Michael Williams to be honored January 27

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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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All are welcome to attend

Pageturners Book Club will kick off its winter 2022 schedule with a discussion of “The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, in Liberal Arts 200.

Pageturners is the book club of Schoolcraft College. It is open to all students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members. Discussion sessions are facilitated by Schoolcraft students.

About “The Magician’s Lie”

The Amazing Arden is the most famous female illusionist of her day, renowned for her notorious trick of sawing a man in half on stage. One night in Waterloo, Iowa, with young policeman Virgil Holt watching from the audience, she swaps her trademark saw for a fire ax. Is it a new version of the illusion, or an all-too-real murder? When Arden’s husband is found lifeless beneath the stage later that night, the answer seems clear.

book cover of woman in a red dress
“The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister

But when Virgil happens upon the fleeing magician and takes her into custody, she has a very different story to tell. Even handcuffed and alone, Arden is far from powerless – and what she reveals is as unbelievable as it is spellbinding. Over the course of one eerie night, Virgil must decide whether to turn Arden in or set her free . . . and it will take all he has to see through the smoke and mirrors.

English Professor Denise Schell and Reference Librarian Wayne Pricer are co-coordinators of Pageturners Book Club. For more information, please contact either Professor Schell by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734.462.7189 or Mr. Pricer by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-5317.

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Proceeds enhance scholarships and grants

One of the most prestigious annual events at Schoolcraft College is returning in February.

The Culinary Extravaganza (CulEx), billed this year as the Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza, will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in the VisTaTech Center. The Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza will showcase the skills of the distinguished and award-winning students and faculty of Schoolcraft College’s Culinary Arts and Brewing and Distillation Technology programs.

chefs preparing plates in a kitchen
The Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in the VisTaTech Center.

Proceeds from this fabulous strolling dinner will enhance scholarships and grants for the benefit of students and programs through the Schoolcraft College Foundation (SCF).

A wide array of sponsorship and ticket options are available. For more information, contact Carole Booms, Director of Annual Giving & Scholarship Administration, at 734-462-4455 or [email protected].

For more information, visit the Schoolcraft College Foundation website.

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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.

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:

Google and Personal and Professional Learning
The Personal & Professional Learning (PPL) Winter 2022 Schedule is now available.
  • 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

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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Scholarships, on-campus jobs available

Registration for the Winter 2022 semester at Schoolcraft College is now open, with classes starting Monday, January 10, 2022. Here are a few reasons to make Schoolcraft College your choice to further your education.

Students wearing masks in a classroom
Classes for the Winter 2022 semester at Schoolcraft College begin January 10.

Build a better future

According to researchers, more education equates to a better, happier and more fulfilling life. And not just financially. Every. Thing. Check out this study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that basically says more education means more earnings and less unemployment.

Invested in your success

Our team of Academic Advisors can help guide you on your path to success. They can explain what courses you need to graduate in a particular program, untangle questions about transferring to a four-year school and more. 

Student receiving guidance in an office
Faculty and support staff are invested in your success.

Not sure what you want to do or where you want to go? That’s OK. You talk. We’ll listen. Together, we’ll find your way forward. 

Know that once you’re on your academic journey, you’re not alone. Our team in Learning Support Services can help get you the resources you need to succeed. 

Take our money

Schoolcraft College currently has over 300 scholarships for students, so take a look and see which ones might be right for you.

Two nursing students holding awards
Schoolcraft College students can apply for a wide variety of scholarships, grants and other forms of financial aid.

For just about any sort of financial aid, the starting point is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, which you complete online. 

Many entities offer scholarships as well. Some students may qualify for the Detroit Promise scholarship opportunity. Other scholarship avenues students can pursue include Scholarship America and FastWeb!, which lists multiple scholarship opportunities any student can receive. 

A group of people eating food
With a number of student-run clubs, performances and events, there’s always something to do.

We also have on-campus student employment opportunities through our Career Services team. 

Lots to do and experience

College is more than classes. We offer intercollegiate sports, dozens of student-run clubs, high-energy performances and a full-service fitness center to entertain and/or engage you when you’re not busy working on your courses.

We have a cool mascot

We’re the Ocelots and we’re the only the school around here named after this endangered cat. Coming soon, we’ll also have an ocelot you can meet. Say hello to Ozzy, who will be seen on campus in 2022.

The ocelot mascot
Who else has an ocelot for a mascot? Say hello to Ozzy!

