MCCC’s Center For Workforce Development Offers Scholarships For Online, Non-Credit Microsoft Excel Analytics Course‏

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA — Knowing how to use software such as Microsoft Excel Analytics is essential for today’s middle-skill occupations, such as store manager, retail supervisor and administrative assistant.

To assist people who need these vital software skills, Montgomery County Community College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) is offering scholarships for an online, non-credit Microsoft Excel Analytics course.

Thanks to a generous gift from the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), CWD is able to offer these scholarships, which cover the entire course fee and provide access to the online learning tool, “SNAP,” for the first 28 participants who register. The scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Microsoft Excel Analytics course introduces the concept of data analytics and its applicability to organizations. Using the latest software, students will learn how to organize and interpret data, conduct analyses and develop visually appealing and informative reports. They also will learn to how to evaluate and apply data to enhance business performance. Overall, students will learn how to apply critical thinking skills and analytics for making data-based decisions, which will enhance their leadership performance in their respective or prospective careers.

While participants will not need to purchase any textbooks, they will need access to Microsoft Excel 2013 as well as the Internet. The self-paced course is held 100 percent online. Enrollment starts on May 1, and the course is active through June 30, 2016. Badges will be provided for mastery of competencies. The course also is aligned with the Microsoft Office Certification Excel exam.

For more information about the course or to register, contact:  Geraldine Rosetti at 215-461-1127 or grossett@mc3.edu or Marge Philippsen at 215-641-6374 or mphilipp@mc3.edu.

The scholarships for the Microsoft Excel Analytics course is one of the workforce training initiatives MCCC is able to offer to the community as a result of receiving a matching grant of $2,177,471 from MCEDC in 2015. This gift established an endowment supporting MCCC’s expertise in educating and training students for regional jobs and careers. Since it is a matching grant, donations have double the impact in funding vital workforce development initiatives.

The first distribution from matched funds is supporting four initiatives:  an Innovation and Sustainability Hub Learning Lab for Hydroponics and Aquaponics, Advanced Manufacturing training and support, Workforce Skills Modules in Information Technology and Manufacturing and a Software Developer Academy.

MCEDC’s grant started a new chapter in community college philanthropy and its matching gift challenge presents the community with the opportunity to invest in tomorrow’s workforce. To discuss funding opportunities or personal goals in making a gift in support of the match, contact the Foundation at 215-641-6529.

MCCC Students Named To ‘Who¹s Who Among American Junior Colleges’ List‏

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA —One hundred forty soon-to-be graduates from Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) have been named to the Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges list for 2016. They join students from more than 1,000 schools throughout the country in being recognized for their commitment to academic excellence.

Each institution sets its own criteria for nomination within the parameters established by Who’s Who Among Students. MCCC students selected for this year’s list must have graduated in fall 2015 or be graduating in spring or summer 2016 with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.83 or higher.

MCCC students recognized by Who’s Who Students in American Junior Colleges are listed below by area of residence:

Abington: Janet Askin, Kevin Cruz, Monica Keister, Benjamin Swanger

Ambler: Lisa Leadbeater, Brian Maggio, Martina Oborna, Eileen Williams, Amanda Zhou

Ardmore: John Timmons

Ardsley: Amanda Kida

Bala Cynwyd: Catherine Morroney

Bechtelsville: Joseph Hartline, Coraline Pettine

Birdsboro: Judy Hoffmeister

Blue Bell: Eun Kyoung Han

Cheltenham: Timothy Judge, Arnette Smith

Chester Springs: Karen Gratton

Collegeville: Julie Clark, Julie Clark, Elizabeth Cusmina, Regina MacMurtrie, Michael Reiner

Colmar: James Karcher

Conshohocken: Allison Giannone, Richard Vose

Coopersburg: Ann Forrestal

Douglassville: Bobbianne Babb, Donna Maden

Eagleville: Thomas Bednar, Daniel Buttorff, Julie Primavera

East Greenville: Heather Haby, Colin Hurrey, Michelle Rose

East Norriton: Kathryn Hall, Kyle Sapovits

Elkins Park: Diane Heydt

Erdenheim: Jessi Shaffer

Gilbertsville: Donna J. Braner, Marion Bucci, Sharon Delporte, Kristy Mahoney, Silvia Shambo, Alex Siwik

Glenside: Theresa Gallagher, Danielle Pearson, Gabriel Shoemaker

Harleysville: David Maga, Renee Marshall, Victoria Rosato, Esther Thompson, Dianarose Weiler, Martha Wolgemuth

Hatboro: John Ilisco Ilisco

Hatfield: Carlos Depaz, Jenna Moyer, Victoria Reeser

Horsham: Stefanie Barszowski, Maria Boggi, Jacqueline Caddle, Heather Pringle, Woo Young Song, Michaela Williams

Huntingdon Valley: Sarah Ciambrano, Julianne Johnson, Johanna Licari

Jenkintown: Jinman Li, Tetyana Protsyk

King of Prussia: Angelika Mae Morelos, Angelika Mari Morelos

Lansdale: Erin Ehinger, Kevin Franklin, John May, Eileen McGilloway, Breanna Potts, Hui Song, Mary Zabriskie

