May 2010 - Posts
Tryouts for the 2010-2011 GateWay Community College (GWCC) Men's Baseball Team are being held at 9:00am on Thursday, June 10 on field 3 of Gene Autry Park. Gene Autry Park is the Gecko's home field and is located at 4125 East McKellips Road in Mesa. Each player must provide their own workout clothes, baseball spikes, and glove. GWCC will provide Baum bats, baseballs and other equipment needed for use during the tryout.
All participants should arrive 30 minutes early to register and warm-up. While walk-ups registration is available, pre-registration is encouraged. Each participant must complete an Assumption of Risk Form and a Tryout Liability Waiver Form prior to participation. Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent signature. The forms must be on hand and signed to be eligible to participate.There is a $5 field usage fee for those wishing to tryout.
The 2010 Gecko Baseball team was the 2010 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region I, Division II Champions. Head Coach, Rob Shabansky earned the 2010 NJCAA Region I Coach of the Year award. Player's Casey Maloney and Josh Melendez were named to the 2010 NJCAA Region I Division 2 First Team and Alex Murrieta was named to the Second Team. Josh Melendez and Doug Snover were named to the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference All-Conference First Team as Catcher and Outfielder, respectively.
Graduating high school seniors looking to continue competitive play while attending college are encouraged to participate. Scholarships are available for those who qualify. For more information about tryouts, contact Head Coach Rob Shabansky at 602-286-8215 or shabansky@gatewaycc.edu.
Tempe, AZ, May 19, 2010 - Maricopa Community College students will soon have options to receive refunds beyond the issuance of a paper check they have to cash.
Beginning this summer, students will be able to have refunds, including financial aid, direct deposited into their banking account, or they can enroll in a free Visa® prepaid debit card program with Citi® Prepaid Services.
The move to electronic payments, including direct deposit or the prepaid debit card will provide significant benefits over paper checks to both students and college staffs, said Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick, vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the Maricopa Community Colleges.
"Students will benefit from faster, convenient and secure access to their funds," Harper-Marinick said. "They will no longer have to wait for a check to arrive in the mail, or stand in line at the bank or check-cashing service to access their refunds."
Harper-Marinick also said the colleges will benefit from a streamlined process that reduces costs and simplifies administration of refunds.
Dubbed the Maricopa Student Refund Program (MSRP), the new service will be available on line via a link in the student center at my.maricopa.edu. Students will be responsible for accessing the link and selecting their preferred method for receiving payment. They will be able to choose from direct deposit into an existing bank account, a Visa prepaid debit card which does not require a bank account, or a paper check. The Visa prepaid debit cards are protected by Visa's Zero Liability* fraud protection in the event the card is ever lost or stolen, and they are free of charge to students who are receiving a refund from the Maricopa Community Colleges. Students who do not enroll and select their preferred method of payment will receive a paper check from Citibank.
Students began receiving emails in their Maricopa GoogleTM email accounts in May alerting them to the new options for refunds. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) will also be available at my.maricopa.edu, providing a brief overview of the program and answering common questions about the new prepaid card.
Customer service staff at the colleges will begin to receive training on the new refund process in the coming months.
More information on MSRP is available by calling the Maricopa Community Colleges at (480) 731-8503.
*Visa's Zero Liability policy covers U.S.-issued cards only and does not apply to ATM transactions. PIN transactions not processed by Visa, or certain commercial card transactions. Cardholder must notify Citi Prepaid promptly of any unauthorized use. For more details, visit www.visa.com/security.
As the school year ends, youth across the Valley are looking for ways to keep busy over summer break. Give them an answer to the age old question, "What did you do over summer vacation?" and send them to one or more of the DISCOVER Summer youth programs offered at GateWay Community College. The collection of programs, conducted on campus, allow students age 13-18 to have fun, explore career opportunities and potentially earn college credit.
DISCOVER Talent offers kids age 13-15 the opportunity to take part in a First Aid or Robotics Camp. First Aid camp is perfect for teens of babysitting age to gain valuable emergency skills, complete CPR training and wilderness first aid. In Robotics Camp, participants will learn the basics of design technology, and then work in teams to build a functioning robot.
DISCOVER Careers gives 16-18 year olds an introduction to a variety of career fields and earn college credit through the exploration the Automotive Academy, Future Builders Academy, or the Communications Academy.
Programs take place from June to August depending on the individual program. Program costs range from $50 - $300. Scholarship opportunities are available for qualified participants in select programs. For complete details and additional camp information, call (602) 286-8672 or visit http://www.gatewaycc.edu/Youth/DISCOVER/. DISCOVER Summer programs are made possible through partnerships with the BHHS Legacy Foundation, Arizona Tech Prep, and the Arizona Builders' Alliance.
