MARCH 2009

March 31, 2009 -- NW-SCC to Host 3rd Annual Welding Competition

Muscle Shoals, AL -- The Advanced Welding Technology Department at Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will sponsor its 3rd Annual Welding Competition for High School welding students on Friday, April 3rd, 2009 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Advanced Welding Technology, Building 108.
There will be four contests: OFC, SMAW fillet, CTAW fillet, GMAW fillet.
Each school will be allowed one contestant in each category; therefore each school is allowed one to four contestants to participate. The judges will consist of Business and Industry partners and prizes (welding tools) will be awarded for first, second and third place.
Participating schools include: Allen Thornton Career Technical Center (Lauderdale County, AL), Adamsville High School, TN, Florence High School, Franklin County Career Technical Center, Limestone County Career Technical Center, Lawrence County Center of Technology, Lawtence County Vocational Center (TN), Russellville High School Vocational Technical Center, Tishomingo County Vocational Center (MS), Wayne County Technical Center (TN).
For more information regarding the contest, please contact Roger Garner at 331-5254 or email to wgarner@nwscc.edu.

March 31, 2009 -- Northwest-Shoals Student Named as 2009 Coca-Cola Bronze Scholar

Muscle Shoals, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) student William Vaden has been recognized by the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa for his outstanding academic achievements as a 2009 Coca-Cola Scholar recipient.
Vaden has been selected as a 2009 COCA-COLA BRONZE SCHOLAR. As a BRONZE SCHOLAR, he will be awarded a certificate, bronze medallion, and a check for $1,000. A resident of Florence, Vaden is an Elementary Education major with a 3.773 grade point average (GPA). He currently serves as vice president of leadership for Phi Theta Kappa on the Shoals campus of NW-SCC.
He is representing Northwest-Shoals this year as a member of the All-Alabama Academic Team, which will be honored on April 23 during a special ceremony in Birmingham. Following his graduation from NW-SCC, he plans to transfer to Athens State University and pursue a career as an elementary school teacher within the state of Alabama.
Selection as a Coca-Cola Scholar was based on scores earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition. The Coca-Cola Scholar program, which provides up to $450,000 in stipends, is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. All Coca-Cola Scholars will be listed in a special section of the April 6, 2009 issue of USA TODAY.

William Vaden, the 2009 Coca-Cola Bronze Scholar

March 30, 2009 -- Child Development Seminar to focus on Motivation & the value of Bilingual Education for Children

Muscle Shoals & Phil Campbell, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College's (NW-SCC) Child Development Program will hold its spring seminar, "Listen, Learn and Laugh: A Morning with Boca Beth," to be held Saturday, April 4, 1009, at the Shoals Community Theatre in Florence from 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Beth Butler ("Boca Beth"), founder of the Boca Beth Program, is a bilingual educator of young children and strives to create better communication within the increasingly diverse society. She is the founder of the internationally acclaimed BOCA BETH language learning series which has garnered various parenting awards including but not limited to the following: 2008 Editors' Choice Award/Family Review Center, Learning Magazine 2007 Teachers' Choice Award for the Family, Best Educational Product of the Year (2005 & 2006) - Parent to Parent/Adding Wisdom Award.

The Seminar will be split into two sessions:
Session I: Is It Six O'clock Yet?
Participants will be inspired to remember their journey, the important role they play in the lives of children daily. Participants will be encouraged to focus on the 'everyday' journey rather than the end of the journey. This session will be packed with emotion, engaging images and a message each participant will be able to relate.

Session II: Motivation with Music and Movement
Boca Beth will have the crowd on their feet reminding them of the importance of music in the lives of children at school, daycare and home.

For more information, contact: Sue Gibbs, NW-SCC Child Development, 256-331-5351 or email at sgibbs@nwscc.edu

March 20, 2009 -- NW-SCC Hosts Fourth Annual Youth Entrepreneurial Summit

Muscle Shoals & Phil Campbell, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC), the Lauderdale County Extension Service, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Shoals Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Youth Entrepreneurial Summit Tuesday, March 17th and Wednesday, March 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the NW-SCC Shoals Campus.

The two-day Youth Entrepreneurial Summit introduced over 300 Shoals area 10th grade Career Technical Education student to the "Real World". According to NW-SCC Public Relations Specialist / Tech Prep Coordinator Kym Robinson, the students have an eye-opening experience every year. "These are the Shoals area entrepreneurs of the future. After seeing how excited the students were last year at the Summit, we wanted to take this opportunity to show a new group of students a bit of reality as well," stated Robinson.

During the day, students heard from different speakers about the aspects of entrepreneurship and education. They rotated in groups through the various planned activities. There will also be serveral speakers and volunteers from the area to assist these young people in learning more about the world that awaits them after graduation. Presenters included Larry Softley and Yvonne Poole-Poe from TVA, Joe Hackworth, Chairperson of the Occupational / Technical Division and Tom Carter, Director of Admissions and Recruitment at NW-SCC.

