Schoolcraft College

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Keith Dawkins, Design Release Engineer and Alumni

Keith Dawkins is a Design Release Engineer for General Motors. He has experience in embedded controls, calibration, and managing programs from design to launch. His hobbies include golf, traveling and exercise. He hopes one day to complete a half-marathon.

To help celebrate Black History Month, we’re pleased to share “My Story, My Voice,” a series of essays written by Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Please go to schoolcraft.edu/BHM to read the complete collection.

Keith Dawkins

By Keith Dawkins, Design Release Engineer and Alumni

My time at Schoolcraft College ended on a high note. I graduated with a great GPA, won several awards and recognitions, was the Graduation Marshall for my class, and was accepted to U of M’s Electrical Engineering program. My family was proud of me. This was the second chapter of my life after a long battle with cancer, and things were looking up. Graduating from community college was a rare time in my life that I had finished something I had started. It felt good. I was looking optimistically at the future.

My first semester at U of M was challenging. I was enrolled in two of the program’s “weed out” classes: EECS 280 (C++) and EECS 215 (circuits). It was a challenge learning to study differently, not to mention the volume of work, but my classmates and I pushed through. I think we all experienced a paradigm shift in this manner. I began to feel optimistic about the semester when a remnant from the past crept up. I was admitted to the hospital with complications from my previous cancer battle. I was only gone a week, but that’s a lifetime in college studies. I struggled to catch up with my classes and was successful in all but one – EECS 280. I never could regain my footing and subsequently failed the class.

The rest of my time at U of M was met with successes. I earned excellent grades in my classes – even when I retook EECS 280. I was on a roll. Then one day I received the call that we all dread. My mother had passed. The grief was enormous, and I left school to be with my family. After the initial shock of grief, I was comforted by the fact that my mom was so proud to see me finally excelling in life. I was determined to push through and graduate in her honor – which I did in 2015 at the young age of 45.

These days I use what I learned in my schoolwork to develop technologies for electric vehicles. I have had several engineering jobs at General Motors since I graduated, and now I design and launch computer modules for EV SUVs. I am married with three children, and I reside in Farmington Hills. The second chance at life has been both challenging and fulfilling. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Dr. Carmen Wilson, Academic Success Coach

Dr. Carmen Wilson joined Schoolcraft College in 2016, specializing in the disciplines of reading, study skills, and developmental education. She provides individual coaching for students and facilitates group sessions for class visits, TEAS Test Prep, and the Detroit Promise Cohort. Dr. Wilson is the Coordinator for the STARS DEI Leadership Program. Her mantra is, “I am your champion, cheerleader, and accountability partner, helping students soar academically.”

To help celebrate Black History Month, we’re pleased to share “My Story, My Voice,” a series of essays written by Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Please go to schoolcraft.edu/BHM to read the complete collection.

Dr. Carmen Wilson

By Dr. Carmen Wilson, Academic Success Coach

My passion for teaching began at age 6, when, after returning from a day at school I would retreat to my bedroom and line up my dolls across the bed to play teacher, mimicking the instructional style seen earlier in the day. This anecdote, constantly told by my mother, who delighted in relating these events, was her way of showing the pride she felt in my academic accomplishments.

I was raised in a strong, faith-based, Christian family. Our family’s weekly attendance at the Historic Second Baptist Church of Detroit was not negotiable! My father worked two jobs, and my mother stayed at home with my younger brother and I. Their combined support was there for all activities and classes in which we were involved. Fostering my love for reading was done by a weekly walk to the Detroit Public Library Mobile Unit.

A graduate of Michigan State University, my first job was as a Social Studies teacher. I have subsequently filled the professional roles in K12 including teacher, coordinator, academic dean, assistant principal, and principal. My Doctorate in Leadership and Policy Studies provided the segue into higher education. First in my family to attend college, I was blessed to have my parents, son, and closest friends witness me cross the stage at Wayne State University.