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Outstanding teaching, leadership recognized

Mary Donahee-Rader, Associate Professor of Medical Assisting and Program Director; and Kristin Fruth, Associate Professor of Biology and Department Chair, are Schoolcraft College’s 2021 League Excellence Awards recipients.

“Mary and Kristin are tremendous leaders on campus and in their respective departments. They take a genuine interest in the success of their programs and students.”

Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer

The award is sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College to celebrate outstanding contributions and leadership by community college faculty. Both will be honored, along with other outstanding faculty from community colleges across the country, at the annual Innovations Conference to be held online February 28-March 3.

“Mary and Kristin are tremendous leaders on campus and in their respective departments,” said Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer. “They take a genuine interest in the success of their programs and students.”

Professor Donahee-Rader was part of the first graduating class of Medical Assistants at Schoolcraft College and has been at the College for more than 20 years. She’s worked hard to maintain a high standard in her programs.

Mary Radar
Mary Donahee-Rader, Associate Professor of Medical Assisting and Program Director.
  • 95% of the 2018 Admission cohort of Medical Assistants have completed the program. 
  • 100% of the responding surveyed employers of Schoolcraft College Medical Assisting Graduates are highly satisfied with the graduates’ ability to perform their duties and their professional behavior.
  • The Medical Assisting program at Schoolcraft College has a job placement rate of 91% for students who graduated in 2018.
  • The national credential passage rate for 2018 graduates is 90%.

In addition, Professor Donahee-Rader has been instrumental in establishing apprenticeship relationships with IHA and Beaumont. Further, she is also very involved with the local community, including organizing drives for the Wayne County Family Shelter and Garden City Middle School.  

Kristin Fruth
Kristin Fruth, Associate Professor of Biology and Department Chair.

Professor Fruth became the Biology Department Chair during the pandemic. Despite the many challenges professors and students faced, she took on the responsibility with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. As Department Chair, she was organized, responsive and transparent, and as a professor, she was tirelessly eager to absorb and apply new ways to engage students remotely.  

Colleagues note that Professor Fruth continuously surprises them with her energy for learning new things to bring into the classroom and to share with her colleagues. She also has a genuine positivity and welcoming mindset interviewing and hiring new part-time colleagues to join the Biology department. Her leadership and teaching ability are valued and appreciated in the Biology department.

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Industry demanding increased technical competence 

To support its mission to ensure its students have the training and certifications needed to thrive in an ever-competitive market, Schoolcraft College is now a member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).

SACA aligns education and training to meet the realities of the fourth industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0. Students who attend classes in the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) will be among the first to take advantage. Opened in the fall of 2020, the MEC is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs. This 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

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

MEC student
Students who attend classes in the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) will be among the first to take advantage of Schoolcraft College being a member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).

Amy Jones, Associate Dean of Occupational Programs, Engineering & Technology, believes joining SACA will be a great benefit for Schoolcraft College students.

“Today’s manufacturing environment is increasingly complex and computer-connected, and employers are seeking higher levels of technical competency from their employees,” she said. “The SACA certification gives students the technical information to understand and troubleshoot the complex systems found in industry. The certification will attest that the student has learned concepts and can perform various processes learned.”

Further, as a member of SACA, Schoolcraft College can administer the testing without additional fees to students and staff.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Industry 4.0 is resulting in reduced downtime and increased quality, productivity, and overall efficiency in industries of all kinds thanks to advanced technologies that make up what is known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

IIoT technologies include advanced robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and machines, cloud-based data analysis, and cybersecurity. As companies increase their use of networks and Internet technologies, they are connecting more devices, from smart sensors to smartphones. 

“The SACA certification gives students the technical information to understand and troubleshoot the complex systems found in industry.”

Amy Jones, Associate Dean of Occupational Programs, Engineering & Technology

While there are many certifications available today that address isolated competencies, SACA certifications are different. SACA’s Industry 4.0 certifications certify “connected systems” skills that address the integration of the many types of advanced manufacturing technologies with Industry 4.0 technology. 

Students will be able to earn SACA certifications at the Associate, Specialist, and Professional level in areas such as basic and advanced operations; robot systems; IIoT, networking, and data analytics; automation systems; production systems; and information technology (IT) operations.

“The certification is important to give students the right skills to gain employment in middle-to-high skill level position,” Jones said. “The various levels of the certification allows students to continue to master higher level skills which can lead to more advanced job opportunities. The certification shows employers what competencies the student can perform on the job.”

SACA student
The Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs.

