MO Community Colleges Offer Affordable Paths to Success Joe’sBitsand Pieces

Joe Koenen, AgriBusiness Specialist (Mo Extension Ret.)

Market On The Square Begins

SATURDAY, MAY 6

It seems to me that this year has gone fast so far. In spite of that, the “Market on the Square” on the west side of the Unionville square opens for business Saturday, May 6, beginning at 7 am

The market in Unionville is one of the longest continuous market in north Missouri, having been around for over 40 years. The cost to sell at the market is $20 for the year and can be paid at the University of Missouri Extension Office or at the market. Tom Keedy and myself plan to be around on Saturday to assist. Some of the items that could be available are plants, lettuce, baked goods and many other speciality items grown in Missouri.

Other markets around the area begin at various dates so contact your extension office or chamber of commerce to see when yours starts. Of course, the market would not happen with our partners such as buyers, the Putnam County Commissioners and the city of Unionville.

FINAL CENTURY

FARM REMINDER

May 1 is the dead- line to apply if you have at least 40 acres that has been in your family since December 31, 1923. That 40 must have a direct line (blood or marriage) and still contribute to income even if rented out. Do not miss out if you have a family farm that qualifies. You can apply at your county extension office or online at Missouri Century Farms - Programs | MU Extension.

UPCOMING 4-H/FFA

DEADLINE

There are some deadlines coming up in 4-H/ FFA that you need to be aware of if you do not already. The state deadline in Missouri to register your horse remains May 1. You need to bring a picture of the horse(s) you plan to show in 2023 or draw markings on the form. Since it is a state deadline, it is one you must comply with.

REMINDER

Extension resources are available 24/7 online at www.extension.missouri.edu/putnam or the office you are looking for. All program and resources in Missouri can be accessed at www.extension.missouri.edu.

THOUGHT: “I thought growing old would take longer!”

(Jefferson City, Mo., April 20, 2023) — As April marks Community College Month, the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) is reminded of these institutions’ crucial role in providing affordable and accessible higher education opportunities to students across the state.

Missouri is experiencing record-low unemployment, and a recent study shows that more trained workers are needed to maintain economic growth in the state. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, 60% of employers reported a need for more skilled workers as a barrier to growth.

Community colleges offer a wide range of programs, from career and technical education to transfer pathways to four-year universities, allowing students to pursue their academic and career goals in a supportive and inclusive environment. With flexible schedules, smaller class sizes and dedicated faculty and staff, community colleges provide a personalized approach to education that helps students succeed.

“Missouri’s community colleges hold the key to bridging the state’s skilled worker shortage, whether it’s a fresh high school graduate seeking to kickstart their engineering degree or a seasoned employee in need of short-term training on cutting-edge manufacturing equipment,” said MCCA President and Chief Executive Officer Brian Millner. “As we celebrate Community

College Month, we encourage you to seize the countless opportunities available at your nearest community college.”

Not only do community colleges offer high-quality education at an affordable cost, but they also provide opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills that are in high demand in today’s workforce. One year at a community college is a fraction of the cost of one year at Missouri’s public and private four-year schools.

Private four-year: $21,500

Public four-year: $9,500

Community college: $4,258

*Public college data from Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Private college data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

Not only are community colleges the lowcost alternative but they can be zero-cost for those who apply for financial aid. Many students who enroll at a Missouri community college can have access to scholarship opportunities, including:

The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant: This new state scholarship pays tuition and fees for students 25 and older who want to pursue high-demand oc- cupations. Programs like nursing, welding and teaching are just a few of the dozens of fields of study that are Fast Track eligible. Fast Track will pay for short-term workforce training courses.

Pell Grants: These federal funds for the most under-resourced students will cover the tuition costs for most of the state’s community college programs. About 25% of Missouri’s community college students receive Pell Grants.

Access Missouri: Ac-

Brundage ...

cess Missouri is a version of the Pell Grant from the state of Missouri. It can be used to pay for books, housing, food and living expenses.

Continued from pg. 3 are not saved. Please be in prayer for the ministry at our school – for the hearts of the students and for the teachers’ lives to be pleasing to God.

I would like to ask special prayer as well for my church, Iglesia Bautista de Fe (Faith Baptist Church). After seeing victories in the previous months, we received difficult news in March. God knows the details and is at work in lives. Pray that we give Christ the preeminence in our lives, keep serving in truth, and trust His sovereign care.

“Nanny”, as we grandchildren called her, went to heaven on March 19th. Nanny is my mom’s mom and was a faithful Christian. Although I was not at my grand-

A+: If a high schooler goes to class, earns good grades, and participates in community service, the A+ scholarship will pay for them to complete an associate degree. For more information on Missouri’s community colleges, visit https:// www.missouricolleges. org/. ma’s funeral, God gave an overwhelming peace knowing that I’ll see her again. Among other songs about heaven, the song It is not Death to Die was a comfort. “It is not death to fling aside this earthly dust, and rise with strong and noble wing, to live among the just.” Nanny was my last living grandparent. One of the greatest blessings of my life has been knowing and having a relationship with my grandparents. They are so special to me. I am overwhelmingly grateful for the legacy of faith that my grandparents and great-grandparents left and for the promise of heaven together. Faithful saints can encourage us all to keep pressing on for Christ!

When it comes to the end of life on this earth, what matters is if you know Jesus. From the tropical jungle to the city streets of Lima; from your U.S. neighborhood to my English classroom full of teenage Peruvians . . . the greatest need is to make Jesus known!

Only by His Grace, Amy Brundage