My passion has always been to help students achieve academic excellence. My path led me to the field of developmental reading, writing, composition, and academic support. On February 22, 2016, I became a Faculty Facilitator (now Academic Success Coach) at Schoolcraft College. Initially the only African-American female in the Learning Support Services department, I readily identified with the obstacles that beset underrepresented, first-generation populations and worked to create a mentorship program, specifically aimed at helping first-year college students. With the support of Associate Dean Melissa Schultz, the Scholars Taking Off & Rising To Success (STARS) Program was launched during the fall of 2019.

The success of the pilot STARS Program is shown by the anonymous donor, renewing it for the 2021-2022 academic school year. The STARS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Program is based on four pillars: Academic, Leadership, Service-Learning, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice. This initiative is designed to provide a wealth of knowledge, a plethora of diverse experiences, promote a catalyst for change at Schoolcraft and the community at-large for two scholars, two mentors, and ten mentees. Indeed, it has been my pleasure and honor to serve as the Coordinator of STARS DEI Leadership Program, a very viable value-added entity at Schoolcraft College. I am excited by the prospect of expanding the program as well as seeing the creative and innovative campus-wide events our STARS scholars will implement.

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Thomas “Tommy” DeJesus (Anderson), alumni

Thomas “Tommy” DeJesus (Anderson) has been a community organizer for seven years. A graduate of the University of North Texas in Integrative Studies, he’s currently writing his memoir, which will be released this year.

To help celebrate Black History Month, we’re pleased to share “My Story, My Voice,” a series of essays written by Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Please go to schoolcraft.edu/BHM to read the complete collection.

Thomas DeJesus

By Thomas “Tommy” DeJesus (Anderson), alumni

 “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair” – Mother to Son by Langston Hughes. Truer words have never been spoken. Though I smile outside, my inner thoughts contain memories of a childhood marred by violence and death with a mix of nostalgia.

My parents’ wishes came true as I was born at 11:11 p.m. My mother had already suffered a miscarriage a few years earlier. She was told that the chances of her giving birth were slim. I was born with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome, one of the leading causes of infant mortality. In Detroit – where I was born – the infant mortality rate is so high it rivals the war-torn country of Libya. As an occupational therapist, she was well aware of the odds that Black mothers often faced in dealing with hospitals. Nevertheless, she still persevered, and I was able to pull through without any issues.

I grew up in Farmington Hills. Like Livonia, Farmington Hills represented one of several white flight towns in Metro Detroit during the mid-20th century. I grew up in a majority Black and Asian neighborhood created through exclusionary zoning in the 1990s. My parents were deep believers of the Christian faith and decided to send me to a Christian school, hoping I’d receive a better education there than a public school. Big mistake.  

Racial epithets and insensitivity flew from the mouths of my “Christian” teachers, classmates, and their parents with impunity. I assumed the treatment I received was normal, so I never complained to my parents. However, my mother saw it and did everything she could to fight it. With her help, the school instituted their first ever Black History Month program my 1st grade year.

In my 3rd grade year, she began her own fight with pulmonary hypertension, which ultimately took her life on November 12, 2008. As a result, my father became a single father and the racial torment worsened as we entered the Obama era. Nonetheless, like her during my birth, I persevered.

Over 10 years later, her legacy lives on through me. Today, I continue to serve humanity by promoting Black unity and self-love. “There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson…” – Malcolm X.

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Katelynn Haygood, Alumni

Katelynn Haygood earned her Associate in Science Degree and now is majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in English at Wayne State University. She works in the Geology Department at Wayne State and as a Pharmacy Technician. She hopes to one day bio-engineer plants to improve overall air quality.

To help celebrate Black History Month, we’re pleased to share “My Story, My Voice,” a series of essays written by Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Please go to schoolcraft.edu/BHM to read the complete collection.

Katelynn Haygood

By Katelynn Haygood, Alumni

Juan Haygood
Katelynn Haygood’s grandfather, Juan Haygood.