One component of the Summit is the "Reality Check". The "Reality Check" is a hands-on income and budgeting exercise representing various businesses, services and opportunities in the community with which the kids will spend their "hard-earned" income. This exercise is a wake-up call for many of the students. "Students are usually very surprised wh n they find out how far their money won't go each month. We hope they will become more patient with their parents after this experience. The goal of this Summit is for the students to learn the importance of education and how big a part it will play in their future." commented Lelia Wisser, Regional Extension Agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

"Reality Check" stations included Real Estate, Auto Sales, Bank/Investments, Food & Supplies, Clothing, Utilities, Insurance, Day Care, Entertainment, Helping Hands/Charity, Back to School, Second Job, Homeless Park and "Deck of Chance"/Life Happens!

Participating schools included Allen Thornton Career Technical Center, Belgreen Technical Center, Cherokee High School, Deshler High School, Florence High School, Haleyville Center for Technology, Lawrence County Center for Technology, Muscle Shoals Center for Technology, Sheffield High School and Tuscumbia Project Education Talent Search.

A 10th Grader walks up to pay her utilities at Realville Utilities

10th grade students line up to purchase a vehicle from Reality Automotive

March 9, 2009 -- MW-SCC Announces Phi Theta Kappa Regional Awards

Muscle Shoals, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society Alpha Sigma Beta chapter (Shoals campus) was recently the recipient of many awards at their Regional Convention.
Alpha Sigma Beta received recognition for

• Achieving 5-star status, the highest designation for a chapter
• Being a Distinguished Chapter, on of 3 in the state
• Earning the Leadership Hallmark award, one of 3 in the state

Chapter President, Jacque Jefferys, received the Outstanding Chapter President award and PTK advisor Joan Baltes received the Paragon Award, an award given to the top 3 advisors in the state.
Induction into Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming.

Pictured L to R: Jacque Jefferys, Tuscumbia, President; Elenta Coffey, Hillsboro, Vice President of Service and Fellowship; Adraine Hannah, Florence, Vice President of Scholarship; Katherine Posey, Tuscumbia, Vice President of Communications; Will Vaden, Florence, Vice President of Leadership; Stephanie Buffaloe, Florence, Alabama Regional Vice President of Communications.

March 9, 2009 -- NW-SCC Announces Phi Theta Kappa Awards

Phil Campbell, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society Alpha Zeta Iota Chapter (Phil Campbell campus) was recently the recipient of many awards at their Regional Convention.
Alpha Zeta Iota Chapter received recognition for

• Achieving 5-star status, the highest designation for chapter development
• Being a Distinguished Chapter
• Earning a Scholarship Hallmark award
• Earning a Leadership Hallmark award
• Earning a Service Hallmark award
• Order of the olden Key, Chapter President Award, Sarah Nichols
• Distinguished Advisor Award, Rachel Trapp

Induction into Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming.

Front Row: Jordan Dollar, Russellville, Vice-President of Service; Sarah Nichols, Spruce Pine, President; Jessica Malone, Russellville, Vice-President of Communications. Standing: Eric Todd, Spruce Pine, Vice-President of Scholarship; Jacob Berry, Bear Creek, Vice-President of Leadership

FEBRUARY

February 23, 2009 -- NW-SCC Receives $75,000 Tech Prep Grant

Muscle Shoals, AL -- The U. S. Department of Education has awarded a $75,000 grant to Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) for the Northwest-Shoals Area Tech Prep Consortium 2008-2009 school year. The grant helps to fund the educational efforts of area high schools and technology centers. The grant, which reimburses consortium members, is used to aid schools with technology and career exploration purchases as well as workshop and seminar related travel expenses.
The Northwest-Shoals Area Tech Prep Consortium consists of NW-SCC, Allen Thornton Career Technical Center, Colbert County Career/Tech, Deshler High School Career/Tech, Florence High School Career/Tech, Franklin County Career Technical Center, Haleyville Center of Technology, Lawrence County Center for Technology, Muscle Shoals Center for Technology, Russelville High School Career/Tech, and Sheffield High School Career/Tech.
The Tech Prep grant provides funds to promote Career/Tech education to students. Kym Robinson, NW-SCC Public Relations Specialist and Tech Prep Coordinator stated, "We are very excited about the Tech Prep funding this year. We are expanding our focus into marketing and the consortia via a billboard campaign. It is very important that Career Tech remains visible for parents and students. We hope to se a renewed interest in these areas. Many of these careers are in demand now and will be in the future," stated Robinson.
Funds are also provided to keep Career/Tech programs updated with state-of-the-art software and equipment as well as making it possible for teachers and counselors to participate in professional development opportunities. "This year we are also providing the Kuder Career Planning System to consortia members. The software provides career assessments and planning tools to ensure that students are on the right pathway for career success," added Robinson.
All Tech Prep Consortium member school systems have articulation agreements with NW-SCC so that students are given the opportunity to earn college credit while earning high school credits that count toward graduation.
According to Robinson, the Consortium partnership is beneficial to all those involved. "The articulation agreements that are cultivated by the Tech Prep Consortium provide an excellent opportunity for students to obtain college credits while in high school. The Consortium makes it possible for NW-SCC's instructors and area high school instructors to meet and discuss their curriculums therefore best meeting the needs of the students," stated Robinson.
Students enrolled in articulated courses can earn up to a semester of college credit at no cost to the student without leaving the high school setting. In order to be eligible to receive articulated credit, a student must earn a "B" average in the Career Tech high school coursework complet d during the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.

