Joey South, second-year UACCM Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology student, has been named a 2021 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship.  “Joey’s being named to this honor is a first for UACCM,” said Phi Theta Kappa advisor, Mat Herrman. “His being awarded this honor shows that all students can be acknowledged at any level – locally, regionally, or nationally – when they put forth the effort to demonstrate their best work. We are so proud of his accomplishment.” This scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon the completion of a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,0...

The onset of the pandemic created several new challenges for students in higher education. Whether it was lack of reliable internet access, loss of income, or impacts to mental or physical health, very few remained unaffected by Covid-19. According to a recent study from the National Center for Education Statistics, 35.4 percent of undergraduate students at two-year colleges experienced financial disruption or change during the pandemic, and 8.7 percent had difficulty accessing food or paying for food.  In an effort to help students cope with financial stress, UACCM is disbursing funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act directly to enrolled students.  For most students, funds will be distributed over the months of September, October, and November, with September checks being disbursed last week. Pell Grant eligible students will receive bonus checks in the amount of $350 each for a total of $1,050, and Pell Grant ineligible students...

Shamard Thomas, recent graduate of the Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Technology program, took home silver in the nationals SkillsUSA competition for architectural drafting.  The 2021 SkillsUSA Championships were held virtually from June 14-24, 2021. Over 3,700 students from every state in the nation competed in the Championships, making it the largest skill competition in the world.   “My initial introduction with SkillsUSA was during my 10th grade year of high school when I had just begun taking architecture and architectural design seriously,” said Thomas. “The organization was introduced to my fellow peers and I on the first day of our drafting class by our teacher, Randy Wiedmaier. After learning about the organization, what they represented, and what the competitions held for my trade, I was hooked.” “Shamard was a wonderful student,” said Kristen Karetov, CADD Technology Instructor and SkillsUSA Club sponsor. She was thrilled knowing that this is the bes...