’ll be welcomed, encouraged, supported and valued. And most of all, successful.

Registration for the Winter 2023 semester starts Saturday, October 29. Classes begin Monday, January 9, 2023.

Now is the best time to invest in yourself.

us today.

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

• You can get the full college experience here. Student clubs; art, music, theatre, dance, and culture; varsity athletics; a student-run restaurant.

• More than 150 programs of study, touching nearly every academic field.

• Transfer students excel. Our students do better by enrolling at HFC first. We provide a personalized experience leading to successful careers.

• Not every career requires a four-year degree. There are hundreds of fields that offer well-paying, challenging employment through an associate degree or certification.

• You can earn a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts. Or choose an associate degree or certificate.

• Henry Ford is as affordable as colleges get. Our per-credit-hour fees are among the lowest in the state.

• We provide tens of millions of dollars in financial aid. Every student can afford to attend.

• We are a true community. Henry Ford College is a warm and welcoming place.

Academics and careers are the main reasons students choose Henry Ford College:

• Engineers and entrepreneurs start here. Our science, technical, and business programs can launch you directly into the workforce or to any 4-year college.

• Health care careers are booming, and HFC is a leader in health education from nursing to respiratory therapy and more.

• Liberal arts graduates are in demand. You will learn critical-thinking skills, the ability to write, communicate, problem-solve, and lead.

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

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

After high school graduation...

Do I go to college?

Do I enroll in a skilled trades program to learn a skill I can always use?

Am I ready for a new job?

Am I looking to explore new career opportunities to transition from my current job?

Get Back to Work: High-Paying Jobs on the Rise Despite Overwhelming Labor Shortage

By: Sherri Kolade

At the end of November 2021, 10.6 million jobs went unfilled in the United States.

According to statistics, that is a 56 percent increase from one year earlier.

In Michigan alone, roughly 330,000 jobs remain empty -- similarly, that figure is up 55 percent from last year and represents about 7.2 percent of all jobs in the state.

Over the summer, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed nine bipartisan bills into law to address some of the needs with filling labor shortages.

House Bill 4232 helps small businesses fill labor shortages in restaurants by expanding the eligible workforce to allow 17-year-old waitstaff to sell and serve alcohol at restaurants and other businesses. The individual must have completed a server training program as required by the Liquor Control Commission. During the individual’s shift, the on-premises licensee is required to have supervisory personnel that is at least 18 years old and who has also completed a server training program.

“Bars and restaurants throughout Michigan that have been struggling with employment issues applaud the governor for signing this bill into law,” said Michigan Licensed Beverage Association Executive Director Scott Ellis. “While this is a big win for our entire industry, I know our businesses in northern Michigan and other tourist areas will benefit tremendously from the signing of this bill.”

Filling empty spots is not just a Michigan problem either, as, at the height of the pandemic, over 120,000 businesses temporarily closed, and over 30 million U.S. workers were unemployed, according to nationwide research. On top of that, in 2021 employers added nearly 4 million jobs to the workforce ecosystem while millions of Americans were leaving the workforce even before the pandemic.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce noted in an article that the disruption, also dubbed “The Great Resignation,” is where over 47 million workers quit their jobs due to seeking a better work/life balance, flexibility and more family time.

“Many GenZ workers got their first job during the pandemic, so they expect flexibility and remote work as the standard option. In addition, they view jobs as ‘experiences’ that they can end if they no longer need or feel connected to them,” said Dr. Ximena Hartsock, founder of BuildWithin, in a National Newspapers Publishers Association Newswire article.

“But a closer look at what has happened to the labor force can be better described as ‘The Great Reshuffle’ because hiring rates have outpaced quit rates since November of 2020. So, many workers are quitting their jobs—but many are getting re-hired elsewhere,” according to the article.

Looking for work?