One way to offset the cost of your college expenses is through scholarships. They are offered for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common are for outstanding grades, athletic or musical talent, or the desire to achieve a particular career. Some are offered to cover tuition, books, particular courses, a combination of these or various other expenses. No matter how you receive your scholarship or what you received it for, every opportunity is helpful for funding your education.
Scholarship opportunities are available year round and students are encouraged to check often for new prospects in a variety of places, one of which is the scholarship blog for GateWay Community College. Criteria for scholarships vary and need to be ready carefully. They can include just filling out an application with your back ground information, writing an essay, or completing a set of criteria.
Sometimes they are the luck of the draw as the following students found out.
Five Students Receive Scholarships from Helping Hands for Single Moms
Five students were each awarded $250 scholarships at the annual Helping Hands for Single Moms Celebrating Your Success Event and Fundraiser in March. Helping Hands is an organization that assists single moms in obtaining a college education and financial independence. The main event featured a 5k Walk-n-Run for Success which helped raise the scholarship funds. Over 750 people participated in the event and twenty single moms were awarded $250 scholarships. Additional activities included a kid's zone, resource fair, networking opportunities, scholarship awards, and free lunches for over 300 moms and their children provided by the Maricopa Community College District.
One of GateWay's five scholarship recipients, Michelle Ray, took her daughter to the event and is grateful for having received the scholarship. "It takes some of the burden of off paying for school," Ray said. "(Scholarships) will help me succeed in my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse."
To learn more about the Helping Hands Organization and next year's event, visit www.helpingsinglemoms.org.
In July of 2009, Ian Mistretta joined his girlfriend and young daughter in Arizona from New York and enrolled in Moon Valley High School. Feeling bored, he dropped out and quickly felt like his life was going nowhere. Then a friend told him about the YouthBuild Phoenix program, which is funded by a grant awarded to the City of Phoenix by the US Department of Labor. He is now learning leadership and life skills, receiving occupational skill training from which he will earn a Certificate of Carpentry and has plans to further his education in the information technology field.
"At one point I was headed down the wrong road," Mistretta said. YouthBuild, "really helped me open doors. I have opportunities now."
As one of six educational and business partners participating in the YouthBuild Phoenix grant program, GateWay Community College's Apprenticeship program helps connect participants with apprenticeships and through GWCC's Business and Industry Training program teaches a leadership development course. The course provides valuable life skills; "I've learned how to take charge of a situation, be more efficient and create a plan for my life," Mistretta said.
During a three day workshop at GWCC, students earned college credit in Leadership for Citizenship. The workshop, presented in collaboration with the City of Phoenix under the direction of Tim Valencia, Youth Program Coordinator and Harley Armstrong, YouthBuild Field Coordinator for Arizona Call-A-Teen YouthBuild Resources, also included a campus tour, application for financial aid, interest assessment, resume writing, career planning and advisement.
YouthBuild aims to help young adults aged 18-24 "get a second chance at their education and an opportunity to get trained in a construction trade," Armstrong explained. This year there are 16 participants in the program and each will receive assistance toward achieving their high school diplomas or GEDs and obtaining hands-on-training in the construction industry through the Carpentry Program at the Maricopa Skill Center (MSC).
After acceptance into the program in November, Mistretta earned his GED in just one and a half months and enrolled in the Carpentry Program. The MSC program teaches construction trade skills including sustainable 'green' construction, which prepares students to participate in a Habitat for Humanity housing project as part of the YouthBuild program.
"I look forward to being able to install electrical components one day when I get a house and not have to call anyone," Mistretta beamed.
This year's grant is funding the first 'green' project for the YouthBuild Phoenix program. Building of the 'green' certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) home began in early March in the established Encanto neighborhood. Construction will continue for the next few months and upon completion will be given to a family selected by Habitat for Humanity.
Participants in YouthBuild are expected to complete the program within four to eight months of starting and are offered guidance to continue on their path to success. Mistretta plans to attend college and earn a degree in information technology with which he will use his skills to install and fix computers.
On Friday, May 14, GateWay Community College (GWCC) will hold commencement ceremonies for graduating students as they are awarded their certificates of completion and/or associate degrees. To honor the 1,393 graduates, a Commencement Ceremony for certificate and degree candidates, and a Pinning Ceremony for graduating nursing students will be held.
Both events will take place at the North Phoenix Baptist Church, which is located at 5757 North Central Avenue in Phoenix. The Nursing Pinning Ceremony begins at 3 p.m. and the Commencement Ceremony will follow at 6:45 p.m. Free parking will be available at each event.
