BHC division endeavors to create new programs
Shaunte Allen
Issue date: 10/26/09 Section: News
With the recent downturn in the U.S. economy, citizens are being displaced at an alarming rate. According to the Texas Workforce Commission's Web site, "employment in Texas fell by 44,700 positions in September."
When workers are displaced or unemployed they typically turn to education, Vernon Hawkins, associate vice president of workforce and continuing education at Brookhaven College, said.
The mission of this division is to "create new programs for new jobs," he said.
Hawkins said grant programs are sponsored by social services such as Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Investment Act and the Trade Adjustment Act.
The TWC has eight approved programs for qualified workers who complete the program in two years. The TAA gives workers up to three years to complete a degree if their company moves out of the U.S. The tuition and books for qualified individuals are also paid for with the Cisco networking certificate.
Hawkins said the main source of revenue for the continuing education program is out-of-pocket tuition, which is non-reimbursable by the state of Texas. Grants help, especially for skill development. The average student's age is 37; they have families to take care of, he said.
"The enrollment for CE programs is steady, with about 9,000 students taking classes per year," Hawkins said.
Due to this, the Workforce and Continuing Education program is constructing a new 25,000-square-foot building. The new facility, Building W, will house 17 large classrooms, a computer lab, a kitchen with all the amenities and office space for faculty, including those who currently work off-campus because of the lack of space.
CE employees will begin moving to the new building in mid-December, with classes beginning Jan. 2 for the spring 2010 semester, Hawkins said.
He said the current No. 1 CE program is the Medical Front Office certificate. It is a new Level 1 certificate this year, which includes six classes and an internship.
Linda Martinez, prospective Brookhaven student, is interested in the Medical Front Office certificate. She said her department at the Hilton Resort was outsourced only a few weeks ago. She now wants to work in a different field.
"I'll have to be retrained for a new job," she said.
According to Brookhaven's Web site: "The certificate improves the proficiency of those working in a medical office or prepares those with strong office skills for the medical environment."
Sharon Burton, program coordinator, will hold information sessions throughout the fall semester for interested students.
For more information about how displaced or unemployed students can qualify for grant programs, students can contact the Workforce and Continuing Education Office at 972-860-4600.
When workers are displaced or unemployed they typically turn to education, Vernon Hawkins, associate vice president of workforce and continuing education at Brookhaven College, said.
The mission of this division is to "create new programs for new jobs," he said.
Hawkins said grant programs are sponsored by social services such as Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Investment Act and the Trade Adjustment Act.
The TWC has eight approved programs for qualified workers who complete the program in two years. The TAA gives workers up to three years to complete a degree if their company moves out of the U.S. The tuition and books for qualified individuals are also paid for with the Cisco networking certificate.
Hawkins said the main source of revenue for the continuing education program is out-of-pocket tuition, which is non-reimbursable by the state of Texas. Grants help, especially for skill development. The average student's age is 37; they have families to take care of, he said.
"The enrollment for CE programs is steady, with about 9,000 students taking classes per year," Hawkins said.
Due to this, the Workforce and Continuing Education program is constructing a new 25,000-square-foot building. The new facility, Building W, will house 17 large classrooms, a computer lab, a kitchen with all the amenities and office space for faculty, including those who currently work off-campus because of the lack of space.
CE employees will begin moving to the new building in mid-December, with classes beginning Jan. 2 for the spring 2010 semester, Hawkins said.
He said the current No. 1 CE program is the Medical Front Office certificate. It is a new Level 1 certificate this year, which includes six classes and an internship.
Linda Martinez, prospective Brookhaven student, is interested in the Medical Front Office certificate. She said her department at the Hilton Resort was outsourced only a few weeks ago. She now wants to work in a different field.
"I'll have to be retrained for a new job," she said.
According to Brookhaven's Web site: "The certificate improves the proficiency of those working in a medical office or prepares those with strong office skills for the medical environment."
Sharon Burton, program coordinator, will hold information sessions throughout the fall semester for interested students.
For more information about how displaced or unemployed students can qualify for grant programs, students can contact the Workforce and Continuing Education Office at 972-860-4600.
Be the first to comment on this story