Finding employment these days might not be too hard as Indeed released a list of high-paying, in-demand jobs (ranked by the number of job postings per 1 million search results) paying $50,000 or more are available right now. Indeed’s high-paying jobs list (with a national average salary) includes:

• Registered nurse: $88,828

• Truck driver: $69,114

• Shift manager: $71,245

• Delivery driver: $81,828

• Owner/ operator driver: $142,919

• Sales representative: $72,838

• Restaurant manager: $51,180

• Dental assistant: $68,410

• Direct support professional: $75,351

• Assistant general manager: $47,833

• General manager: $59,664

• Insurance agent: $69,969

• Service technician: $70,429

• Management trainee: $47,825

• Real estate agent: $104,932

• Maintenance person: $80,870

• Physical therapist: $73,587

Find out more information at Indeed.com and type in the search bar “job search.”

Wayne County aims to spread a new message with its REIMAGNE YOUR CAREER campaign, led by the Department of Personnel/Human Resources. Signaling a change in branding, the new practices in areas such as recruitment and employee engagement are the first steps to organizational effectiveness, recruitment and retention. The initiative to rebrand the employee life cycle also offers existing employees a forward-facing approach to the new direction.

The REIMAGINE YOUR CAREER campaign focuses on putting the employee experience at the center of the county’s recruitment and retention efforts.. From an applicant’s initial contact with recruitment staff to internal promotional opportunities, employees can now align the succession of their careers through countless possibilities. For instance, an applicant that begins as a Laborer within the Department of Public Service could later become the Division Director; or an Assistant Prosecutor Attorney with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office depending on their career interest and educational pursuits.

The spectrum of careers currently spans over 300 vacant positions. Whether an applicant is just beginning their career or a seasoned professional, Wayne County has an opportunity for you. In a rapidly changing economic climate, applicants can find career opportunities to serve the 43 unique Communities in One Great County! Wayne County’s Department of Personnel/Human Resources plans to show prospective applicants that wanting an impactful career and a competitive wage and benefits, within public service, is a positive step toward REIMAGINING YOUR CAREER.

For more information, please see the waynecounty.com/jobs page, scan the QR code below, Facebook, LinkedIn or download the Wayne County mobile application from the Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/ app/wayne-county-mobile/id1449796370?ls=1) or Google Play (https:// play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waynecounty.wcMobileApp). If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Wayne County Department of Personnel/Human Resources at 313-224-5901 or via email at hrexam@waynecounty.com.

Detroit at Work construction industry recruitment event

Detroit At Work Offers Career Services

As Detroit continues to bounce back from the COVID pandemic, residents are increasingly turning to the city’s workforce agency, Detroit at Work, for help with their careers, education or training, and a wide range of other services.

Detroit at Work was launched by Mayor Mike Duggan and the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board in 2017 with a goal of building Detroit’s talent pool, creating opportunities for Detroiters, and giving employers access to a talent pipeline that meets their needs.

Through trainings, job search assistance and other career services, Detroit at Work provides Detroiters at all levels with access to a wide variety of job search tools and assistance, training, and a range of supportive services to help take their careers to the next level.

At the heart of Detroit at Work are the detroitatwork.com website, and the 9 career centers accessible in all seven council districts located across the city.

Career Centers

In Detroit at Work career centers, the experienced, professional staff help Detroiters with a wide range of career-related needs from career advisement to assistance with training for a career change or advancement, to help with supportive services such as childcare or transportation. Services are made available free, and tens of thousands of Detroiters get help every year, with many thousands going into new jobs, or paid

training, or getting educational qualifications that will allow them to progress within existing jobs or find new ones.

And subject to eligibility and availability, Detroit at Work may also be able to provide help with other key barriers faced by Detroiters – things like rent assistance, technology devices, childcare, transportation, fines and fees, and even automobile repair.

Detroit at Work Website

Over a quarter of a million people visit the Detroit at Work website every year. They visit either to search the thousands of jobs available on a daily basis, or find out about recruitment events or job fairs, or to learn more about some of the vocational training programs available.

The website is supported by several Detroit at Work social media channels where job fairs, training courses, recruitment events and other opportunities are shared. In addition, Detroit at Work attends hundreds of community events around the city each year to share information about the services and supports available for Detroit residents.

How can Detroit at Work help business owners?