Black History Month is a time to remember those who have come before us and what lesson they can teach us in the present. I was lucky to have my grandfather, Juan Haygood, who made a huge impact on my life before he passed. When I was a young girl, he would take me fishing, hiking, and boating with him. My grandfather hated being outdoors and was the kind of man who always wore slacks and dress shoes. However, he knew I loved doing those things and always made time for us to be together. It was those moments of having positive encouragement that helped develop me into the adult I am today.

After he passed away, my dad told me more about his life and the things he accomplished. He was highly educated, a businessman, owned many properties, traveled the world, and lived a very full life. I hope to follow in his footsteps and live my life to the fullest. And also to graduate from the same college he attended, which was Wayne State University. 

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Cedric Howie, Professor of Economics

Professor Cedric Howie has been a full-time member of the faculty in Economics at Schoolcraft College for 31 years. Prior to coming to Schoolcraft, Professor Howie taught at colleges and universities in South Carolina, Massachusetts, Nebraska and Japan. His area of concentration is in microeconomics.

To help celebrate Black History Month, we’re pleased to share “My Story, My Voice,” a series of essays written by Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Please go to schoolcraft.edu/BHM to read the complete collection.

Cedric Howie

By Cedric Howie, Professor of Economics

During February our country observes Black History Month. This is a time to learn about key figures, concepts, and texts representing African American history. Writing reflectively can develop one’s opinion on a topic. This year, I’m reflecting on Black History Education.  

The desire to write about and learn Black History is not a new priority in Black communities. Black educators, including W. E. B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, and Carter G. Woodson, historically wrote Black literary resources to correct white writers’ omissions and misrepresentations.

Black History Education became more mainstream during the Black Power Movement. The Movement prompted some states to create legislation mandating Black History Education in public schools.  Subsequently, Black History Education has experienced growing pains as it is conceived, perceived, and taught.  A prominent educator, Gloria Ladson-Billings, wrote in her 2003 Critical Race Theory: Perspectives on the Social Studies, “when schoolchildren learn ‘Black history,’ they learn that Black people are relatively insignificant to the growth and development of our democracy and our nation, and they represent a drain on the resources and values.”

We dishonor Black History Education when we teach about Black history instead of through Black history. The study of Black history should nurture the understanding of the importance of Blacks in America. Teaching through Black history means teaching from the actual historical experiences and voices of Black Americans.

Black History Month is an opportunity to reinvent Black History Education. When Black History Month was originated, Black History Education was little talked about or written about, leaving the impression that Black Americans had a minimal contributing presence in our country’s history.  Ideally, there would be no specific month for Black History or Black History Education; it would be an integral part of the American story continuously.

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Catreese Qualls, Student

Catreese Qualls is a non-traditional student and mother who serves as the Division III International Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is a businesswoman; diversity, equity and inclusion mentor; and a Schoolcraft Scholar studying social work with an emphasis on urban studies. Catreese is a community advocate dedicated to empowering unrepresented and at-risk populations.

To help celebrate Black History Month, we’re pleased to share “My Story, My Voice,” a series of essays written by Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Please go to schoolcraft.edu/BHM to read the complete collection. 

Catreese Qualls

By Catreese Qualls, Student

Closed doors, redirected pathways, carrying the burden while others reaped the harvest is the truth that’s helped to shape My Story! I’ve walked boldly in the face of adversity with bronzed feet, weathered cheeks, tear-filled eyes and a can-do spirit that will not be broken. Today I stand mighty, compelled by the blood, sweat, tears and rich history of those who laid the foundation beneath me. I’ve witnessed a perpetual war waged against children that looked like me; unequal education, housing inequities, food and financial insecurities and socioeconomic status all stamped denied. I’ve survived this ill contempt, elevating above these injustices to keep the torch aflame for those who shined it before me. 

