Schoolcraft College Nursing Department invites public comment

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The Nursing Department at Schoolcraft College will host a site visit for continuing national accreditation for its Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Nursing and the Practical Nursing Certificate programs by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Have something to share about Schoolcraft College’s Nursing program? Now’s your chance.

The Nursing Department at Schoolcraft College wishes to announce that it will host a site visit for continuing national accreditation for its Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Nursing and the Practical Nursing Certificate programs by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the Health Sciences Building, HS room 984, located at the Livonia Campus, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48482.

Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted to the ACEN via email at [email protected] or to the ACEN office: Attn: Accreditation Services Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta GA, 30326

All written comments should be received by the ACEN by October 1, 2025.

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About 15 students enrolled in a special, weeklong seminar in August entitled “Embracing Detroit and its Environments. It offered students interdisciplinary classroom learning, reflection and immersive experiences in Detroit.

Spending a week reflecting some of Detroit’s cultural and ecological treasures was an eye-opening experience for Rune Cuthrell.

Exploring places such the Black Bottom neighborhood and Belle Isle showed Cuthrell and their Schoolcraft College classmates a part of Detroit they perhaps may not have understood before.

Geology instructor holding large rock
Geology instructor Samer Hariri speaks to students during the summer seminar “Embracing Detroit and its Environments.” (Photo by Rune Cuthrell)

“This week allowed me to view Detroit in a new way and to learn some history I had never been acquainted with before,” they said. “I was profoundly impacted by our visits to Lafayette Park, as well as the Wright Museum of African American History.”

About 15 students enrolled in a special, weeklong seminar that took place in August. Entitled “Embracing Detroit and its Environments,” was sponsored by Schoolcraft College’s Center for Experiential Learning (CEL) – offering students interdisciplinary classroom learning, reflection and immersive experiences in Detroit.

Participants in this non-credit fellowship program embarked on learning in the classroom and in the city, exploring topics such as urban renewal, poetry, the impact of invasive species on biodiversity and more. Students were taught by several Schoolcraft College instructors, all from varying disciplines.

Capping the week, students stepped onto a boat and took a tour of the Detroit River, exploring the waterway’s ecological and historical impact on the region.

Those who signed up for the seminar found it was the perfect way to connect with the city.

group student photo with Detroit backdrop
A group photo taken of the students and faculty who participated in the summer seminar “Embracing Detroit and its Environments.”

“This is an opportunity for me to get back into the community, because I think you should live and serve in the community in which you reside,” said Patti Conover, a post-traditional student who’s seeking a position in law after working several decades as a trauma nurse. “In order for me to do that as a student, I have to learn and appreciate and acknowledge not only the differences in culture, but in people and how people and the environment collaborate.”

The program is one that’s been in the works for two years, said Errin Stegich-Moloney, the Manager of the Center for Experiential Learning at Schoolcraft College. This seminar provided students with ample enrichment opportunities and gave them a baseline to better understand the region around them.

“We had incredible engagement during the seminar, and I’m so happy to see the CEL Summer Seminar Fellowship become a huge success,” Stegich-Moloney said. “Having our students better understand the world around them was the goal, and after seeing the students present on their findings, it’s clear our students have a better understanding of the city.”

Cuthrell certainly felt the impact of the week. They said it made them think harder about the impacts left on places like Detroit, and they said it will be something they will carry with them for a long, long time.

“The CEL Summer Seminar Fellowship as a whole encouraged me to contemplate what justice means to me, what it means for our environment and what it means for the City of Detroit,” they said. “The fellowship was an enriching journey that I will not soon forget.”

journal page of images and handwritten notes
A page from Rune Cuthrell’s journal during the seminar. Students throughout the week journaled their experiences as they traveled. (Photo by Rune Cuthrell)

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Schoolcraft College has teamed up with the Better Business Bureau of Michigan to host a job fair this fall focusing on skilled trades.

Job seekers can find a new position by attending a skilled trades career fair next month at Schoolcraft Collge.

The career fair will take place from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sept. 25 in the DiPonio Room of the Vistatech Center, 18600 Haggerty Road. Presented by the Better Business Bureau of Michigan and the Schoolcraft College Office of Career Mentorship and Placement, this dynamic event will focus on positions within the skilled trades.