SACA will be part of Mechatronics program

The College plans on implementing the SACA certification in a number of ways. This includes structuring it into the credit programs for Mechatronics Technology, which is being revised for the Spring 2022 semester, so that students earn the credentials as they progress through the curriculum.

“We also have grant programs that will follow a ‘boot camp’ model for short-term training leading to a credential and employment or the student may articulate into our credit program,” said Sandra Miller, Project Coordinator, Business Development Center.

“Finally, SACA offers micro-credentials in a particular subject such as hydraulics. These micro-credentials can be offered by Schoolcraft’s Workforce Training Solutions as customized training for employers to upskill their current workforce.” 

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Program prepares students to enter the field immediately or transfer to a four-year institution.

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 this installment, we take a look at Cybersecurity. Our thanks to Timothy S. Baron, Assistant Professor, Computer Information Systems (CIS)/Computer Networking Technology (CNT), for his insights. 

With data breaches, compromised personal and financial information and hackers in the news almost daily, the importance of cybersecurity has never been greater. Schoolcraft College offers two options in this vital field through the Computer Information Systems Program: A Cybersecurity Associate in Applied Science Degree and a Cybersecurity Certificate.

From a high level, cybersecurity involves protecting an organization’s networks, software and information from potential threats. 

“Our Cybersecurity programs prepare students for entry into the cybersecurity field,” said Timothy S. Baron, CIS Professor. “Like many fields there is no one-size-fits-all job description, and many specialties can be associated with ‘cybersecurity.’

Cybersecurity workers
Schoolcraft College’s Cybersecurity programs help students create a solid foundation of networking and software knowledge that leads to learning about advanced security topics, including design decisions, assessing weaknesses and implementing appropriate defenses.

“Information security always has been important. Cybersecurity is more specifically connected to any industry that uses a network or any digital device, which pretty much includes everything! This, in turn, provides students who have the requisite skills and knowledge a very large pool of potential employers.”

In particular, Schoolcraft College’s programs help students create a solid foundation of networking and software knowledge that leads to learning about advanced security topics, including design decisions, assessing weaknesses and implementing appropriate defenses.

Students learn this material from experts with professional experience.

“Each of the faculty teaching CIS and CNT courses within the program has applicable industry experience and credentials,” Professor Baron said. “This can be in the form of industry recognized certifications, demonstrated skills, or relevant and timely experience in the real world.”

In addition, the College has invested heavily in physical equipment and software needed to provide the best learning experience.

“Each of our programs have courses that align to widely recognized industry certifications from organizations such as CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, and (ISC)2”

Timothy S. Baron, Assistant Professor, Computer Information Systems (CIS)/Computer Networking Technology (CNT)

“Each of our programs have courses that align to widely recognized industry certifications from organizations such as CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, and (ISC)2,” Professor Baron said. “These certifications and the skills they encompass are in constant demand and give the students that achieve them a leg up when pursuing employment opportunities. This alignment also enables our courses to be transferable to many four-year institutions, with many students choosing to further their education after transferring from Schoolcraft.”

Although the subject of cybersecurity can be an intimidating one, Professor Baron emphasizes that it is approachable as well.

“Changing career fields, finding a new direction, and learning something completely new after many years or decades can be very scary,” Professor Baron said. “Our program, and many other programs at Schoolcraft, enable students to do just that and find new success.

“Cybersecurity-related skills are in constant demand, and many of cybersecurity’s most important tenets are familiar to someone with little to no technical experience. So if you’re interested in cybersecurity but find yourself being a bit intimidated, we can help you to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue your goals.”

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These two important departments sometimes get confused

Learning, of course, is the goal of any college experience. Part of that education means familiarizing yourself with some unfamiliar terms. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

As part of an occasional series, we’ll explain phrases, lingo or topics to add to your college vocabulary. We call it “Say What?” If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered, please send suggestions to [email protected]. 

Today we’ll learn about the differences between two departments at Schoolcraft College that are sometimes confused: Financial Aid and Student Accounts. 

Signs for both financial aid and student accounts
The departments of Financial Aid and Student Accounts are both in the McDowell Student Center. 

In a general sense, financial aid refers to resources a student might use to pay for higher education, such as grants, scholarships and loans.

Student Accounts, on the other hand, is responsible for all of the billing related to Schoolcraft College. This department does NOT handle financial aid.

With both Financial Aid and Student Accounts, it’s best to get as early of a jump as possible on your business to hopefully avoid headaches later on.

