Marketing & Public Relations: News Updates

Chandler-Gilbert Community College receives $2 million from U.S. Department of Labor

Crane,Carol E. — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:14:24 GMT

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CGCC will lead a STEM initiative and expand electrical utility technology program as part of consortium

Chandler-Gilbert Community College was awarded a $2 million grant by the U.S. Department of Labor to revise and expand its Electrical Utility Technology (EUT) program and to develop a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) pipeline of graduates prepared for local jobs.

The funds are part of a $13.5 million grant awarded to the Arizona Sun Corridor Get Into Energy Consortium (ASC-GIEC), comprised of five Arizona community colleges, under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) initiative in an effort to develop programs to help fulfill the state’s energy industry workforce needs.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, who travelled to Arizona to announce the grant and tour the campus of consortium leader Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale, emphasized the goals of the grant are to train adults for high-skill, high wage employment as well as foster partnerships between community colleges and local employers to promote skill development and employment opportunities.

“Arizona’s future depends on high-wage, high-skill jobs, especially in the rapidly-changing area of energy technologies.” said Linda Lujan, president of Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC). “This grant provides an outstanding opportunity for partner colleges to meet the needs of students, industry partners and the state. CGCC is honored to be part of this initiative and is excited to focus on innovative educational pathways and programmatic improvement to benefit our communities.”

“The grant comes at a crucial time,” said Maria Reyes, Dean of Career and Technical Education for Chandler-Gilbert Community College. “The program staff is working closely with business partners like Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, and Tucson Electric Power to ensure training is stackable and relates to industry-recognized credentials that address their current and future needs for a skilled workforce.”

As part of the “silver tsunami” of baby boomers entering retirement age, the energy industry will need to replace nearly 55 percent of its workforce over the next decade due to retirement and other attrition.

The grant will enable CGCC to increase student participation in the EUT program over the next three years by upgrading current equipment, purchasing additional equipment, and hiring additional instructors, lab technicians and other necessary staff.

CGCC will also lead the STEM component of the grant, developing a common curriculum, credit certificates and degrees to allow seamless transferability for students to energy and mining industries. Students interested in pursuing a bachelor degree in engineering or other energy-related degrees will fund an expanded transfer path to Arizona State University (ASU) through the collaboration of Science Foundation of Arizona (SFAz), which is chartered by the State of Arizona to facilitate STEM education opportunities across all public, private and nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities.

“CGCC already has a strong engineering technology program where students who complete a two-year of study have earned the credentials to be employed or they can transfer to ASU,” said Reyes. “The grant will help us enhance the pathways to map to the Energy Industry Competency (EIC) model and deliver that program to all of the consortium colleges, significantly increasing the number of individuals effectively prepared to enter STEM careers throughout the state.”

The Arizona Sun Corridor Get Into Energy Consortium includes Estrella Community College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Northland Pioneer College, Pima Community College and Yavapai Community College. CGCC also will benefit from the work of these consortium partners as they will lead other aspects of the project. Together, the five consortia members are targeted to impact 7,500 students over the next three years.

Press Release Date: 10/30/2012

Start off the holiday season right with CGCC’s A Christmas Carol

Crane,Carol E. — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:01:49 GMT

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The holiday season often ushers in an increased level of activity with seasonal chores and additional social engagements. Frequently, the time passes in such a rush and is filled with so much to do that the meaning of the season gets lost.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s production of The Christmas Carol on Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 will start your season off on the right foot and here’s why.

First, it’s top notch. If there is one word to describe this production, it would be quality. The music is by Alan Menken, who is best known for his Academy-Award winning scores for Walt Disney films like Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. The lyrics are by Lynn Ahrens, another award-winning writer and lyricist for theater (Ragtime), television (Schoolhouse Rock) and film (Anastasia). The cast is a talented group of student artists of all ages and the scenery will simply knock your socks off.

