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Personal and Professional Learning

July 18, 2022 by mlemon

Registration is now open

A wide range of new courses, including exploring Detroit’s rich history, improving culinary skills and preparing for key professional certifications, highlight the Fall 2022 schedule for Schoolcraft College’s continuing education department, Personal and Professional Learning (PPL).

Registration is now open. Over 400 courses in a variety of areas, including fitness, aquatics, art, music, languages, culinary, photography and professional development, are offered.

Infographic depicting the roles of project management
New for PPL’s Fall 2022 schedule is a Project Management Professional (PMP®) Exam Preparation course for those pursuing PMP Certification.

A key focus for PPL has been to increase class offerings for professional development. New for the fall is a Project Management Professional (PMP®) Exam Preparation course for those pursuing PMP Certification. Topics include domains and tasks from the PMP® Examination Content Outline, such as building a team, managing communications and benefits realization. 

Returning to the program lineup this fall is Level One of the Digital Sculpting with Autodesk Alias. This is a four-class certificate program, with Level One offered in the fall only. Digital sculpting is used by professionals in the automotive industry as well other fields requiring skilled surface design. Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Digital Sculpting program. 

PPL also will provide more online career training with self-paced programs in Information Technology, Accounts Payable, Management, Video Game Design and more.

Enrichment opportunities

In addition to expanded offerings geared toward professional development, PPL will have more than 20 new enrichment courses this fall, including:

Two people on a dance floor
Nightclub Two-Step is one of the new courses offered in PPL’s Fall 2022 schedule.
  • Nightclub Two-Step
  • Present Moment Meditation: Lifestyle Skills
  • Travel Photography
  • Sweater Knitting
  • Passion for Chocolates
  • Introduction to Food & Wine Pairing
  • Self Defense

Popular courses such as yoga and aquatics will continue to be offered as well.

While some PPL courses are completed over the course of several weeks, others take just a few hours. This includes the Dine & Discover and Conversation & Coffee series. Six new lectures are available for the fall, highlighted by:

  • Haunted Detroit (Dine & Discover)
  • Lost Restaurants of Detroit (Dine & Discover)
  • Sherlock Holmes: The Hero With a Thousand Faces (Conversation & Coffee)

Dine & Discover includes a full buffet lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options. All proceeds support youth and adult scholarships. Light refreshments are served at Conversation & Coffee.

“We’re very excited about our Fall 2022 schedule, which includes several new offerings in addition to our popular fitness classes,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal and Professional Learning. “We look forward to welcoming our returning students in their favorite courses, trying out a new activity or expanding their professional skills. We also encourage new students to explore what PPL is all about – there really is something for everyone!”

Filed Under: News, Schoolcraft Spotlight Tagged With: Jodie Beckley, Personal and Professional Learning, PMP, PPL

June 20, 2022 by mlemon

Increasing programming for working professionals is a focus

Schoolcraft College’s continuing education department, Personal and Professional Learning (PPL), recently earned program certification from the Learning Resources Network (LERN), recognizing the College’s commitment to and excellence in non-credit courses.

The Learning Resources Network, an industry leader in continuing education, awards the LERN Program Certification to continuing education programs in universities, colleges and public schools across the country that meet the most rigorous quality standards, including:

  • Programming that aligns with the organization’s central mission
  • Running and analyzing critical programmatic data
  • Developing relevant course programming
  • Establishing appropriate customer service standards
  • Identifying marketing channels relevant to top segments
  • Increasing registrations year over year
  • Improving process efficiency
PPL team standing with a large PPL sign
Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning team includes (left to right) Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director of Personal and Professional Learning; Trennis D. Sweatt, Programming Coordinator; and Felicia Bannan, Programming and Promotions Coordinator.

“We are excited and honored to be one of the continuing education programs recognized with the LERN certification award and will continue to bring fresh, relevant programming to our surrounding communities,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director of Personal and Professional Learning. “Having our PPL program analyzed by an objective third party with benchmarks and standards assures our students and community that PPL is a leader in quality non-credit programming and has a strong community focus.”

PPL offers a wide variety of non-credit classes to help students bolster their career, support a hobby or just try something new. 

“We offer a variety of career training programs to help people upskill in their profession, or re-skill for a career shift if that is their goal,” Dr. Beckley said. Some of those training opportunities include:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Preparation
  • Certificate in Nonprofit Management
  • Certificate in Event Planning
  • Certificate in Dementia Care
  • Part 107 Exam Preparation for the Remote Pilot (Drones)
  • Certificate in Google IT Support
  • Photography Certificate

“One of our goals is to increase the amount of programming available for working professionals in our community,” Dr. Beckley said. “We continue to add new programs to our lineup that support people to better their careers and lives.”

Several new courses have been added for the Fall 2022 schedule. These include:

  • Certified Ethical Hacker
  • Accounts Payable Specialist
  • Java Programmer + Python Developer

The above classes will be offered as online advanced career training programs, which students can complete at their own pace.

In addition, three new photography classes have been added for those pursuing their photography certificate, or just wanting to add to their skill set: Commercial Photography, Travel Photography, and Real Estate Photography. Also new for food enthusiasts are Passion for Chocolates; a holiday desserts class; and a food and wine pairing class. 