Let’s take a quick look at each department, starting with Financial Aid.

Things to know about Financial Aid

For just about any sort of financial aid, the starting point is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, which you complete online. For some, filling out the FAFSA is pretty straightforward. For others, it’s a long and involved process. You can save your work, so if you have to stop, that’s OK. 

Basic information to have handy includes:

  • Your social security number
  • Your driver’s license number
  • Federal tax return (Student/Parent when applicable)
  • Anything else that shows reported income
  • The school you’re attending or interested in attending

It’s best to file the FAFSA as early as possible. Again, as the name states, it is free to fill out – no fees whatsoever. 

Getting back to student financial aid, there are five main types:

  • Federal Grants: Requires a FAFSA application. Grants are need based and given without repayment requirements.
  • Federal Work Study: Requires a FAFSA application. This program allows students to earn money to pay for their college education. These positions are not guaranteed.
  • State Programs: State-sponsored programs such as Tuition Incentive Program, Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS), Michigan Education Trust (MET) and Michigan Education Savings Plan (MESP).
  • Scholarships: Are given without repayment requirements but may have many factors involved in meeting requirements, often need and academic levels. There is a separate application required. A number of scholarships may require that a student has completed a FAFSA.
  • Loans: Requires a FAFSA application. Funds are available to students. All loans must be repaid with interest. Repayment begins when you are no longer attending college at a part-time credit level or graduation.

It’s best to explore your options and possibilities with each source and use each to best advantage. Most students pay for college through a combination of financial aid. Schoolcraft College’s Financial Aid team can help answer questions.

Looking into scholarships

Schoolcraft College currently has over 300 scholarships for students. Non-traditional students and those from underserved populations are especially encouraged to explore what’s offered. 

Keep in mind that these are just the start – many entities offer scholarships as well. As with working to find the right job or internship, networking skills can help you find scholarships, too. Some students may qualify for the Detroit Promise scholarship opportunity. There are also other scholarship avenues students can pursue like Scholarship America and FastWeb! that lists multiple scholarship opportunities any student can receive. 

Learning about loans

In a general sense, loans are available from two sources: The federal government or lenders. The federal government distributes federal loans at a fixed interest rate. These rates are generally lower to those from a private lender.

A lender such as a bank or other institution offers two types of loans – secured or unsecured. A secured loan is backed by collateral, such as a house or other property or assets. Secured loans basically offer some security for the lender and generally have lower interest rates. Unsecured loans do not have this type of backing and generally have higher interest rates.

Depending on your financial situation, it may be advantageous to have a co-signer for your private loan. In fact, the lending institution may require it.

To learn more:

For more information about financial aid at Schoolcraft College, please visit the financial aid webpage at schoolcraft.edu/aid. You can also reach the department via email and phone at [email protected] or 734-462-4433. 

Things to know about Student Accounts

Again, Student Accounts is a separate department from Financial Aid. Its role is to help students understand their billing and answer questions and review the steps needed to keep your account in good standing.

They also can help make sure any college savings plan funds you’re using are sent to your account and ensure any refunds are properly credited.

One avenue students are urged to consider is establishing a payment plan as soon as they register for classes. It’s interest-free and can help spread out what you need to pay over a longer period of time, giving you more flexibility and convenience. 

As a reminder, all tuition and fees are due within three weekdays of registration.

If your class is to be paid for by your business or other third party, Student Accounts can help coordinate those payments as well.

Student Accounts also can provide any tax forms that might be needed and can assist international students with payments coming from outside the United States.

To learn more

For more information about, please visit the Student Accounts webpage. You also can reach the department by email at [email protected].

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She wants to use plants to reduce overall carbon footprint

When Katelynn Haygood talks about making a positive impact on the environment through science, it’s not just a lot of hot air. 

“I am passionate about reducing the overall carbon footprint of urban cities through fauna (plants),” said Haygood, a Schoolcraft College graduate who is pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies at Wayne State University.

“I hope that I can use my degree to go into conservation research and become a conservation scientist. I want to accomplish a way to lower the CO2 amount humans produce and improve the overall air quality through bio-engineering plants.”

Katelynn Haygood
Katelynn Haygood was selected for a UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program) Fellowship at the University of Michigan. UROP is a year-long academic experience that engages students in research, scholarly and creative inquiry.

This impressive goal had its start at Schoolcraft College. Haygood, who was born in Detroit and grew up in Livonia, wanted to earn an Associate Degree before transferring to a four-year school.