“We love doing this show,” said Sally Jesse, dance faculty at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. “It’s difficult to schedule with the many other productions we have going on at this time, but the music is so beautiful and our cast has amazing talent and vocal ability. And this year, the scenery is astounding.”

Second, it’s inexpensive. Premium seating costs only $12 with all other seats only $10. “I think the Performing Arts Center is one of the best kept secrets in terms of theater in the East Valley,” says Jesse.

Third, it’s a memorable experience. “It’s not coincidental that we go ‘see a movie’ but ‘experience the theatre,’” said Jesse. “In a movie where every scene is controlled, it becomes a calculated experience. In a theatre, the performers are real and anything can happen. The guest is drawn into the production by virtue of being present with the actors.” Additionally, it is a performance children can connect to with many scenes including children of all ages.

Fourth, it’s a great story. The timeless tale of an unfeeling curmudgeon who is given the opportunity to reflect on his life and chooses to open his heart once again is one that resonates with many. “We tend to think of Ebenezer Scrooge as an old, mean man, but he has deep-seated emotions that he hides because of his fear of rejection,” said Sam Loose, student actor who plays Scrooge. “Anyone who has experienced rejection has struggled with how to respond and whether to allow themselves to be vulnerable again.”

This feel-good, heart-warming production, which lasts about an hour and 45 minutes, will set the tone for the remainder of the holiday.

Scrooge agrees. “By attending A Christmas Carol at the beginning of the holiday season, a guest will experience music that speaks to every emotion and have time away with family or friends to remind them about what is really important — people and what it means to be part of a community. “ says Loose.

Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Nov 29 and 30 and Dec. 1 with a 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, Dec. 1 only. For tickets, call the box office at 480-732-7343 or visit www.cgc.edu/arts.

Upcoming Events

Nov. 28, 11:30 a.m. — Midday Jazz

Dec. 2, 3 p.m. — Choir concert at Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa

Dec. 3, 7 p.m. — Temple concert with CGCC Singers, LDS Temple in Mesa

Dec. 7, 7 p.m. — Student Actors Showcase

Dec. 7, 8 p.m. — Student Dance Showcase (tickets required)

Dec. 8, 8 p.m. — Student Dance Showcase (tickets required)

Dec. 10, 6:30 and 8 p.m. — Winter Sampler (free event but tickets required)

Press Release Date: 11/23/2012

Diversity Day gives elementary students exposure to world culture

Crane,Carol E. — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:56:55 GMT

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Michael Swett stands before a table of sixth-grade students from Chandler Traditional Academy’s Humphrey campus overseeing their painting as he tells them about Italy’s famous artists. It’s Diversity Day: Passport to the World, a service-learning project for Chandler-Gilbert Community College students taking the Cultural Diversity in Education class.

Swett is pursuing a teaching degree and the project, which has brought more than 70 students to the campus, gives him a first-hand glimpse into what the career entails.

“Without field experience, I can only envision what I think might happen in an elementary classroom.” said Swett, who has been attending CGCC part-time for two years. “The service-learning projects introduce us to the true experience as well as the nuances in teaching that don’t appear in textbooks.”

Taylor Sinodis, a third-year student pursuing her associate degree in elementary education, introduces the fifth graders to Spanish culture by helping them make castanets and demonstrating the flamenco. Her two teacher partners have also prepared lessons for the one-hour class.

“The service-learning projects have influenced me greatly.” said Sinodis. “They provide insight to the classroom environment, by allowing future teachers to experience students in various situations. The knowledge I have gained from all of my service learning experiences will benefit my future teaching career.”

According to Sharon Fagan, education faculty at CGCC, this is exactly the reason service-learning projects are required in every class in the education program at CGCC. Each semester, a student will spend a minimum of 20-30 hours working in a classroom.

“The benefit is two-fold. It gives our students the opportunity to practice as teachers and apply what they have learned in class, and it also enriches the curriculum of the participating elementary school, since the lessons have to align with the standards of the school,” said Fagan, who coordinates eight to 10 similar special service learning projects annually.