The career fair is free and open to job seekers, with registration requested but not required. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local employers, learn about open positions, and in some cases, interview on site. Guests are encouraged to dress in interview-appropriate attire and bring several copies of their résumé.

Attendees will find opportunities for long-term career growth with local employers. The fair welcomes students, graduates, veterans, experienced professionals and career changers in the skilled trades. It also supports the BBB Educational Foundation’s mission to educate individuals and businesses about ways to operate safely and ethically in today’s marketplace.

“There are so many opportunities for those seeking jobs in the skilled trades, and we’re excited to team up with the Better Business Bureau of Michigan to hold this job fair in the Vistatech Center on campus,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “This job fair will provide many opportunities for guests to meet employers and find a new position that fits their skillset.”

For employers, exhibitor registration is $100, or $75 for BBB Accredited Businesses and chamber members. Vendors who reserve a booth by Sept. 3 will also be entered into a drawing to have their booth fee fully reimbursed. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

A recent survey put out by the BBB® showed its Accredited Businesses in the skilled trades identified “hiring and maintaining employees” as one of their greatest challenges. Given this challenge, the BBB of Michigan decided to team up with Schoolcraft College for this upcoming job fair.

“At BBB of Michigan, we are deeply committed to supporting both the businesses that serve our communities and the individuals who help them thrive,” said Lisa Frohnapfel, President and CEO of BBB of Michigan. “We heard our Accredited Businesses loud and clear—there’s a growing need for skilled trades talent—and we’re proud to take action by bringing together employers, job seekers, and partners for this important hiring event.”

For more information or to register as an attendee or vendor, visit BBB.org/local/0372/jobfair.

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The community is invited to bring by their old computers, phones and more for recycling.

Got old electronics at home? Get rid of them at Schoolcraft College later this fall.

The College will hold an e-waste recycling day for the community Sept. 13. Those with electronic waste such as old computers, tablets, cellphones and more are encouraged to bring them to the north parking lot at Schoolcraft College near the Health Sciences Center to dispose of them.

Items eligible for donation include:

  • Computers
  • Cellphones
  • Tablets
  • Electronic cords
  • Household batteries
  • Audio/video equipment
  • Flat screen monitors

Items that we cannot accept:

  • Kitchen appliances and other white goods (fridges, stoves, kitchen appliances)
  • Microwaves
  • CRT televisions

Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. There is no limit for the amount of e-waste that can be donated.

“We know with the school year starting soon, families are cleaning out their homes and finding things they need to get rid of. This e-waste recycling event is the perfect opportunity to get rid of those old electronics that have been hanging around for too long,” said Nicholas Nelson, Shipping and Receiving Operations Supervisor at Schoolcraft College. “We’re looking forward to offering this incredible service this fall to the community.”

The recycling event will take place with the assistance of CERS Lifecycle, the company Schoolcraft College works with to recycle its old electronics on campus.

Vehicles are asked to line up in the parking lot entering off of St. Joe’s Parkway, which is accessible from either Haggerty Road or Seven Mile Road. There, cars will then queue in the parking lot near the Health Sciences Center, where their e-waste will be collected.

The event is free and open to the public, though attendees are encouraged to bring a canned or non-perishable food item to benefit the Schoolcraft College Food Pantry drive to help feed students in need.

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The partnership between Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace and Schoolcraft College will grant students in areas of study such as culinary arts, business, supply chain management and more access to real-world experiences on campus that cannot be found anywhere else.

A brand-new partnership between Schoolcraft College and Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace will feature incredible opportunities for students.

Highlighted in a recent promotional video produced by Schoolcraft College’s Media Services department, the partnership will grant students in areas of study such as culinary arts, business, supply chain management and more access to real-world experiences on campus that cannot be found anywhere else.

“We’re very excited for this new opportunity and new phase of our life with Nino’s. We’re very fortunate that we’re able to pull your students, who have a background and have a flair for the culinary arts,” said Leo Salvaggio, one of the market’s owners. “We’re going to help the students. We’re going to help the students grow and understand exactly what they’re getting into.”

