PPL

September 26, 2022 by Schoolcraft College

Looking to develop a side gig, add skills to advance in your current job, or explore a new career? Schoolcraft College’s continuing education department, Personal and Professional Learning (PPL), can help.

Registration is now open for the Fall 2022 schedule. Over 400 courses in a variety of areas, including beer tasting, remote (drone) piloting, and dementia care, are offered.

“A key focus for PPL has been to increase class offerings for professional development,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal and Professional Learning. “Many classes are starting in October or November, so there is still time to register.”

Here’s a closer look at some of the courses starting later this fall:

glasses of beer — The Craft Beer 101 course begins Monday, October 17.

Craft Beer 101: Ingredients, Brewing and Tasting Basics

Join Advanced Cicerone® Annette May on a fun and informational sensory journey as you learn how beer is made. Taste raw ingredients and learn how to correlate them with beer flavors. Learn the basics of great beer service, then sample, taste and evaluate 10 popular Michigan craft beers as part of your experience. You must be at least 21 years old to attend, and bring a driver’s license or Michigan ID.

Begins: Monday, October 17

class viewing drown flying — You can learn to fly a drone on Saturday, November 12.

Recreational Drone Fundamentals

Learn to fly a drone and have fun by reviewing basic terminology, various types of drones, laws and regulations, and how to safely use and store your equipment. Learn where and when you can fly, with an emphasis on pre-flight inspection and safety protocols. The class includes practice with flying Schoolcraft College’s quadcopters.

Begins: This is a one-day course from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, November 12.

three people conversing — Fundamentals of Dementia Care is offered Saturday, October 1.

Fundamentals of Dementia Care

This course will help you understand the basics of dementia by distinguishing the common forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. You’ll be able to develop strategies to improve communication and understand the root cause of challenging behavior. The class includes a question-and-answer opportunity with a person living with dementia and/or his/her care partner.

Starts: This is a one-day course from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 1. You can attend in person or via Zoom.

Note: Several other courses related to dementia care are available as well.

For more information and to download a PDF of PPL’s Fall 2022 schedule, visit their website.

August 22, 2022 by Schoolcraft College

New programs bring more campers to campus

child smiling holding robotic car — Creating Lego robots is one of the activities in the Robots Rule camp.

New offerings and more registrations highlighted this year’s Kids on Campus (KOC) summer enrichment program, which recently concluded on the campus of Schoolcraft College. Arts and culture; communication; computers and technology; science and more are among the topics that are explored by children through 12^th grade.

This year, Kids on Campus expanded beyond the main campus to the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC). The MEC, which opened in 2020, was the ideal location for programming for those interested in STEM-related activities, including 3D printing and design and machine manufacturing.

“The classes at the MEC were very well received,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director of Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) department, which manages the Kids on Campus program. “The overall attendance was great and the responses from students were very positive. Classes at the MEC allowed students to work with equipment currently used in manufacturing and allowed students to explore career options early.”

Given Schoolcraft College’s excellent reputation in the field of culinary arts, it’s no surprise that those classes were popular once again. Another well-received program was Camp Scrubs, which gives students a glimpse into a variety of careers in the medical field and highlights the outstanding resources on campus, including the brand-new Health Sciences Center.

For 2022, Kids on Campus, which ran June 27-August 12, had

More than 2,300 registrations this summer
- This was an increase of more than 700 compared with last summer
196 sections
118 unique camps
10 brand new camps

Impressions from Kids on Campus

The engaging, invigorating programs taught by dedicated and enthusiastic teachers made Kids on Campus a winner once again. Here is a sampling of responses to the question, “What would you tell a friend about KOC?”:

Students:

“I hope I have college here” – David D. (Non-Stop Science)
“Kids on Campus is the best; it is amazing” – Daniel M. (Ocean Adventures)
“It is very enjoyable and fun and the teachers are really nice. It also helps you make friends” – Reyhan K. (Debate)
“Best decision of my life” – Cayden M. (Minecraft Modders – 7,8,9)
“It’s highly structured while remaining fun – helps curb the summer slide, especially during COVID” – Katie P. (Physics Fun)
“It’s a five out of five!” – Cameron J. (Make it Work)
“I would say that it’s a lot of fun and the people here will have a lasting effect on you” – Annastasia M. (Make it Work)
“It is fun for kids who like hands-on learning” – Ryan C. (Manufacturing & Engineering)

Parent:

“Classes are very engaging and it helps to expand the kids’ minds, curiosity, and knowledge. Instructors are awesome!” – Elizabeth H. (Preschool)

Michele Biaolo, Programming Manager, Personal & Professional Learning, is eager to build on this year’s momentum next year.