The service-learning projects in the education courses are one example of how service-learning has been integrated into the college culture. For the past seven years, CGCC has been named to the U.S. President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition an institution can receive for its commitment to community service. CGCC has twice received the award “with distinction,” acknowledging those colleges that display strong levels of institutional commitment and have partnerships that produce a measurable impact in the community. CGCC is currently the only community college in Arizona to hold this designation.

“It is amazing to be part of an institution where serving our communities has been an explicit value for 20 years, where faculty engage students in the high-impact practice of service-learning and students experience deep learning through active engagement in their curriculum.” said Alison Whiting, service-learning coordinator.

The program has made the difference for Swett. “Service-learning was the decision maker for me to pursue an education degree,” said Swett, who has attended both Hofstra and Arizona State University. “I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do, but after getting exposure to working with children, I knew teaching was a fit for me.”

To learn more about CGCC’s service-learning program visit cgc.edu/servicelearning or call 480- 857-5274.

Press Release Date: 12/28/2012

Scholarship gifts relieve educational stress

Crane,Carol E. — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:55:47 GMT

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Steven Acosta was sitting in his aviation maintenance class at Chandler-Gilbert Community College when the instructor paused the lesson and announced that Steven had been selected as the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship. Though embasrrassed by the recognition, he was also very surprised. He hadn’t formally applied for any scholarships.

“It was a complete surprise,” said Acosta, 19, who had signed up for the five-semester program after hearing his dad Jose speak about it. Jose, also a student, began the program when Steven was a senior in Mountain Pointe High School in Ahwatukee. “He knew I liked physics and math and would tell me how his classes required precision in both. It got me hooked.”

Acosta toured the facility located at the former Williams Air Force Base and signed up in the spring. The next step was to figure out the financing. The family of five was already paying for Jose’s tuition and Steven wasn’t going to let them pay for his as well. His earnings as a part-time employee at Taco Bell helped some, but the expenses added up quickly.

“In aviation maintenance, you have to buy a lot of tools which can cost between $700 and $2,500 the first year even with a student discount, plus a mobile tool cabinet,” said Acosta. The expenses led him to take a loan the first semester. During that time and without Acosta knowing, college administrators were ensuring that he fit the criteria of the comprehensive scholarship. When the instructor made the announcement, a weight lifted off Acosta’s shoulders.

“I was like winning the lottery,” Acosta said. “The amount will pay for the rest of my program and has relieved an enormous amount of stress.”

Luis Mundo agrees. The 19-year-old resident of Apache Junction received two $1,000 scholarships —one from Boeing and another from the Maricopa County Community College District.

“When I first entered college, I had no idea how I was going to pay for things,” Mundo said. “I qualified for a Pell grant, but I hadn’t anticipated the tool costs. Receiving the two scholarships really lifted a burden and, with my part-time job, I was able to pay my bills.”

Scholarships are one of the ways that Boeing has built a strong relationship with CGCC.

“Boeing is grateful for its relationship with CGCC and the opportunity it gives the company to develop and hire talented, diverse workers to design and build the world’s greatest aerospace products,” said Tony Ham, Site Leader and Director of Operations at the Mesa site.

Individual support is another valuable source of scholarships. Acosta’s scholarship is financed entirely by an anonymous donor in memory of his son. By providing a scholarship that covers the costs of entire program, he hopes to reduce a student’s financial pressure as they pursue their passion.

“Each scholarship has a story behind it,” said Cindy Barnes Pharr, dean of community affairs at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. “Whether it fosters growth of a field of study, supports a particular kind of student, or strengthens the college as a whole, we have them here. Of course, we’re always looking for more to help as many students succeed as possible.”

Acosta echoes the sentiment. “I’m honored to be chosen for this scholarship. I know this is the career that I want, and because of the donor, my future is set. My future is full of endless possibilities.”

To contribute to scholarships at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, call 480-732-7093 or give online at cgc.edu/betheconnection.

Press Release Date: 12/14/2012