The new market — which is currently under construction on the north side of Schoolcraft College’s campus along Haggerty Road — will not only provide the community with a high-class shopping experience, it will also serve as an extension of Schoolcraft College’s hands-on education. Through the partnership, guests to the market will observe students getting real-world experience in a variety of disciplines.

Curriculum ideas are already in the works for several academic departments, with students already getting hands-on experience: culinary arts students have spent time with Nino Salvaggio’s staff learning how to properly identify the right produce to take back to the market with hands-on experience at Detroit Produce Terminal.

Arielle Taylor, a full-time business instructor, said students will get a chance to directly impact operations of the market in a unique way.

“If you’re looking at a BUS 101 course, our students will be able to learn about buying patterns and what it takes to run a grocery store from start to finish,” Taylor said. “It’s exciting because our students will be able to come up with these opportunities that will get our community members to come back to campus.” Securing the academic experience for students to get this experience was a top goal of Schoolcraft College President Dr. Glenn Cerny at the beginning of the project.

“Watching the new building go up and the relationships forged between Schoolcraft College and Nino Salvaggio’s is a dream come true,” Cerny said. “Making sure our students get the best experiences is what we’re all about, and this partnership will give them the tools they need to succeed.” Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace is scheduled to open by the end of 2025. It will be the company’s first location in Wayne County.

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Ten years after receiving the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship while at Schoolcraft College, Dr. Efua Crentsil earned a doctorate degree from Georgetown University. She now works as lead faculty member and clinical coordinator for a health school in Virginia.

It’s been a long journey for Dr. Efua Crentsil over the last 10 years.

Starting out as a student at Schoolcraft College, Crentsil discovered she had a passion for helping people. After a decade of schooling, Crentsil has found her way into an incredible career path: she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice earlier this year from Georgetown University.

It was a journey, she said, that was incredibly difficult.

“I used to ask myself, why am I torturing myself? Why am I doing this to myself?” she said. “But at the end of the day, I realized that there are a lot of people that are dependent on me, and I cannot fail.”

A native of Ghana, Crentsil came to the United States when she was just a teenager. Living with a host family in South Lyon, she eventually enrolled at Schoolcraft College, getting involved in campus as a student employee, member of Phi Theta Kappa and plenty more.

Then, one fateful morning in 2015, her whole world changed.

While working in the Operations, Curriculum and Assessment office, Crentsil was summoned to what she believed was a standard work meeting. But once she walked in, she began to tear up: the meeting was a surprise celebration, announcing she was the recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship.

That scholarship – only awarded to 85 people in the country that year – enabled Crentsil to pay for continuing her undergraduate education, which she pursued at Penn State University.

“It reduced the financial burden on me so I could just focus on my studies,” she said.

Efua Crentsil looking happily surprised, people clapping
Efua Crentsil receiving word she received the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship back in 2015 at Schoolcraft College. After attending Schoolcraft to earn her associate degree, she went on to Penn State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.

While there, she showed interest in research and pursuing additional education. Crentsil ended up working with a faculty member, became familiar with Georgetown University and was encouraged to apply. She was accepted and she spent four years studying to earn her doctorate, as well as doing research on Medicare.

Today, Crentsil works as the lead faculty member and clinical coordinator at Ultimate Health School in Virginia. In her role, she provides instruction and mentorship to students and faculty in academic and clinical environments, in addition to other roles.

“I never knew that I was going to be working or developing curriculum, but here I am,” Crentsil said. “I’m actually working on curriculum and it’s all from the experience that I had in school.”

Dr. Cindy Cicchelli, Associate Dean of Operations, Curriculum and Assessment, said she felt incredibly proud hearing a former student employee had accomplished so much since her time in Livonia.

“While at Schoolcraft, Dr. Crenstil demonstrated such tenacity and dedication that it would leave us all in awe as she overcame multiple barriers, took charge of her own destiny, and made this dream come true,” she said. “She has true grit.”

Even though she now lives on the East Coast, Crentsil said she still looks back with fondness at her time at Schoolcraft College. Her time here set the stage for her academic career, and she said she is proud to be a Schoolcraft alumna.

