by givebackdv | Sep 16, 2022 | College Success
Last month, Give Back Careers students were given the opportunity to tour Hutchinson Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College, two Kansas-based community colleges that offer a host of diverse degree and certificate programs.
Organized by Kansas Program Director Katie Latta and Illinois Student Coach Shannon Labus, the excursion exposed a small group of Give Back Careers students, ranging from incoming freshmen to juniors in high school, to the wide variety of training and educational opportunities available through community colleges..
Set four hours apart from each other, Hutchinson and Kansas City Kansas presented two distinct campus lifestyles to the students. While the Kansas City Kansas campus appeared more metropolitan in nature, Hutchinson–which shares its campus with the Cosmosphere Space Museum–gave off more of a typical “university” feel, with a rural backdrop and a football field situated in the center of the campus. Throughout each tour the students got the chance to explore the athletic facilities, experience eating in a dining hall, and discover the plethora of degree, certificate, and career options offered at the colleges.
“So many schools and adults push students towards a four year degree and I feel like it’s important for our students to visit these community colleges and technical colleges and see the different kinds of programs available to them,” said Katie. “This different exposure can show them that they can still be successful and proud of their career even if it’s not from a four year college.”
The students were excited to learn that so much was available to them from community colleges in the area. Each college offers over 100 degree and certificate programs–anything ranging from more traditional avenues as Chemistry and Political Science to certificate opportunities from Welding Technology to Baking to Web Design. Students attending the colleges even have the opportunity to participate in a hybrid program in partnership with local companies that offer part-time paid internships while pursuing their education.
“You have to uncover a lot of rocks to find what you love,” said Shannon. “The more we can expose students to different careers and educational options, the more chances we are giving them to be successful. It’s amazing how many programs can be completed in two years that lead to fulfilling and high-paying careers.”
At Give Back, we are all about empowering our youth to discover their passions and reach their goals through support, planning, exposure, and encouragement. Everybody’s path to success and happiness is unique, and we believe that with guidance and support, everyone can achieve their dreams.
by givebackdv | Jul 19, 2022 | College Success
Blackburn College recently hosted a group of students for a unique campus experience through a partnership with Give Back. A nonprofit organization, Give Back supports students who have faced varying types of adversity by providing them with personal mentorship and scholarship support. While Give Back students toured several colleges and universities in Illinois, they were able to experience first-hand what life would be like as a college student and as part of the Blackburn community.
With similar missions and commitments to making college education more attainable, the partnership between Blackburn and Give Back is an excellent fit. Give Back students are selected as early as ninth grade and benefit from their college readiness programs and campus visits. As a collegiate partner, the College works with Give Back to provide resources to give students a chance at a higher education degree. Blackburn has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top Liberal Arts Colleges in the Nation for Social Mobility in their Best Colleges lists for 2020, 2021, and 2022.
“Blackburn has always had a significant commitment to serving first-generation college students and providing access to a transformational education,” Dr. Steven Lambert, Vice President for Inclusive Enrollment, said. “Students with economic hardship are afforded the opportunity to rise through their education and ultimately their careers with critical assistance. Blackburn is uniquely qualified to help young people of all backgrounds achieve their dreams through a college degree.”
During the overnight adventure, visitors were able to learn about the diverse academic programs and student engagement activities available on campus. They reviewed the numerous opportunities they would have to build a full resume along with a degree as part of the College’s nationally-recognized Work Program. The group even joined a “haunted campus tour” led by current Blackburn students.
“One of the essential factors in Give Back’s efforts focuses on a student’s need for housing and food. It’s so important to provide a strong learning and living environment that will set students up for success. That is also why this overnight experience is so vital,” Lambert continued. “Blackburn was proud to answer the call when Give Back first sought collegiate partners and we are thrilled to continue this strong connection with an incredible organization.”
About Blackburn College
Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of only ten federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn has the only program in the nation fully managed by students. Balancing academic rigor and experiential learning, each student at Blackburn gains tangible experience and develops critical skills by contributing to their community, all while building a resume and earning their degree. The Center for Education & the Workforce at Georgetown University ranked Blackburn as a top performer for Earnings-Price Return (#1 in Illinois, #10 in the U.S.) and Net Price (#1 in Illinois; #11 in the U.S.). The Washington Monthly twice ranked Blackburn as the best baccalaureate college in Illinois.
by givebackdv | Aug 17, 2020 | College Success, Scholars
Give Back is committed to supporting and informing students during these times of uncertainty. The COVID-19 Pandemic may make it impossible for colleges and schools to resume in-person learning in the fall. We want you to know that it is okay and normal to experience stress and anxiety. It would be best if you took care of yourself and your mental health. Here are some tips we learned from our successful mental health session, which recently took place at our Mid-Atlantic Summit.
Take breaks from the news and social media to clear your mind. Staying informed is vital. However, information overload can also cause anxiety, fear, and stress. Try to disconnect and relax whenever you can. Instead, talk with people that you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. In times of disconnect, it is essential to remember to stay connected with your loved ones and friends as much as possible. Send a text message, set up a group video call or create a fun mailing list, and reach out to stay connected.
Try to care for your body by eating a well-balanced meal. What you eat directly affects the function of your brain and your mood. Eat healthily and see how you feel after 2-3 weeks! You can also look after your body by exercising and practicing yoga. Yoga improves balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity in youth. It can help foster creativity, flexibility, self-control, and discipline in academics, career, and interpersonal relationships during early to late teenage years.
Are you still feeling overwhelmed? Breathe and ground yourself. Grounding is a strategy that may distract you from what you are experiencing and focus on your mind, senses, and being kind to yourself. It anchors you and helps you calm down. Grounding creates space from distressing feelings and allows you to readdress the problem that is triggering any unpleasant emotions. If you still feel that you are on your own, giving back can help you feel reconnected to others and the world. Work on your mental health by making a difference. Time with animals boosts feelings of happiness. If you do not have a pet, volunteer at a shelter!
The ongoing pandemic has brought forth challenging times. You are not alone. We are together apart and with you.
These are free online resources to help students focus on their emotional wellbeing and cope with anxiety and stress:
National Suicide Prevention Line: Call the hotline at 1-800-283-TALK if you are experiencing emotional distress related to COVID-19.
Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 741741 when you are feeling sad, depressed, or going through any type of emotional crisis, a crisis worker will text you back immediately and continue to text you.
Calm: a free meditation app for beginners, but also includes programs for intermediate and advanced users. Its guided meditations range from 3 to 25 minutes.
DreamyKid: a free app offering meditation, guided visualization and affirmations for children and teens.
Headspace: a free app focusing on mindful awareness, relieving anxiety, and reducing stress.
