Money will be used to expand opportunities for students

STAR JOURNAL

Nicolet College was recently awarded nearly $1 million in competitive state grants from the Wisconsin Technical College System.

“Every dollar helps students reach their goals and learn the skills they need for successful careers,” said Nicolet College President Richard Nelson.

“In the end, we all benefit. Many of these grants focus on furthering flexible learning so more people bring increased skills to jobs in our communities. The college’s flexible learning approach is known as Nicolet My Way.”

Nicolet applied for 11 grants. For the second straight year, the college was awarded 100 percent funding for each application that was submitted. The 2018-19 grants total $945,265.

Specifically, the grants will allow the college to:

– Expand the newly-structured Nicolet My Way Welding program that focuses on teaching competencies and allows students to progress through at their own pace.

– Launch a Nicolet My Way pilot program that will bring the Welding program to five area high schools. Students will have the opportunity to earn a Nicolet Technical Diploma in Welding right in the high school. The grant will also pay for high-tech welding simulators for each school. The technology accelerates learning and can shorten the time necessary to earn the college credential. Participating high schools include Rhinelander, Northland Pines, Tomahawk, Laona and Mercer.

– Provide direct support for under-resourced students. The effort will provide additional college preparation workshops, more support for students taking online classes, additional tutoring for students, financial guidance and assistance, and career planning and development services.

– Fund numerous activities with middle and high schools in the Nicolet District. These will include career exploration events, skills competitions, and college visits for students. The grant also funds professional development for high school teachers teaching college-level credit classes in their high schools.

Other grants support GED and HSED education, fund testing of new instructional technologies, advance literacy in communities, and fund professional development activities for Nicolet staff.