“(Going to Schoolcraft College) also gave me time to figure out what I want to study and do in the future,” she said. “Having the freedom to take classes that aren’t on a linear path is very encouraging when I was a teenager. I didn’t know what I wanted to do and taking a class that interested me helped me figure it out.”

Haygood was careful to balance her job with her studies. She started at Schoolcraft College in the fall of 2016 and graduated in the winter of 2020 with her Associate in Science Degree. 

“When I was going to Schoolcraft, I only went part time to balance it,” she said. “I always put school first to not let my grades slip, so if that meant I had to work less hours then I would. Now that I go to school full time at Wayne State, I only work weekends. I still will request time off near midterms in order to study hard. My family is very supportive of my education and help any way they can.”

In addition to her family’s support, Haygood appreciated the support she received at Schoolcraft College.

“There is a huge support staff at Schoolcraft,” she said. “The professors were always there to talk to me when I needed help and lead me to opportunities that later would help me end up where I am today.”

One of those opportunities included the UROP Fellowship at the University of Michigan. UROP stands for Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. It’s a year-long academic experience that engages students in research, scholarly and creative inquiry.

English Professor Helen Ditouras helped Haygood make the connection.  

“I hope more people take advantage of the opportunities at Schoolcraft, whether it’s trying a new interest or taking advantage of all the programs the institution has to offer.”

Katelynn Haygood

“UROP is a wonderful opportunity for students to work in a prestigious setting like U of M to advance their research goals,” Professor Ditouras said. “Several of my students have completed the fellowship over the years and have had overwhelmingly positive experiences.”

Haygood agrees. She attended during the summer of 2019.

“It was a great experience; I am so grateful for professor Ditouras for telling me about it and writing me a letter of recommendation,” Haygood said. “Due to the pandemic everything was virtual so it was a little isolating, but U of M tried hard to make everyone feel welcome with Zoom meetings and weekly activity. 

“The program helps transition students from a community college to a university. It also gets them experience in the career path they might want. All the professors there made a huge impact by guiding me and being great mentors. 

“I even came back that winter just as a mentor to help other UROP students adjust to the virtual experience. It was that experience that led me to my grant now with Wayne State doing research.”

And it all started with her hometown college. 

“I hope more people take advantage of the opportunities at Schoolcraft, whether it’s trying a new interest or taking advantage of all the programs the institution has to offer,” Haygood said. “It can open more paths than you are aware of at the time. Schoolcraft is a great place to get out of your comfort zone and find yourself and have so much support behind you.”

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Winter Concert follows on Saturday

Live music performances are returning to Schoolcraft College, starting with the debut of this season’s Noon Concert Series followed by the Winter Concert.

Noon Concert Series

The Paul Keller Ensemble leads off the Noon Concert Series on Wednesday, December 8, in the Kehrl Auditorium in the VisTaTech Center.

Jazz bassist, composer, arranger and bandleader Paul Keller has been a favorite with Detroit and Ann Arbor Jazz fans for years. His ensembles have covered a range of jazz styles, with arrangements for groups ranging from trio to big band.

Trombone players in ensemble
Schoolcraft College is pleased to bring back live music performances.

For this performance of the popular Christmas Songs for Jazz Lovers show, Keller will be joined by vocalist Sarah D’Angelo, trumpeter Paul Finkbeiner, saxophonist Keith Kaminski, trombonist Terry Kimura, pianist Duncan McMillan and drummer David Alvarez.

In accordance with the College’s COVID-19 protocols, unvaccinated attendees are required to wear masks. The event also will be livestreamed. 

The rest of the schedule for the Noon Concert Series is as follows:

  • Wednesday, January 19, 2022 – Iskander Zakirov, piano
  • Wednesday, February 9, 2022 – Barbara Ware & Friends
  • Wednesday, February 16, 2022 – Trio Virado
  • Wednesday, March 9, 2022 – Randy Napoleon Quartet
  • Wednesday, March 16, 2022 – Schoolcraft Music Faculty
  • Wednesday, April 13, 2022 – Frances Renzi, piano

The Noon Concert Series is sponsored by the Schoolcraft Foundation, the Schoolcraft Liberal Arts Office and the Schoolcraft Music Department. The concerts are free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted at the door and will be used to fund student scholarships.

Winter Concert

The Winter Concert, presented by the Schoolcraft College Wind Ensemble, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, in the DiPonio Room in the VisTaTech Center. There is no admission charge.