“The school really passed through me. I really came out refined,” she said. “All the institutions I went to influenced me one way or another.”

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A recent graduate who attended college with the help of Michigan Reconnect, Kaleb Aethyr wants others to know there are plenty of ways for people like him to go to college.

It took Kaleb Aethyr a few years to figure out what he wanted his life to look like.

The 23-year-old Canton resident knew he needed to figure out what he could do to support himself, especially after dropping out of high school after dealing with some family issues. After spending some time working, he began looking at earning his GED and going to college.

“For me, no one is going to change my situation,” Aethyr said. “No one is going to do that for me. I had to whip myself into gear.”

Fast forward a few years and Aethyr has done just that: not only has he completed his associate degree right here at Schoolcraft College, but he’s off to study at the University of Michigan to study aerospace engineering, with goals of eventually becoming an astronaut.

His first experience at Schoolcraft College was before he was a student: he signed up to take his GED test through the Testing Center in the McDowell Student Center. After spending time on campus and learning more about what the College had to offer, he applied and began taking classes, albeit it somewhat reluctantly.

“I was scared,” he said. “I didn’t see myself as someone going into higher education.”

Aethyr took a year of coursework to get himself acclimated to college but really found himself blossoming his second year: after originally deciding on cybersecurity as a major, he took some courses and found it wasn’t for him. Thinking he could go the engineering route, Aethyr realized he needed a better foundation in math. So, he spent a whole summer teaching himself the math he didn’t learn in high school.

The hard work paid off: he earned a 4.0 GPA in his Precalculus class and – more importantly – discovered a passion for mathematics and science. After seeing success, Aethyr found his groove: he got more involved on campus, joined the Schoolcraft Scholars Honors Program and participated in events such as the STEAM @ Schoolcraft conference.

Errin Stegich-Moloney, the director of the Honors Program, said she saw plenty of potential in him once she met him. Like she would with all her students, she found herself motivating Aethyr in order to achieve his goals of attending U-M.

“As I got to know him, I recognized that his drive and determination and commitment were very strong,” she said. “He’s motivated, he’s bright. He’s a great young man.”

His role in the Honors Program – which is part of the part of The Center for Experiential Learning – gave him some additional resources as well: The LSA Transfer Bridges (TB2H) Program is also a part of The Center for Experiential Learning, which provides numerous resources to help students transfer to U-M.

Not only did his hard work help him succeed, but some assistance from the State of Michigan made it possible to pay for his education. Aethyr was one of the students that took advantage of a temporary change through the Michigan Reconnect program, which allowed residents 21 and older without a degree or credential to go back to their local community college and earn a degree tuition-free. While the typical criteria for the program requires participants be 25 or older, the state temporarily reduced it to 21 around the time Aethyr attended Schoolcraft College.

Without that, he said, he would never have been able to afford the tuition.

Aethyr felt so passionately about it, he joined several other students and administrators from the College to attend the Michigan Community College Association Capitol Day to meet with legislators to urge them to reduce the Reconnect age permanently to 21.

“That’s why I want so badly this program get pushed down to 21,” he said. “It’s important to catch people when they’re 21, because if you lose them, they’re probably never going to come.”

The fact that Aethyr wants to help others succeed isn’t a surprise to Stegich-Moloney, who has seen him constantly find ways to assist others.

“He always finds way to give back to his community. He wants to create those opportunities for others,” she said. “That’s just who he is.”

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As part of an assessment on the Schoolcraft College Police Department, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments by telephone or email. The public may call 734-462-4474 on July 22, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to [email protected].

A team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) will arrive on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to examine all aspects of the Schoolcraft College Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief Mark Engstrom announced today.

“Verification by the team that the Schoolcraft College Police Department meets the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Engstrom said.

As part of this final On-Site Assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the Assessment Team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 734-462-4474 on July 22, 2025, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to [email protected].

Telephone comments are limited to five (5) minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the Commission’s standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Schoolcraft College Police Department, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI  48152.  Please contact Lt. Matthew Mayes at 734-462-4706 to facilitate pickup of the standards.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Schoolcraft College Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at [email protected] or write the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864.

The Schoolcraft College Police Department must comply with 108 standards to achieve accredited status.