If you’re a Detroit business owner, Detroit at Work can partner with you as an external HR consultant, recruiting for the positions you have open, sourcing candidates, and even working with you to arrange recruitment events and training. Every year, Detroit at Work sources thousands of new employees for its business customers, and best of all, the service is free! Even if your business is located is the areas surrounding the city, business support specialists are standing by to give you the help you need in staffing your business.

You can connect with Detroit at Work online at detroitatwork.com, or on social media, or by calling (313) 962-WORK.

WHAT CAN YOU FIND AT DETROIT AT WORK?

Ready to work?

Employers are ready to hire! Detroit at Work has thousands of jobs available. You can apply at detroitatwork.com. If you need help applying, our career coaches can help with the process.

Need help with a career path?

Our career coaches can help you find the right job or career. We can help with your resume, training, and let you know when employers are hiring. Call 313-962-WORK (9675) for an appointment.

Training Programs are available in high growth industries

Interested in construction and transportation, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and/or customer service? We have free training programs for Detroiters who qualify, and adult and youth training programs at Randolph and Breithaupt CTE Centers. Our career coaches can help you find out which is right for you.

Need help getting ready to have a job?

We can help you with a wide range of support. From using a computer, getting help with obtaining a photo ID, writing a resume, GED attainment, to transportation, and more. Information is available online, or from your career coach.

Classes to help you prepare for a job

Need help creating a resume or completing online job applications? Get nervous in interviews? We have workshops that can help!

All workshops are free and run multiple times every week at our career centers, with many available online!

Get paid to finish your high school diploma

Detroit at Work is partnering with Detroit Public Schools Community District to make adult education programs available at our career centers, so if you want to improve your math or literacy, or to take your GED, there is a program closer to you than ever before. You could also qualify to get paid to complete your High School Diploma. Call us to find out more.

Skills for Life

Skills for Life is a new program offered by Detroit at Work and the City of Detroit that offers comprehensive career development and advancement. Participants can earn their High School Diploma/GED and gain work experience. Skills for Life jobs pay $15/hr and are located throughout Detroit at various sites.

New Courses, Opportunities and Materials Made Available Regularly

At Detroit at Work, your career is our job. We place thousands of Detroit jobseekers into jobs and training every year. Best of all, our services are free. Make an appointment to speak with a career coach today!

313-962-WORK (9675) detroitatwork.com

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New Skilled Trades Facility Brings State-of-the-Art Training Center to Detroit

During the facility’s summer grand opening, Whitmer joined labor leaders and local elected officials for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the training center located in northwest Detroit.

“As a proud, pro-union governor to my core, I am thrilled to celebrate the opening of the MRCC’s state-of-the-art center in Detroit that will train up to 1,500 Michiganders and help them land good-paying, high-skill union jobs,” said Whitmer. “Michiganders rely on carpenters, millwrights, floor layers, piledrivers and all our skilled trades to build the infrastructure that powers Michigan’s economy. Their hard work is the reason that since I took office through the end of this year, we will fix over 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges, build or refurbish nearly 12,000 affordable housing units and replace tens of thousands of lead service lines. With their partnership, I have acted to center working people in all the work that we do. Together, we reinstated the prevailing wage, cracked down on payroll fraud, expanded opportunities for people to land good-paying union jobs and continued delivering on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families. When working families succeed, we all succeed.”

By: Sherri Kolade

“There is never a bad time to consider a career in skilled trades.”

With about 250,000 workers statewide in skilled trades – and Michigan’s skilled trades workforce ranking in the top 10 nationally according to Michigan Business – Steve Purchase, communications director for Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCC), might be onto something when describing a career path in this growing industry.

And statistics also agree. Highly trained skilled trades professionals are in high demand across Michigan, and experts anticipate the current shortage of such workers to continue well into the next decade. Skilled trades professionals such as carpenters and millwrights account for more than 500,000 jobs in Michigan. This booming field is one Detroit is especially benefiting from as a new facility, MRCC’s new training center, opened its doors in northwest Detroit in January.

The 145,000-square-foot training center is home to state-of-the-art classrooms, training areas and some of the most advanced methods and tools in the industry. The new center will train up to 1,500

students a year and play a pivotal role in reaching the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal to have 60 percent of working-age Michiganders earn a skills certificate or postsecondary degree by 2030.