The Fall 2022 schedule is available now. For more information, go to schoolcraft.edu/ppl.

Filed Under: News, Schoolcraft Spotlight Tagged With: Jodie Beckley, LERN, Personal and Professional Learning

May 9, 2022 by mlemon

Learnings Can be Applied to Industrial Design and More

Schoolcraft College’s upcoming Digital Sculpting Student Showcase is much more than an event to celebrate outstanding work – it’s also an opportunity to learn more about career opportunities in this exciting and in-demand field.

The Showcase, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, in Waterman 205 of the VisTaTech Center on the main campus. A livestream also will be available. (Meeting ID: 872 2812 2371. Passcode: 447770.)

In Southeast Michigan, digital sculpting is most often associated with the automotive industry as professionals use Auto Desk Alias software to manipulate digital objects and surfaces of vehicles. For many years, the process of designing and refining the exterior and interior of a vehicle included a clay model that was painstakingly manipulated, millimeter by millimeter, by skilled artists.

A person giving a presentation using projected images
The Digital Sculpting Student Showcase will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, in Waterman 205 in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus.

Although clay models are still used by automotive designers on occasion, much of today’s design work is completed digitally to save time and resources. Other high-tech companies use digital sculpting as well for those same reasons. 

Schoolcraft College’s Digital Sculpting program is run out of Personal and Professional Learning (PPL). To earn the Digital Sculptor Certificate, students need to complete four levels of classes, with Levels 1 and 3 offered in the Fall schedule and Levels 2 and 4 offered in the Winter schedule. All classes are offered virtually.

The instructor for the program is Don Lloyd, a Digital Sculptor at Nissan Design America. He spends most of his time creating and editing the aesthetic surfaces of the interiors and exteriors of Nissan vehicles using Auto Desk Alias software. “Digital sculpting is such a fulfilling career. Taking a sketch and turning it into the shapes that will be driving down the road is fun and challenging,” he said.

“Students for the Digital Sculpting program can include high school graduates looking for a career opportunity, current Schoolcraft College students enrolled in an occupational program, or professionals who need this skill to advance.”

Felicia Bannan, Programming and Promotions Coordinator, Personal and Professional Learning

At the Showcase, Digital Sculpting graduates will share information about their educational journey through the program, images of their 3D sculpted designs, and their career aspirations. 

“Potential employers are encouraged to attend as well because this is a great way to recruit new talent,” said Felicia Bannan, Programming and Promotions Coordinator, Personal and Professional Learning. “Students for the Digital Sculpting program can include high school graduates looking for a career opportunity, current Schoolcraft College students enrolled in an occupational program, or professionals who need this skill to advance.”

Student Success Stories

David Torres is just such an example of a professional looking to add skills. He was working as a designer for Rivian, which manufactures electric vehicles and has operations in Plymouth, when he heard about the class. He attended from 2019-2021. 

Now relocated to the Rivian design studios in California, Torres puts what he learned into practice each day.

“I work as a physical clay modeler and work closely with designers and CAD modelers on a daily basis,” Torres said. “Taking these courses made me even more aware of what a digital modeler has to achieve in a day. It helps me construct surfaces quicker and simpler just like I would in Alias.

“It helps me do my clay modeling job better, and in turn, helps me understand Alias better. So it’s truly a symbiotic relationship making me a better industrial artist.”

Martin Senger also works in the automotive field. He started in Schoolcraft College’s program in 2017.

“I had been learning traditional CAD modeling when I discovered the Schoolcraft Digital Sculpting program,” he said. “It’s a subset of 3D modeling that I wasn’t aware of – a unique blend of creating concept models and developing CAD data with a focus on producing beautiful surfaces.”

Automotive design mocks in a digital display
Photo 1
Automotive design mocks in a digital display
Photo 2
Automotive design mocks in a digital display
Pjhoto 3
Photo 1: Students will share their work in the Digital Sculpting Student Showcase, which will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, in Waterman 205 in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus.
Photo 2: Auto Desk Alias software can be used to create wheel designs. 
Photo 3: Professionals working in automotive design studios use the concepts taught in PPL’s Digital Sculpting class on a daily basis.

Like David Torres, he’s also applying what he learned in his profession.

“I work with Alias to help take ‘A-surface’ design models and apply engineering criteria to create automotive interior and exterior final production parts,” he said. “Digital sculpting with Alias is a unique blend of art and science. This class will provide you with a solid foundation in the requisite skill set for this in-demand career.”

Mary Ryan appreciated the flexibility in the class structure.

“I really enjoyed how detail-oriented each class was,” she said. “(After a move out of state), I was able to continue online and record the class meetings. This was very helpful because as I worked on my assignments, I could go back and review details that maybe I did not catch during the live class.

“This allowed me to grasp much more and create better work. I’m very grateful for Schoolcraft’s flexibility.”