“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs,” Engstrom said.

The Accreditation Program Director for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police is Matt Silverthorn.

“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Michigan law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.  Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status,” Silverthorn said.

Schoolcraft College Police first received Accredited status in 2022.  Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

The MACP, through its Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of Michigan. For more information regarding the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, please write the Commission at: MACP, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI  48864 or email at [email protected].

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The Step Ahead with Schoolcraft College program offers students a chance to earn college credit, a scholarship for the Fall semester and get acclimated to what the college experience is like.

Calling all high school graduates: Schoolcraft College has brought back its summer bridge program to help students get a jump start on their studies.

The Step Ahead with Schoolcraft College summer bridge program offers students a chance to earn college credit, a scholarship for the Fall semester and get acclimated to what the college experience is like.

Two sessions will take place: the first will run July 14-25, while the second will run July 28-Aug. 8. All classes will take place in the morning, with workshops on select afternoons. Registration is free, though slots are limited.

“This program has been an incredible success the past few years, and we’re excited to offer it yet again to students looking to get a leg up on their collegiate careers,” said Jennie Rokakis, a Learning Support Services Coordinator at Schoolcraft College. “Students that enroll in our Step Ahead program are then equipped with the skills they need to succeed in college.”

Students will take CAB 102: Student Success and Career Development, a two-credit course designed to clarify education and career direction while maximizing potential for success in both college and the workplace. Students will also be required to attend at least three workshops offered by Learning Support Services through their “College Essentials: Pre-Fall Workshop Series.” Workshops will be offered in the afternoons from July 14-Aug. 14 and focus on a variety of topics such as writing essays, using library databases, financial literacy and more. Those who register and complete the program will receive a scholarship to apply toward their Fall 2025 semester at Schoolcraft College, as well as entry into a drawing for free school supplies, including Chromebooks.

Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with campus resources such as advising, student employment, student life with the Student Activities Office, Hinkle Student Resource Center and more. In addition, students will also get the chance to meet with an Academic Success Coach and learn about the offerings from Learning Support Services such as tutoring, to strengthen their academics in English and Mathematics.

To qualify for the program, students must have a GED, high school diploma or a certificate of completion, and be an accepted Schoolcraft student for Summer 2025. While the program is geared toward first-year students, all Schoolcraft students are welcome to register if they feel they would benefit from the program and have not taken CAB 102 previously.

To learn more about the Step Ahead program and to sign up to participate, visit schoolcraft.edu/StepAhead.

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Tuition rates for the 2025-2026 school year will remain the same as the 2024-2025 school year, a decision recently made by the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees.

Students attending Schoolcraft College this fall will pay the same amount in tuition as they did for the previous school year.

The Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees recently approved keeping tuition and fees for 2025-2026 the same as the previous year. The move, recommended by Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College, will aid students by keeping costs at the same level for the upcoming year.

With the decision, Schoolcraft College’s tuition will remain at the following levels per credit hour:

  • In-district resident: $139
  • Out-of-district resident: $200
  • Out-of-state/International: $270

“While costs are going up everywhere else, we’re happy to keep our tuition flat for the upcoming school year,” Cerny said. “This decision is a testament to successful planning and hard work our team has put in, and we’re pleased to offer this one-time freeze in tuition and fees to our hardworking students in order to assist them in achieving their goals.”

The decision to keep tuition and fees flat for the upcoming school year reflects the positive financial practices put into place by Schoolcraft College, including several community partnerships the College has launched. With these successful programs in place, coupled with responsible budgeting, this one-time freeze is possible to assist students attending classes this upcoming year.

Specific course fees are not affected by this decision and remain subject to change.

Even with the upcoming freeze in tuition, there have never been more opportunities for students to attend college at no cost. Programs such as Michigan Reconnect – which covers tuition for students 25 and older without a college degree – and the Community College Guarantee – which covers the cost of an associate degree for recent high school graduates – are available to help students earn a two-year degree without paying tuition.

Students considered in-district are those who live within the boundaries of the following school districts: Livonia, Clarenceville, Plymouth-Canton, Northville, Garden City and part of Novi. Out-of-district residents include anyone residing in Michigan outside of those school districts.