The large facility houses classrooms and training areas for hands-on experiences and real-world simulations. Students will study and train in an apprenticeship program designed and taught by the carpenters and millwrights union, which currently has over 14,000 members across the state. Enrollment in the apprenticeship program is free, and students incur no debt for their education. Those who join MRCC’s apprenticeships also get good wages, healthcare and pension benefits while they learn. The center will train up to 1,500 students a year.

Purchase told the Michigan Chronicle that the training center held a grand opening in June and it will allow many locals to join the workforce.

“With all of the historic investment in infrastructure, silicon plants in the private sector [that will] grow Michigan’s economy – none of that work happens without adequate skilled trades and the skilled trades workforce is incredibly important ... for the health and future of Michigan’s economy ... that can meet the demands of ahead of us.”

“The opening of this state-of-the-art training center right here in Detroit shows the commitment of carpenters and millwrights to preparing the best construction professionals and creating good-paying Michigan jobs,” said MRCC executive secretary-treasurer Tom Lutz. “This new training center – built without any taxpayer dollars – represents a gateway to a promising future for countless men and women willing to learn and work hard in a rewarding, good-paying career. By locating our training center in a Detroit neighborhood, carpenters and millwrights are committed to supporting our communities, opening doors of opportunities for everyone and doing our part to move Michigan forward.”

The MRCC is a partner in Detroit’s job creation program and has pledged to triple the number of Detroit residents in the union’s apprenticeship program by ensuring that over the next decade 25 percent of all incoming first-year apprentices are Detroit residents. MRCC and its contractor partners fund all aspects of the apprenticeship program, including the construction of the new center.

Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh said that skilled laborers are in and bring a needed resurgence to the economy.

“The leadership of the carpenters and millwrights will help the United States and the State of Michigan continue to build the critical infrastructure we need to be competitive in a global economy,” Walsh said. “America needs well-trained, well-educated skilled trades professionals today and for years to come, and the carpenters and millwrights’ training center is the pipeline to good-paying and rewarding careers in construction that will always be in demand.”

The training center is located at 11687 American Ave. in Detroit.

For more information visit buildmifuture.com.

The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights’ new training center opened its doors in northwest Detroit earlier this year

With an extraordinary record of success training and credentialing students for successful careers with employers across Southeast Michigan, Focus: HOPE’s Job Training department works hard to provide high quality work readiness and pre-apprenticeship programs in a range of in-demand career fields including:

• IT Pathways

• DTE Tree Trim Academy

• Construction Pre-Apprenticeship

• Logistics & Transportation

• Industrial Manufacturing

Our workforce development programs prepare individuals for successful careers. We offer a holistic approach to individuals looking to jumpstart their careers and support throughout their training and after with our alumni services.

New Workforce Development Initiatives

Tree Trim Academy: In partnership with DTE Energy and IBEW, Focus: HOPE launched a seven-week tree trimming program in 2021. The program is designed to provide training in work readiness, tree trimming protocols, and truck driver training. After successful completion of the seven-week program, students are selected for the tree trimming apprenticeship program with DTE Energy.

Construction Training Pathways: This new 10-week boot camp includes 5 weeks of work readiness with Focus: HOPE followed by 5 weeks of hands-on training with the Carpenters Union. This program provides work readiness related to construction fields including but not limited to carpentry, leading to occupation specific training and job placement. Participants in this program have opportunities to participate in advanced training and apprenticeships.

Center for Working Families: As a Greater Detroit Centers for Working Families site, we focus on the financial bottom line for low-to-moderate income

individuals and families. This means changing people’s financial behavior in a way that encourages them to make a long-term commitment to increasing income, decreasing expenses, and acquiring assets. Focus: HOPE’s Center for Working Families served over 442 participants in 2021, with an average net worth increase of $26,000. Major 2021 highlights include clients purchasing their own homes and cars, and significantly improving their credit scores.

To learn more about Focus: HOPE’s Job Training programs and to apply visit us online at focushope.edu/job-training.

we are empowering Detroit transform your career through focus: Hope's job training programs

Since the program launched in February 2021, more than 100,000 people statewide — including Washington — have taken the first step toward completing their higher education through Reconnect.