Ryan, who attended classes from the summer of 2020 to the spring of 2022, has a background in knit textile production and soft product design. “I thought this class would be a great addition to my education,” she said. “CAD modeling and 3D printing is becoming a part of more and more industries, so I think Digital Sculpting is a great skill to learn.”

Levels 1 and 3 of Digital Sculpting will be offered in PPL’s Fall 2022 schedule, which will be available online June 20. Registration will open July 20.

Filed Under: News, Program Spotlight Tagged With: Auto Desk Alias, Digital Sculpting, Don Lloyd, Felicia Bannan, Personal and Professional Learning, PPL

December 20, 2021 by mlemon

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.

  • Children with special needs can gain therapeutic benefits in Water Shy Swim for Students with Special Needs: Ages 5+ and Foundations of Swim Strokes for Students with Special Needs: Ages 5+. Look for the return of the full aquatics program as well.
  • Discover key grammar concepts to fine-tune your Italian in Italian Intermediate Grammar
  • Explore new drawing techniques in Colored Pencil: Steampunk Art and Colored Pencil: Backgrounds
  • Learn to defend yourself in dangerous situations with Self-Defense: Armed Assailant Training and Self-Defense: Personal Safety Training for Women

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 

Filed Under: News, Program Spotlight, Schoolcraft Spotlight Tagged With: Google, Google IT Support Certificate, Personal and Professional Learning, PPL, Schoolcraft College

November 30, 2021 by stgschoolcraft

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.

  • Children with special needs can gain therapeutic benefits in Water Shy Swim for Students with Special Needs: Ages 5+ and Foundations of Swim Strokes for Students with Special Needs: Ages 5+. Look for the return of the full aquatics program as well.
  • Discover key grammar concepts to fine-tune your Italian in Italian Intermediate Grammar
  • Explore new drawing techniques in Colored Pencil: Steampunk Art and Colored Pencil: Backgrounds
  • Learn to defend yourself in dangerous situations with Self-Defense: Armed Assailant Training and Self-Defense: Personal Safety Training for Women

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

Filed Under: News, Programs Tagged With: Google, Google IT Support Certificate, Personal and Professional Learning, PPL, Schoolcraft College

July 12, 2021 by stgschoolcraft

Program offers chance to share experience, earn certification

If you’re an experienced motorcyclist, this is the right time to think about sharing your experience and improving your skills by becoming a certified RiderCoach through Schoolcraft College.

“Becoming a certified RiderCoach is a great way to share your passion for motorcycling with prospective and experienced riders, get more involved in the motorcycling community and make some extra money,” said Sean McGlinn, Motorcycle Safety Coordinator for Schoolcraft College’s program, which is part of Personal and Professional Learning (PPL).

PPL is the new name for the College’s continuing education department, previously known as Continuing Education and Professional Development, or CEPD. 

The RiderCoach course is approximately 90 hours long. Course schedules vary, but students should plan on 7 to 11 days of intensive classroom and hands-on (range) activities. Applicants must have their own motorcycle and have been endorsed for at least one year. Cost is $75.

“Becoming a certified RiderCoach is a great way to share your passion for motorcycling with prospective and experienced riders, get more involved in the motorcycling community and make some extra money.”

Sean McGlinn, Motorcycle Safety Coordinator for Schoolcraft College’s program.

Candidates who successfully complete the course will become certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCoaches. Certification lasts for two years, and RiderCoaches apply for recertification by teaching a minimum of four classes, completing various professional-development courses, and submitting those records directly to the MSF.

In addition, the Detroit Metro Motorcycle Safety Consortium, which includes Schoolcraft College and four other community colleges, highly recommends that candidates complete a Basic RiderCourse (BRC) prior to the RiderCoach Preparation Course to familiarize themselves with the curriculum they will be teaching.

Motorcyclists listening to instruction
The RiderCoach course at Schoolcraft College is approximately 90 hours over 7 to 11 days of classroom and hands-on (range) activities. (Schoolcraft College photo.)

McGlinn completed his BRC at Schoolcraft in 2011, has been with the College since January 2018, and recently became a certified rider coach himself.

“I am humbled and honored to work for the program that has benefitted countless prospective and experienced motorcyclists, including myself, in Metro Detroit and beyond.”

The motorcycle training classes have historically been some of the most popular at Schoolcraft College.

“Motorcycle sales were booming last year, presumably because of people exploring new socially distant hobbies,” McGlinn said. “While we are tremendously grateful for, and proud of, training around 900 students last year within the span of just a few short months, we weren’t able to accommodate everyone who inquired about our courses due to the reduced class sizes.

“Typically, we train around 3,000 students every year. There is a backlog of students who weren’t able to take a course last year, and we currently have a significant shortage of active RiderCoaches in the Detroit Metro Consortium.”

RiderCoach applications are currently being reviewed. To request a RiderCoach application, contact [email protected] or call 734-462-4448.


Feature Photo: A large backlog of students means that RiderCoaches are urgently needed in the Detroit Metro area. (Schoolcraft College photo.)

Filed Under: News, Programs Tagged With: Detroit, Detroit Metro Motorcycle Safety Consortium, Motorcycle, Motorcycle Safety, Personal and Professional Learning, RiderCoach

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