Registration for the Fall semester is currently underway at Schoolcraft College. To apply for admission, visit schoolcraft.edu/apply.

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To mark the success of the campaign, guests can meet with several departments on campus during the open house inside the Vistatech Center.

Schoolcraft College will celebrate its highly-successful comprehensive giving campaign with an open house showcasing its efforts.

The open house, being held to highlight various departments across the College that have benefited from the Vision 2025 campaign, will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 26 inside the Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty in Livonia.

The open house will allow visitors a chance to meet representatives from various departments across campus and learn more about the campaign’s impact.

First launched in 2020, the Schoolcraft College Foundation launched its Vision 2025 campaign, which aimed on collecting $10 million in donations. After smashing the initial goal, it was stretched to $18 million, a benchmark that was also reached. More than $19 million has been raised as the campaign wraps, an amount that has made an incredible impact on Schoolcraft College’s students.

“The mark of Vision 2025 on the campus community has left a major positive impact for students of all ages,” said Dawn Magretta, Executive Director of the Schoolcraft College Foundation. “Focusing on areas such as student success, community, and education and workforce development has only improved what we can offer not only to our students, but members of the community as well.”

Some of the programs supported by the Vision 2025 campaign include:

  • The Campus Comfort Companion comfort dog program
  • The STEAM at Schoolcraft multidisciplinary conference held each spring
  • Scholarships for the Kids on Campus summer camp program
  • The Noon Concert Series
  • And more

Throughout the campaign, the Schoolcraft College Foundation established more than 110 new funds, aimed at supporting scholarships, advancement and gift annuity funds. In that same time, nearly $3 million in scholarships have been provided to nearly 3,200 students.

The funding comes from generous donors from the community, businesses, Schoolcraft College employees and more.

“We are so grateful for the charitable giving from our community to support the Vision 2025 campaign,” said Lynn Coburn, Chairwoman of the Schoolcraft College Foundation Board of Governors. “Through their amazing generosity, our donors are important members of the Schoolcraft College family. We’re honored to celebrate their efforts during our upcoming open house event.”

The Vision 2025 open house is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to park in the new parking lot adjacent to the Vistatech Center and enter through the new entrance on the western side of the building.

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The Teach and S.T.E.P. program, now in its fourth year, continues to link Schoolcraft College and Detroit Western International High School in a partnership that shows students a taste of higher education.

A long-running partnership between Schoolcraft College and Western International High School in Detroit has helped expose many high school students to the benefits of attending college.

The Teach and S.T.E.P. program, now in its fourth year, continues to link Schoolcraft College and Western International High School in a partnership that shows students a taste of higher education. Led by duo Ryan Masters, who teaches at both Schoolcraft and Western International; and Janice Tomlinson, an instructor at Schoolcraft, the program gives high school students the opportunity to work with elementary students, giving them hands-on experience in the education world. The students also dual enroll at Schoolcraft, taking CAB 102: College and Beyond.

The high school students recently came to campus to present their capstone projects. One student, Deshawn Echols, said he really enjoyed the program and really recommended other students look at taking college courses while still in high school.

“I would 100% take dual enrollment classes next year with Mr. Masters,” he said. “I got to learn more programs, get more experience and widen my range.”

In addition to working with local groups and taking college courses, the students had the opportunity to visit Schoolcraft College and tour the college after presenting their capstone portfolio projects among their fellow students and Schoolcraft leadership.

Students in the program work with various community groups, such as Soar Detroit, a literacy program for children; and GOAL Line Detroit, which aims to provide Detroit students access to impactful afterschool programming.

Masters said he was proud of the work his students put in this year and was excited at the next steps for all of them. Whether they planned on being mentors for new students next year or they were off to college, Masters said the students had done well at completing their work.

“You’ve done the hard work and now we reap the fruits of our labor,” Masters told his students.

Whether the students decide to pursue a career path in teaching our not, Tomlinson told them teaching is something that’s present in nearly every job they would go into once they complete their schooling.

“Regardless of what occupational area you go into, you’re going to teach,” Tomlinson said. “Teaching is the foundation of every other occupation. That experience is going to be invaluable.”