“Next summer we plan to have even more camps for kids in grades 1 and 2 and more camps the last week of Junewith Before and After Care,” she said. “This summer we tested the last week in June with six camps and they were very successful.”

Registration for next summer’s Kids on Campus is scheduled to open Thursday, February 10, 2023. The annual Open House will meet Tuesday, February 8, 2023. Updates on next year’s KOC lineup can be found at schoolcraft.edu/koc.

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!”

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

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.

March 21, 2022 by mlemon

There is a shortage of qualified instructors

When it’s cold in Michigan, riding a motorcycle isn’t exactly top of mind. But 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 this spring.

“Becoming a certified RiderCoach is a great way to share your passion for motorcycling with new 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 & Professional Learning (PPL).

This video explains the benefits of becoming a certified RiderCoach.

RiderCoach Prep (the instructor-training course) is approximately 90 hours long. Course schedules will vary, but students should plan on 7 to 11 days of intensive classroom and hands-on (range) activities. There are three classes between the months of April, May and June.

Applicants must have their own motorcycle and their CY endorsement for at least one year, and they must successfully complete a Basic RiderCourse. Cost is $75 and an additional $50 if the applicant has yet to take a Basic RiderCourse.

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

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 professional-development courses, and submitting these records directly to the MSF.

In addition, the Detroit Metro Motorcycle Safety Consortium (which includes Macomb Community College, Monroe County Community College, Oakland Community College, Schoolcraft College, and Wayne County Community College District) highly recommends that candidates familiarize themselves with the curriculum they will be teaching by shadowing the instructors of a Basic RiderCourse (BRC) prior to RiderCoach Prep.

McGlinn completed his BRC at Schoolcraft in 2011 and obtained his MSF RiderCoach Certification in 2021. He has been the Motorcycle Program Coordinator at Schoolcraft College since January 2018.

“I have been riding motorcycles since I was a kid,” he said, “and I am privileged to work for the program that has benefitted countless motorcyclists, including myself, in Metro Detroit and beyond.”

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

“Motorcycle sales continued to boom last year,” McGlinn said. “While we are tremendously proud of training approximately 2,600 students last year, we weren’t able to accommodate everyone who inquired about our courses.

“We typically train around 3,000 students every year, and there will be a backlog of students who weren’t able to take a course last year. A shortage of RiderCoaches exists throughout the State of Michigan, so consider enrolling and helping others to experience life on two wheels.”

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

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

November 30, 2021 by Schoolcraft College

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

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.

“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

August 30, 2021 by mlemon

All model types are needed and welcome

Personal and Professional Learning (PPL), which is the new name for Schoolcraft College’s continuing education department, is in need of art models for PPL portrait classes for the Fall 2021 semester.

Italian teacher holding a tablet — Registration is now open for all Fall 2021 PPL classes

Sessions are three hours long and models must commit to two sessions. Models are fully clothed; artwork focuses on the head and shoulders.

All model types are needed and welcome. Pay is $12 per hour.

Contact art instructor Grace Karczewski at [email protected] for more information.

Registration is now open for all Fall 2021 PPL classes, which are for both virtual students as well as those who prefer to attend class on campus. For example, some yoga classes will be livestreamed because many students prefer to exercise in the privacy of their own homes. Other classes, such as Italian, will remain virtual because it has become so popular during the pandemic that not all of the students will now fit in a typical classroom.

Helping community members pursue new passions or upgrade professional skill sets through non-credit classes has long been an important component of Schoolcraft College. An even greater commitment to that mission is part of the reason for the name change from Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD).