Washington wasn’t even considering college when the Reconnect opportunity arose.

But today, the 27-year-old is just months away from earning a culinary arts degree from Mott Community College in Flint.

Overcoming obstacles

“My journey in culinary is nontraditional, just like my life,” Washington said.

Washington earned high marks in high school and was enrolled and ready to succeed in college when an assault landed her in the hospital. Her injuries and a battle with posttraumatic stress disorder left her unable to finish school.

Her life was further complicated by a divorce and the death of an infant son she had with a boyfriend. She and her boyfriend grieved their son’s death separately and eventually split up.

free education wasn’t the only positive turn in her life. She and her boyfriend got back together and now have a healthy baby boy.

“I am back on track thanks to Michigan Reconnect and Mott Community College,” Washington said.

Her Reconnect success will also benefit the greater community. She plans to open a soup kitchen focusing on food justice and insecurity after she graduates.

Building Michigan’s workforce

Michigan Reconnect is the largest effort in state history to ensure that Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree have an opportunity to earn an associate degree or skills certificate with free or deeply discounted tuition.

Michigan Reconnect pays the cost of in-district tuition for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate at any of Michigan’s public community colleges, including its tribal colleges. Eligible residents can attend community college tuition-free at a community college where they are considered in-district. For those

the state’s public community colleges, including its tribal colleges, directly to students, can be used for books, child care, internet access and transportation to help students pursue associate degrees or skills certificates.

To be eligible for the grants, students must:

• Be a Michigan Reconnect or Futures for Frontliners scholarship participant.

• Have completed at least one semester within the respective scholarship program they are participating in.

• Be enrolled already or be in the process of enrolling for a qualifying semester.

With over 18,000 students enrolled at a community college, the state is making progress toward meeting Gov. Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal of having 60% of Michiganders with a postsecondary degree or skills certificate by 2030. More information is available at Michigan.gov/Reconnect.

If you ever said “Maybe someday I’ll get my college degree,” we have great news for you — in-district community college is now tuitionfree for eligible adults 25+ through Michigan Reconnect. Deep tuition discounts are available for out-of-district community colleges.

Which means you can get the education you’ve always wanted, and you’ll have the chance to pursue the rewarding career you deserve. So, come on — you’ve waited long enough.

She Did That: Women Take the Lead in Male-Dominated Fields

By: Sherri Kolade

Black women rule the workforce and have the highest labor force participation in comparison to all women, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

In other words, a higher number of Black women are employed or unemployed and searching for work.

Breaking down the numbers reveals that Black women make up 60.5 percent of the workforce in comparison with 56.8 percent for white women – the pandemic didn’t stop Black women (even during the Great Resignation) as their labor force participation rate slightly spiked to 58.8 percent in comparison to 56.2 percent of white women.

In other words, Black women, among others, rule on and off the job.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes that women’s labor force participation was up in the last few years, which means there is even more opportunity for women to work in positions that are not traditionally female-led.

According to learnhowtobecome.org, what defines traditional versus non-traditional careers for women is based on “perception and reality, by the cultural norms that inform a woman’s decision to favor certain jobs over others, and by structural barriers to entry in distinct fields.”

The website added that non-traditional female careers include physicians and surgeons, computer programmers, firefighters, chefs and head cooks, sheet metal workers and aircraft pilots and flight engineers.

Live Career noted that in the “fourth wave of feminism,” many employers are making a more notable effort in hiring an equal number of women and men, especially in jobs and industries that have been “dominated by one gender in the past.”

“These occupations with lopsided representation are deemed nontraditional occupations by the Department of Labor if its workforce comprises less than 25 percent of one gender, and they could be interesting avenues of employment to explore as employers try to achieve gender parity,” according to Live Career.

One such field where women are knocking down gender barriers at work is glass blowing, according to careerexplorer.com.

Described as an ancient art form that produces delicate and functional glass pieces, glass blowing is also a non-traditional job where 33 percent of glass blowers are female and 67 percent are male, according to careerexplorers.com.