Limerick: Masynn Gensler

Maple Glen: Maura Duggan, Courtney Durham

Norristown: Nicole Battista, Brittany Hewitt, Jon Kilgannon, Elizabeth Palesano

Oley: Lee A. Wagner

Oreland: Cassandra Davis, Daniel McGlinchey, Robert Murphy

Pennsburg: Courtney Pepe

Philadelphia: Nancy Horton, Elizabeth Bergland, Emmett Johnson, Jacob Robertson

Phoenixville: Susan Giancola, Michael Morrow, Cameron O’Neil

Plymouth Meeting: Kyle Bone

Pottstown: Kristy Bell, Lori Flynn, Bridget Geri, Ruth Holsopple, Jaclyn Murphy, Vicki Peters, Lindsey Phillips, Emily Reitmeyer, Sara Shultz

Quakertown: Agnieszka Mandosik, Andrew Rose, Anna Short

Reading: Solange Jacques

Red Hill: Catherine Camuso, Janice Kutt

Royersford: Heather Curran, Lynn Lang, Carl Lingenfelter

Schwenksville: Heidi Liebenberg, Debra Lockard, Jacquelyn Lutz, Marta Pecharo, Wen Trice

Skippack: Steven Adoff, Debra Haasis

Souderton: Brittni Ruch, Lavinia Soliman, Jason Wolff

Spring City: James Sherid

Stowe: Lori McIlvee

Trappe: Patricia Capizzi

Trooper: Fang Li

Villanova: James Mearns

Warminster: Dana Fornicola

Wayne: Audrey O’Keefe

Willow Grove: Joseph Gruver, Margaret Thompson, Sarah Welch

Worcester: James Mahoney

Wyncote: Holly Hughston

Wynnewood: Rivka Gross, Thomas Pittman

MCCC Celebrates Successes Of POWER Program Graduates‏

Montgomery County Community College recently hosted a graduation ceremony to honor 23 individuals who completed the College’s Partnership on Work Enrichment and Readiness (POWER) program, as well as students who participated in the POWER Plus Education and Employment programs. Photo by Sandi Yanisko.

Blue Bell, PA —Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) held a graduation ceremony on April 28 to recognize the achievements of 23 students who successfully completed the Partnership on Work Enrichment and Readiness (POWER) program.

The POWER program helps individuals in mental health recovery to successfully develop and reach their education and career goals through a two-credit college course that focuses on time management, basic computer skills, study skills, public speaking, college success skills, career assessment, resume writing and professionalism.

Through the POWER program, students gain confidence and skills they need to take the next steps in their lives. For the recent graduating class, approximately 75 percent of the students will enroll in classes for the fall semester, one student will continue her education at a four-year college and the remaining students will be receiving employment services through the POWER Plus Employment program, said program Director Lisa Barbiero.

“For the first time, we will be offering a summer enrichment program for all our POWER students and graduates, and we are inviting 10 years’ worth of alumni to join us for this program,” Barbiero announced during the ceremony.

The enrichment program will provide social interaction and help bridge the gap for students during the summer months. For more information, contact Community Liaison Lori Schreiber at 215-461-1151 or lschreib@mc3 or Director Lisa Barbiero at 215-641-6425 or lbarbier@mc3.edu.

As part of the celebration, several POWER graduates shared their stories, describing the challenges they overcame in their lives and how the POWER program provides the self-assurance and skills they will need in the future.

One student, William Bannerman-Martin, Jr., spoke about the trials he faced living with autism.

“I was diagnosed when I was four years old and received services through the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit,” he shared. “When I started school, I was bussed to different schools throughout the county where special education classes were available. After I graduated, I needed a program to help me, and I enrolled in the POWER program, where I learned to be confident.”

Bannerman-Martin plans to continue his education after graduation here at MCCC. He is still exploring his career options.

The positive impact of the POWER program was obvious with graduate Ruth Barnard, who now wants to give back by starting a recovery house where she can help others and introduce them to POWER.

As part of the ceremony, 15 students were recognized for their continuing achievements in completing academic courses and participating weekly in the POWER Plus Education program. Several of these students also attended the POWER Plus Employment program. In addition, one student who started in the POWER program in 2010, Jacob Shaw, was honored because he will receive his associate’s degree on May 19 and another student, Sandy Beitler, will complete her certificate in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

The POWER team includes Director Lisa Barbiero, Community Liaison Lori Schreiber, Employment and Grant Coordinator Tarsha Scovens, Academic Specialist Holly Harris, Peer Mentor George Rohde, Faculty Byron Goldstein, Faculty Rosemary Regan and Dean of Social Sciences Division Aaron Shatzman.

The POWER Program is funded by the Pew Charitable Trust, Montgomery County Office of Behavioral Health, the Odd Fellows of Philadelphia, Pat Kind Family Foundation and Montgomery County Community College.

Individuals interested in the POWER Program may obtain a referral from their mental health or school provider or may self-refer.  For more information, contact Community Liaison Lori Schreiber at 215-461-1151 or lschreib@mc3 or Director Lisa Barbiero at 215-641-6425 or lbarbier@mc3.edu.

3rd Annual Pow-Wow On The Manatawny – May 7,8 In Pottstown