Model posing, being drawn — Sessions are three hours long and models must commit to two sessions. Models are fully clothed; artwork focuses on the head and shoulders.

“As we progress into the 21^st century, continuing education will be critical to meeting the educational, social, health, cultural, and recreational needs of all ages and populations in our community,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal and Professional Learning.

“We believe that the possibilities for the future are boundless, and Personal and Professional Learning communicates our drive to break the bonds of time and space in making education accessible to a broad audience of learners. It also reflects our renewed commitment to innovative and responsive programs, courses and events.”

You can contact PPL at 734-462-4448 or [email protected]

July 26, 2021 by Schoolcraft College

Science, the arts, careers and more are explored

Kids On Campus, Schoolcraft College’s popular summer enrichment program for more than 30 years, is off to a flying start this year. Due to the pandemic, the program became Kids Off Campus last year, with activities conducted virtually through Zoom. This summer, however, everyone is thrilled to be back at Schoolcraft.

“Kids, parents and staff are all very excited to have kids on the campus again.”
Michele Bialo, Programming Manager for Personal & Professional Learning.

“Kids, parents and staff are all very excited to have kids on the campus again,” said Michele Bialo, Programming Manager for Personal & Professional Learning. “Campers have been busy on campus exploring a variety of topics and enjoying new experiences.”

Kids on Campus (KOC) opened on Monday, July 12, and continues through Friday, August 13. Visit their website for more information and to register.

Children pre-school age through grade 12 are welcome, with programs generally running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Before and after care is available, though spots are limited.

The day camps are led by skilled professionals, including Schoolcraft College faculty, in a diverse and dynamic social environment. Hands-on learning experiences that bring out the inquisitive side of even the most hesitant of participants are at the heart of KOC.

Children engage in a whole new experience and enjoy access to computers, math, cultural immersion, acting, the arts, science, writing and career-oriented learning opportunities. Skills workshops are available for those who want to expand academically.

Girl and nurse at medical table — Photo 1

Bialo offered a few Kids On Campus highlights so far:

In Abracadabra – Magic Camp the children enjoyed a magic show by professional magician John Winslow. After seeing John’s show, the kids were inspired to put on a show of their own, which included card tricks, illusions and more.
Kids in Zoocrew hiked the Northville Legacy Trail, enjoyed a live animal show from Animal Magic and learned what they can do to improve the environment.
Camp Scrubs students participated in CPR training, enjoyed a visit to Schoolcraft’s state-of-the art simulation lab and learned about careers in medicine from multiple guest speakers.
For Robotics there are three camps with different grade levels going on at the same time. Each student creates a robot that competes at the end of camp in a robot battle.
In the Inventors camps kids learned all about the invention process from initial design, to patents and prototypes. Kids created inventions to solve important issues. One inventor designed a box for cell phones in cars that zaps the driver who tries to text while driving.
In Curtain Call, students wrote, directed and starred in two original plays.

Of course the campers themselves (and their parents) are the real judges of how successful Kids On Campus is. Here are some reactions:

“KOC is the best camp in the world.” – Esha E.
“This place is amazing and you should join!” – Briana C.
“The best way to spend summer break.” – Cayden M.
“This summer camp is just amazing. You learn a lot, it is nicely organized, and it is just truly one of the most awesome weeks of summer.” – Emma L.
“You will meet many new people and do cool things.” – Sarah U.
“Mercer really enjoyed this week’s camp (more so than I thought he would!), and he has been practicing his skills at home.” – Tim G. (chess student parent)

New name for Continuing Education department

Personal and Professional Learning catalog booklet cover

Kids on Campus is run through Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) department, formerly called Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD). The objective of PPL is to help community members pursue new passions or upgrade professional skill sets through non-credit classes, which has long been an important component of Schoolcraft College.

Registration for the fall semester is now open, and PPL will continue to offer a variety of classes for both virtual students as well as those who prefer to attend class on campus. For example, some yoga classes will be live-streamed for students who prefer to exercise in the privacy of their own homes.

Other classes, such as Italian, will remain virtual because it has become so popular during the pandemic that not all of the students will now fit in a typical classroom.

View the classes online.

View the PPL website. You can email questions to [email protected].