I lay myself out as a blueprint for others to follow. African Americans can no longer afford to merely exist in mediocracy, nor afford to walk in the unbridled ignorance of those who seek to perpetuate centuries old oppressive behaviors. No! It has been declared that we should transition into a life filled with equity, promise and a hope of a better tomorrow. As a minority, a mother, and non-traditional student leader, I speak on behalf of those oppressed, underrepresented, stigmatized, stereotyped and otherwise rejected.

I use the legacy and fullness of the awakened warriors to run forward, speak the truth, denounce ignorance and dissolve hatred. Daily I overcome obstacles and breakdown barriers to challenge the status quo. I am a reflection of Sojourner Truth, forged in the unbreakable, unshakable and unmatched grit of my heroes of today: Venus & Serena, women embalmed by circumstance. Because of them and every other little girl and boy who would otherwise be silenced, I lift my voice to celebrate who I am. 

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Prestigious program now in 14th year

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid, has been named a member of the Michigan Chronicle’s latest class of Men of Excellence.

The Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Awards, in its 14th year, recognizes local African American men who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are men who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and integrity who continue to break the mold and effect change in their professions and community.

Williams’ leadership, ability and overall professional excellence as Director of Financial Aid at Schoolcraft College are vital to connecting Schoolcraft College students to the financial resources they need to complete their educational goals. The basic responsibilities of his role include ensuring compliance with federal and state legislation, Title IV administration, and regulatory requirements for all student aid programs.

Of particular note, Williams oversaw the department that dispersed a total of $14,192,651 of federal aid from three waves of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, with every dollar accounted for in an independent audit.

Williams also actively develops plans to inform and educate students about all aspects of financial aid as well as streamlining processes to deliver financial aid. Williams’ acumen and passion have been noted by his peers as he has been elected to serve in leadership roles in several prominent state and regional organizations, including:

  • President and Vice President of the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association
  • State of Michigan Representative of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
  • State of Michigan Representative of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

“I’m extremely honored to be one of this year’s Men of Excellence,” Williams said. “I’m deeply appreciative of the role the Michigan Chronicle plays in our community to ensure Black voices are heard and acknowledged, and I sincerely thank them for including me in this year’s class of Men of Excellence.”

In addition to his work at Schoolcraft College, Williams willingly gives back to the community and acts as a mentor in several ways. As a youth football coach for nearly 20 years, for example, including the last seven with the Detroit Spartans, he has mentored hundreds of young people. He’s helped them on a path of success that includes college scholarships, doctors, entrepreneurs and even pro football players – all with a message of becoming positive and productive members of their community. Williams also has willingly lent his professional expertise to adults in teaching them the principles of saving to help secure a more stable financial future.

Williams and the rest of this year’s Men of Excellence class will be inducted on Thursday, January 27, at The Eastern in the Eastern Market area of Detroit.

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Today for our Faculty Spotlight story we’re sitting down with Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology (RAD), and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs, to learn more about the many programs related to Radiology that Schoolcraft College has recently added and will be taught in the new Health Sciences Center.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Jufauri! Please tell us a little about your background and what led you to Schoolcraft College.

Jufauri Ely: I have been a registered radiographer for over 21 years with history working as a Technologist, Lead Technologist, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and currently an educator. I hold an Associate Degree in Applied Science Radiology from Ferris State University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration from Madonna University, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. 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.

I wanted to work with Schoolcraft College specifically because they were responsive to the vast need for medical imaging professionals. They have created new in-demand occupational programs, designed a state-of-the-art imaging facility, and secured the latest equipment in diagnostic imaging. When the students complete these programs, they will find gainful employment and earn excellent salaries in a short period of time.

Schoolcraft College: What inspired you to become a certified radiologic technologist?

Jufauri Ely: I always wanted to be a scientist. When I was 16 I broke my thumb and went to Children’s Hospital to get it diagnosed and set. I thought it was interesting watching the doctors and technologists work, and I thought it would be a great job with two years of school and an associate degree. I received my degree and kept going for nine more years because medical imaging is an exciting field!

