Category: Financial Aid

SC4 to host Degrees and Donuts Open House April 27

St. Clair County Community College will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, in the SC4 Welcome Center, Room 150.

Degrees and Donuts will provide an opportunity for prospective students to take a campus tour and learn about in-demand careers, SC4 programs, transfer opportunities and support services. The event also will feature donuts from Chef Shell’s Restaurant and Catering and coffee from the Exquisite Corpse Coffee House

“We are excited to offer this unique open house opportunity,” said Admissions Director Tom Kephart. “With our commitment to maximizing student success combined with top programs in high-demand fields, expert faculty, small class sizes and affordability, an SC4 education just makes sense.”

He added, “We look forward to assisting anyone with questions on April 27, and we are grateful to Chef Shell’s and the Exquisite Corpse Coffee House for their support.”

Faculty members from various program areas, as well as representatives from Admissions, Advising, SC4 TRIO, the Achievement Center, Walsh College, Ferris State University and UM-Flint, will be in attendance at the event.

SC4 offers students a wide array of degree and certificate programs taught by faculty members that have spent time in both the classroom and the workforce. Students also have the option of completing the 30-credit Michigan Transfer Agreement, which allows them to easily transfer a block of general education courses to any participating four-year college or university in Michigan.

Degrees and Donuts is free and open to all prospective students and their families. Learn more about SC4 programs and how to apply at sc4.edu/programs.

Exquisite Corpse coffee house logo
Chef Shell logo

SC4 student among recipients of Ellucian Pathways Scholarship

Ellucian, the leading provider of software and services built to power higher education, recently announced that St. Clair County Community College is amongst the recipients of the Ellucian Pathways Scholarship. The scholarship is designed to provide financial support to students at institutions with guided pathways programs who, due to financial constraints, may have difficulty continuing their education.

Kathy Brady, a student in the Associate Degree Nursing program at St. Clair County Community College, received the scholarship to help continue her education after family hardship forced her to put her plans on hold. Kathy shared her inspiring story in a video as part of the scholarship application process.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZvBtDPkTIs]

“It is clear that guided pathways programs are helping students complete their degrees, but the sheer volume of submissions for this scholarship underscores the need that still exists for so many students,” said Jackie Yeaney, chief marketing officer at Ellucian. “We truly believe that education has the power to transform lives and are extremely proud to support the Pathways Scholarship recipients as they continue their education and achieve their goals.”

The scholarship awarded a total of $50,000 dispersed to 10 institutions with guided pathways programs. Each institution will provide scholarship funds to students who submitted a video sharing their story, education goals, and the impact higher education has on their life. Remaining funds will be used at the institution’s discretion to help additional students in need continue their course of study.

Mission Accomplished: Marine City woman completes nursing degree with boost from scholarship

Dec. 13 marked a major achievement for Nikki Leonard, 24, of Marine City. She graduated from the Licensed Practical Nurse program at St. Clair County Community College.

From her earliest years, Nikki says she knew someday she would be a nurse. So, she started taking pre-requisite courses for nursing and then decided to take a break from school before entering the program at SC4. During her break, she decided to test the waters of the medical field and become a certified nurse aide. Following the month-long class, she got a job as a CNA at Medilodge of St. Clair. It was then that life threw her a curveball. Her mother got very sick.

Read more of Nikki’s story from The Keel.

During Michigan College Month, think about SC4

October is Michigan College Month, the statewide focus of a larger national initiative that encourages graduating high school seniors to submit at least one college application and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Oct. 31.

Michigan is home to some of the country’s finest two- and four-year colleges and universities. Still, the decision to attend college remains a difficult choice for many, even with recent studies showing that graduates have greater access to job opportunities and earn $1 million more on average over their lifetimes than those with only a high school diploma.

Beyond the numbers, going to college also provides formative sociocultural benefits, bringing students together in diverse communities to bond over shared interests and different perspectives while challenging preconceptions that prove costly in today’s global marketplace.

Why SC4?

Cost

The cost of a college education can make an undeniably smart choice more difficult. That’s one of the main reasons why community colleges like St. Clair County Community College are so important: They offer options and affordability.

  • Associate degree programs prepare you to immediately enter your chosen field in as little as two years.
  • Save time and money on a bachelor’s degree by earning affordable credits you can transfer to a four-year institution.
  • SC4 offers a more personalized learning environment, with smaller class sizes and more one-on-one engagement with instructors.
  • If you’re not sure what to study, you can explore various subjects that interest you by taking courses that cost less.
  • Study on your schedule. SC4 offers more flexible courses in the evenings after business hours and online.

Campus life

When considering community college, campus life is sometimes listed as a drawback. While flexibility and affordability are important, many students are interested in a “true college experience.” That’s where SC4 sets itself apart, offering the benefits of a community college with the feel of a four-year institution — including the opportunity to complete a degree or earn easily transferable credits at nearly a third of the cost.

  • A 29-acre campus in the heart of downtown Port Huron, a uniquely vibrant city where something new is happening every day. Our city is right on a busy international border, straddling the banks of the St. Clair River and steps away from the beautiful shores of Lake Huron.
  • Accredited programs led by faculty members who have achieved success in their fields, lending their expertise to prepare students for fulfilling careers.
  • Brand-new campus housing right downtown, with room for 80 students and all the creature comforts.
  • 11 athletics teams, with tailgates, game days and all the excitement of college sports.
  • A center of arts and culture in the community, with everything from special exhibits to one-of-a-kind concerts, plays and so much more.
  • A full fitness center — free for students — with a basketball court, walking track, weight room and cardio equipment.
  • A wide array of student clubs and activities to explore interests and passions.
  • Dedicated advisors and student support services like the math, writing and achievement centers.

This Michigan College Month, let’s not lose sight of our important local institutions. Amidst rising costs, SC4 is a different kind of community college offering more than you’d expect.