Whether a student is headed straight to the workplace or is transferring to a university, each graduate has a story to tell about their educational journey. With this in mind, six outstanding certificate and degree candidates shared their stories:
Amira Boskovski, will address her peers at this year's graduation as the honored student speaker and as a remarkable example of determination and dedication. Her journey began 17 years ago when she first enrolled at GWCC without a goal in mind. Through the course of almost two decades, she eventually decided on a career as a Registered Nurse. Along the way she received her Licensed Practical Nursing credentials, took time off from school to work, get married and start a family. In 2001, her second child was diagnosed with autism, leading to her decision to leave work and become a stay at home mom during which time her nursing license lapsed. Not losing sight of her original goal, she returned to school off and on and had two more children. Then, in 2006, her youngest was also diagnosed with autism.
Two years later, now as a single mom, she returned to GWCC to have her license reinstated and continue her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Back working part-time as an LPN, she attended school full-time as an honors student and discovered a love for literature and the possibilities an education can offer. She represented GWCC at this year's Honors Conference in Wyoming and will receive an Associate in Arts degree which is providing her the foundation to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.
Hector Salazar, an automotive technology major from Yuma, Ariz., attended GWCC as a full-time student while also working full-time as an Automotive Technician. He is graduating with honors. He represented GWCC along with four other students at the SkillsUSA Arizona Championships and placed first, securing a spot in the National Leadership and Skills Conference this June in Missouri. He served as president of GWCC's Automotive Club and often volunteered at campus events. He plans to enroll at Arizona State University (ASU) in the fall to begin his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Jonathan Carrillo, a biology major, will be the first in his family to graduate from college. As an Honors student, he was very involved in student activities. He served as last year's Student Council Vice-President, which allowed him to travel to California and Tucson to participate in leadership conferences. He was also a member of the Hispanic Student Organization, Soccer Club, Phi Theta Kappa, and often volunteered at college events such as GeckoLand and the Holiday Buffet. He also provided campus tours to potential students. Jonathan will transfer to ASU this fall to pursue a degree in microbiology with the hope of attending medical school to become a surgeon.
For Pamela Shepherd, a Physical Therapist Assisting (PTA) graduate, the third time's the charm. She began her career as an internal auditor in Florida, went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and after 16 years her husband was transferred to Fort Worth, Texas. She left chasing the corporate ladder behind and discovered a passion that catered to her nurturing instincts as a substitute elementary school teacher. Eventually she was offered a position, and went on to receive her credentials through an alternative certification program. She taught for five years before her husband's job transferred them once again, this time to Phoenix. At this stage, she played with retirement but found she wasn't ready and felt she wasn't contributing to society like she wanted to.
During her trial retirement, she trained with her neighbor and the Phoenix Heat Wheelchair Rugby team at the Arizona Disabled Sports Gym in Mesa. Some of the team members were USA Paraolympians training for the Beijing Olympics. Here she helped with their training and was encouraged to enter the Physical Therapy field. In 2008, she began the PTA Program at GWCC, and through her clinical experiences, she is confident she is on the right path. With her certification, she is leaning toward heading back to an educational environment to assist disabled children in a one-on-one setting and furthering her education with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Northern Arizona University.
Miriam Pallister, came to GateWay from New Mexico where she was homeschooled and competed high school at the age of 16. Always wanting to be a nurse, she explored her educational options and at the age of 18, enrolled in GWCC's Nursing Program because of the smaller class sizes and excellent reputation for training nurses. During her studies, Miriam participated in the TRIO program from which she received tutoring, and learned study and test taking techniques. She also got married and had two children and through diapers and late nights, she never wavered from her goal, also finding the time to immerse herself in college life. She served as president of Club INSITE for two years, served as the secretary of Club PLAY, through the campus child care center where she brought her daughter, and was a science tutor for the Upward Bound Program on campus for 3 years. She will graduate with her Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing. She plans to work as a Registered Nurse for a year, hopefully as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, then return to school to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with an ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
Indira Harahap, a biology major, is one of ten GateWay Early College High School students graduating from the high school as well as GWCC this year. Indira was named to the 2010 All-Arizona Academic Team, an honor for community college students across the state. She is involved in Phi Theta Kappa and served as the campus organization's Vice President of Service and Fellowship. Additionally, she participated in the IGNITE Club (Influence, Guide and Network for Intercollegiate Tobacco Education), the Hispanic Student Organization, and World Explorer's Club. She is also a member of the Camelback Mountaineers Pathfinder Club. Community service is strongly valued by Indira, who reaches out to others in numerous ways as a volunteer at the Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Children's Hospital, and at the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure. Indira plans to continue her education at ASU.