Schoolcraft College: Please give a high-level description of what will be taught and what students will learn.

Jufauri Ely: Schoolcraft College has added some of the most in-demand imaging programs in existence. We currently have a Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS degree, which prepare students to use specialized equipment to create diagnostic images of the internal structures of the human body. Though these technologies are quite different, they both can provide information to a radiologist to interpret. Through interpretation we find pathology, function and information that we can use to the patient’s benefit.

We also offer post-primary certifications in Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computed Tomography (CT). These programs allow students to further their education while gaining a new skill. Students will learn how to create 2D and 3D images in varying anatomical planes. They may be imaging cross-sectional anatomy or helping to identify a tumor.

Imaging technologists provide essential services to the community. We make the invisible visible, while being on the front lines. We are there prior to the diagnosis and we are involved in a multitude of health areas for the well-being of patients. We are part of the health team participating where there are injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and for injury prevention and generalized pain.

Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology (RAD), and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs

Schoolcraft College: Please tell us about some of the equipment.

Jufauri Ely: Schoolcraft College is providing advanced facilities, labs and equipment that are the standard in any major hospital. We will have the latest digital X-ray equipment and sonography machines. We also will be housed in a brand-new facility that allows for collaboration group work and real-world experiences. Other occupational health programs, such as Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Surgical Technology, also will be housed in the Health Sciences Center. This essentially allows the health team to work together as a unit.

Schoolcraft College: What are some of the careers that students enter after leaving your program? How does this program help in their career path?

Jufauri Ely: Upon completion of the program, students will become Radiographers, Sonographers, Mammographers, CT/MRI Technologists, Medical Imaging applications specialist or technical sales representatives. There are a plethora of paths that one can take in this field. We ensure that the imaging programs have rigor, work experiences, and a positive learning environment. We meet with hospital system administrators to build relationships and affiliation agreements. We help students to identify what types of positions they want, and we track their success at finding related employment.

Schoolcraft College: What do you want people to know most about your program? Are there any misconceptions people might have that you’d like to address?

Jufauri Ely: Medical imaging programs are high in demand because of the employment and salary opportunities. With the employment outlook being positive and median salary close to $60,000, it’s hard to find anything comparable.

One misconception is that these programs are easier to complete than other health programs. They require tons of commitment and empathy, and a passion for helping others. Medical imaging professionals work in surgical areas and perform exams after traumatic events. We do a lot more and see a lot more than most people realize.

Schoolcraft College: What advice might you give students who are interested in the medical imaging programs?

Jufauri Ely: You should enjoy technology, work to excel in math, anatomy, physiology and have a strong interest in science. The program is limited by our clinical availability, so if you are interested, first work with a Schoolcraft advisor. You can also work on the prerequisite classes and make sure you keep your grade point average up to become enrolled in the program.

Learn more about the Medical Imaging programs at Schoolcraft College.

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Registration is now open

A collaboration with Google to offer the Google IT Support Certificate is one of many new courses available from Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) department for the Winter 2022 schedule. Registration is now open and runs through April 25.

The Google IT Support Certificate is

  • Designed to help those with no experience prepare for entry-level jobs in IT Support in less than six months
  • Taught by Google employees who began in IT Support
  • Facilitated by a Schoolcraft College instructor with CompTIA A+ certification, who provides direct support for students

“We are extremely pleased to offer the Google IT Support Certificate for the Winter 2022 schedule,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal & Professional Learning. “This course is open to students 16 years and older, so this is a great way for high school students to prepare for a career in IT.”

Potential careers the Google IT Support Certificate prepares students for include:

  • Database administrator
  • IT specialist
  • Tech support specialist
  • Systems analyst
  • Network engineer
  • Help desk technician
  • IT support specialist
  • IT technician
  • Computer user specialist
  • IT assistant

Dr. Beckley noted several additional benefits for students who complete the Google IT Support Certificate.