Master Glassblower April Wagner is the owner of Epiphany Studios, Michigan’s premier state-of-the-art glassblowing studio and gallery in Pontiac.

“I always knew from a young age I would always be an artist, just was unsure of what that would be like,” Wagner, who took a glass-blowing college class and fell in love with it, said. “There were not a lot of women working with glass back when I was working with it. It’s a very responsive material and reacts to what you’re doing to it and it has a thing it wants to do. Constantly challenged by it and ... very fortunate to have found that thing that makes me want to jump out of bed in the morning.” She added that along her 30-year career course as an artist she’s had plenty of naysayers but is “stubborn” and ambitious.

“I would go ahead and do it anyway,” she said when others told her “no.” “The only limitations you have in life are ones you put on yourself. ... Following your dream ultimately makes you happy in life. If it was easy everyone would do it and more people should try that.”

than-life, iconic and place-making sculptures installed all over the country, and these larger projects require a lot of space to create them. Our new addition will provide us with the perfect amount of space.”

Wagner added that women who work in any space they’re in bring a much-needed vibrancy.

“We [add] a unique voice to this medium and material and ... women shouldn’t ever shortchange their power to speak to what inspires them and having a voice at the table or in the room I think means you have to put yourself out there and be proud of what you’re doing,” she said.

“Epiphany Studios has been a valued and integral part of Pontiac’s cultural and economic fabric for 25 years, and we are thrilled by this exciting addition to their facility,” said Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel.

“I really want our studio to become a destination,” said Wagner. “Epiphany is an important component to the budding arts scene in Pontiac and throughout southeast Michigan.”

An Epiphany Studios glass blowing masterpiece

Wagner’s 4,000-square-foot studio in Pontiac will create large-scale works of art. Wagner, 49, has run and operated her hot glass studio and gallery from this spot since 1997. Along with creating glass arts and gift items, the studio also trains apprentices and hosts classes and do-it-yourself workshops for the public.

Master Glassblower April Wagner, owner of Epiphany Studios, Michigan’s premier state-of-the-art glassblowing studio and gallery, told the Michigan Chronicle that her “definitely non-traditional role” is one.

“Most people are familiar with the beautiful glass pieces we offer at Epiphany, like our birds of beauty, sleeping kitties, rocks glasses, pumpkins, paperweights and ornaments,” Wagner said. “However, we also create larger-

Wagner has created glass art for a range of local and national clients. Her large-scale installations have found permanent homes at Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Hall) in Detroit, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, the Flagstar Strand Theatre for the Performing Arts in Pontiac, and most recently at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.

For more information on Epiphany Studios, visit their website at epiphanyglass.com.

The healthcare industry is forecasted to grow continuously into the year 2030 and beyond.

There will always be a need for persons in this industry.

Healthcare occupations are numerous and there is a shortage in some areas. This might allow you to be selective or bargain for a higher wage. Some positions offer a signing bonus.

Positions in the healthcare industry that you might consider:

Physician

Nurse

Phlebotomist

X-Ray Technician

Dentist

Dental Hygienist

Dental Assistant

Physical Therapist

Home-health care aide

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Our society will always need:

Social Workers

Police Officers

Plumbers

Electricians

Maybe you have not considered:

Elevator Installer or repair person

Commercial pilot

Air traffic controller

Aircraft Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician

Building inspector

Radiology technician

Welder

If you are creative, you might consider Artist Graphic designer Video producer

You want the job...

When applying for a position, be sure you are prepared.

Indeed.com says you should:

• Research the company

(so you know something about the company you are asking to hire you)

• Show some interest and share your knowledge with a comment or two.

• Practice answers to common interview questions

Review how you might answer a question you feel might be asked.

• Study the job description.

Be sure you understand the requirements even if you do not meet all of them.

• Be prepared to provide examples of your work.

Some interviewers might want to see samples of your writing or awards.

• Dress properly.

Plan your interview attire the night before. Do not over or under dress for the occasion.

• Remember, you are there to sell yourself and convince the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job.

• Put your best foot ---and face forward.

• Follow up the interview with a thank you note.