“Upon completing the course, students can claim a Credly Badge to share on LinkedIn and other social networks,” she said. “Google also provides access to a local IT recruiter through Career Circle as well as access to Big Interview to receive assistance in preparing for job interviews.

“Finally, students will receive a 20% discount on the CompTIA A+ certification exam if they would like to take it.”

New courses offered; favorites return

PPL registration booklet cover
The Personal & Professional Learning (PPL) Winter 2022 Schedule is now available.

Several other all-new courses as well as the return of some favorites also are part of PPL’s Winter 2022 offering.

“From the return of our full aquatics, to new languages, art and self-defense classes and more, PPL has something for everyone,” Dr. Beckley said.

The popular Dine & Discover series returns as well with two new topics: Coney Detroit: The Capital of a Coney Nation and Raising Butterflies in the Garden

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Schoolcraft College ceramics students, Culinary Operations donate bowls and food

Schoolcraft College’s Empty Bowl Luncheon is a great way to get a hearty meal, take home a new bowl and help ease hunger – all at once.

This year’s Empty bowl Luncheon will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1, in the Wilson Room inside of Henry’s in the VisTaTech Center.

  • People looking at a table of ceramic bowls
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  • Someone pouring soup into a bowl
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Photo 1: Attendees can purchase a handcrafted bowl created and donated by Schoolcraft College ceramics students.
Photo 2: Schoolcraft Culinary Operations donates hearty soup and fresh-baked bread.

Attendees can purchase a handcrafted bowl created and donated by Schoolcraft College ceramics students, with all proceeds going to the Schoolcraft Student Food Pantry. Along with their purchase, they will receive a bowl of soup and fresh-baked bread donated by Schoolcraft Culinary Operations.

The College’s food pantry is open to all members of the campus community and is committed to trying to address hunger and food insecurity issues on campus. Donations of non-perishable, non-expired food items are gladly accepted throughout the year. Donations can be placed in the collection bins in campus buildings or dropped off at the Student Activities Office in the lower level of the VisTaTech Center.

Learn more about the Schoolcraft Food Pantry.

Also, you can make your gift to the Food Pantry through the Schoolcraft College Foundation at schoolcraft.edu/giving. Select Food Pantry under the gift designation box.

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Program has apprenticeship affiliations with top healthcare systems so you can earn while you learn

To help students learn more about the variety of courses of study that Schoolcraft College offers, we’re introducing a new monthly feature called “Program Spotlight.” In each Program Spotlight, we’ll provide an overview of what students will learn, the expertise of our faculty and career outlook. For our first installment, we take a look at Medical Assisting, with an emphasis on apprenticeship opportunities with two leading healthcare systems.

The Medical Assisting program at Schoolcraft College prepares students for a wide range of careers in health care, including primary care, pediatrics, surgery, urgent care and more. The industry currently has a shortage of qualified workers and is aggressively trying to fill positions.

“Apprenticeships are really a win-win for the student and the employer.”

Pamela Linton, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Schoolcraft College

What’s the job?

Medical assistants play a versatile and vital role as they provide most of the care in a doctor’s office. This includes logging a patient’s insurance and other demographic information as well as medical history and medication list.

In addition to the “paper work,” medical assistants get vital signs and can perform injections, blood draws, testing and assist the doctor with minor procedures.

With all these roles and responsibilities, medical assistants provide a vital link between the patient and doctor to ensure a smooth experience.

What degrees or certificates are offered at Schoolcraft College?

Whether you are interested in the care-giving or administrative aspects of health care, Schoolcraft’s nationally accredited medical assisting program can prepare you for both.

The credential options are:

The medical biller/receptionist skills certificate can lead to a career in a variety of health care facilities, providing organizational and operational support.

The phlebotomy skills certificate program teaches students how to draw blood through the venipuncture method, preparing them for employment as a phlebotomist in a doctor’s office, clinic or health care facility.

The medical assisting certificate prepares entry-level medical assistants through areas of cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning. 

Doctor and nurse working with a patient
Photo 1
Person getting their blood pressure checked
Photo 2
Photo 1: Medical assistants provide a vital link between the patient and doctor to ensure a smooth experience.
Photo 2: Medical assistants get vital signs and can perform injections, blood draws, testing and assist the doctor with minor procedures.

Apprenticeships available – earn while you learn

A key advantage of Schoolcraft College’s Medical Assisting program is its apprenticeship affiliations with IHA, which is part of Trinity Health, and also with Henry Ford Health System.

Apprenticeship students “earn while they learn” because the company that employs the student may also pay a portion or more of tuition to support their education. Because of the shortage of medical assistants, employers are turning to apprenticeships to grow their talent pipeline.

“We started the apprenticeship program almost two years ago at IHA due to the vast need of medical assistants within our company and the shortage that we’ve seen throughout Michigan,” said Annie Steiner, Talent Acquisition Manager, IHA. “We decided to grow from within our own medical assistants. We’ve had four now successfully graduate the program and become medical assistants with us.”

Employers ask for a two-year commitment after graduation.

Nurse on a computer
Medical assistants play a versatile and vital role as they provide most of the care in a doctor’s office. This includes logging a patient’s insurance and other demographic information as well as medical history and medication list.

“Apprenticeships are really a win-win for the student and the employer,” said Pamela Linton, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Schoolcraft College. “The employers are gaining students who are establishing a foundation with their educational training and bringing that to the workplace where they’re receiving on-the-job training!”

“And for the students, they have a job lined up in a place they like. Our latest data on medical assistants shows that after five years about 80% of the student apprentices are still with the company that sponsored them.”

Linton said the College is working to establish more registered apprenticeships in other health care fields, including Pharmacy Technician, a program offered now, and Surgical Technician, which will be offered starting in the Winter 2022 semester.

Mary Donahee-Rader, who was part of the first class of graduates for the Medical Assisting program at Schoolcraft College and is now the Program Director, encourages students to take advantage of the apprenticeship opportunities.

“You immediately get to employ the skills you learned at your place of employment – you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything,” she said. “There’s a huge shortage of medical assistants right now, so that lets them employ you immediately.”

You can learn more about Medical Assisting in this video.

National Apprenticeship Week

National Apprenticeship Week is November 15-21. On Wednesday, November 17, Schoolcraft College will hold a virtual event from 9-10:30 a.m. Pamela Linton, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Schoolcraft College, will speak about the support the College provides to employers and students to make transitioning in apprenticeship straightforward and simple. Register for the event online.

Read Schoolcraft College’s proclamation (PDF) in support of National Apprenticeship Week.

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This year’s event was held in a virtual format

Schoolcraft College lent its expertise and highlighted the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) to support the 2021 Wayne County Manufacturing Day held Friday, October 1.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s event was held in a virtual format and earned a strong audience:

  • 6,434 pre-registered students
    • 2,118 middle school students
    • 4,296 high school students
    • 20 adults
  • 47 schools representing 28 districts
  • 25 participating businesses
  • 6 participating colleges

Robotic arm in a manufacturing room
A robotics lab is part of Schoolcraft College’s Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC).

MEC, is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs. Opened in the fall of 2020, the 48,000-square-foot facility more than doubled the space for occupational programs, including:

  • Biomedical Engineering Technology
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Engineering Technology
  • Electronics
  • Manufacturing Technology/CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
  • Mechatronics
  • Metallurgy and Materials Science
  • Plastic Technology
  • Welding

MEC also houses a 3D printing lab and robotics lab.

Schoolcraft College’s presentation included a comprehensive overview of all programs as well as other opportunities, including Dual Enrollment for high school students and “boot camps” for professionals.

Each program profile included possible jobs and industries, potential wages and salaries and credential options offered at Schoolcraft College.  Visit their web page to learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Manufacturing and Technology programs.