February 17, 2009 -- NW-SCC Announces New Welding Program

Muscle Shoals, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) announces a $195,000 grant to fund a new high school welding program. NW-SCC, in partnership with the Lauderdale County School System, is implementing a new articulated/dual enrollment program at Central High School.

The new program, which is funded by a Region I Regional Workforce Development Council grant, will make welding training more accessible for students enrolled at Central, Wilson and Waterloo High Schools. In addition to welding training, students will also earn college credit providing an easier transition into higher level welding courses at Northwest-Shoals. The goal of the program is to encourage students to gain diplomas, college certificates and/or degrees resulting in highly skilled, well trained employees to meet the demands of the area's growing workforce in welding.

The $195,000 will be used to purchase and install welding equipment and supplies. The first year of the program will accommodate thirty high school students enrolled in beginning welding. After the first year, students will be administered the WorkKeys job skills assessment, which is a measurement of real world skills needed for the workplace.

February 13, 2009 -- NW-SCC to host free Follege Financial Aid Workshop

Muscle Shoals, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will host a free College Financial Aid Workshop on Monday, February 23, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. on the Shoals Campus in building 127, room 111.
NW-SCC Financial Aid Officer, Joel Parris, will present information on various forms of financial assistance for attending any college or university. This workhsop is open to graduating seniors and their parents from all area high schools. Participants are asked to bring their completed 2007 and 2008 Federal Income taxes for assistance with free Federal Aid.
The event is sponsored by Northwest-Shoals and the Educational Talent Search Projects. For more information, contact Joel Parris at (256) 331-5368.
February 9, 2009 -- NW-SCC Celebrates Black History Month

Muscle Shoals, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) announces several events in celebration of Black History Month. This year's events include music, history, and a taste of "Soul Food".
The Cultural Affairs Committee and the Student Government Association (SGA) have scheduled several programs for Black History Month.
On Tuesday, February 17, 2009 the Shoals campus will host a Black History Program featuring "Music through the Ages" with Eric Kirkman, Sheffield High School Band/Choral Director and Local Musician, as well as "Soul Food" Tasting. These events will take place at noon in the Hospitality Center.
A DVD presentation of "Black Historical Events" will take place on Monday, February 23, 2009 at noon in the Hospitality Center. Snacks will be provided.
For more information on any of the events, contact Michelle Napier, Cultural Affairs Committee, at (256) 331-5461 or email motown@nwscc.edu.
February 3, 2009 -- NW-SCC Winter Child Development Seminar to focus on Childhood Obesity

Muscle Shoals, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College's (NW-SCC) Child Development Program to hold its winter seminar, "Combating Childhood Obesity: Good Health Habits Start Early," Saturday, February 28, 2009, in the A. W. Todd Center (Russellville, AL) from :30 a.m. - 12:0 noon.
According to Diane Pace, NW-SCC Child Development Director, "Participants will gain valuable information from a wonderful group of experts in the field of health, nutrition and physical education on how to help improve eating habits and other health related habits in children and families."
Sessions include:
Session 1: "The Dangers of Childhood Obesity: How to Instill Healthy Habits in Preschool Children", presented by Donna Shanklin. Shanklin is a Regional Extension Agent for Health with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. She has a Master's Degree of Public Health from the University of South Florida. Having worked with many community health issues related to obesity, Shanklin has a wealth of valuable information to share with participants.
Session 2: "Let's Get Moving", presented by Denise Willingham has been a teacher of elementary physical education for 25 years and has a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology. She will be sharing fun, inexpensive ways to get children moving. This should be a fun session and one that provides valuable information on movement activities that can be done both inside and outside helping those who work with children all day, especially throughout the winter months INSIDE when it is too cold or too wet to go outdoors.
Session 3: "Basic Nutrition for Preschool Children: Encouraging Good Eating Habits," presented by Katernia W. Cole, County Extension Coordinator for Franklin County. Cole holds a degree from UNA in Human Environmental Sciences and Marketing as well as a graduate degree in Management. She has done extensive work in the past nine years with the 4-H program.
This seminar is made possible through the Alabama Department of Human Resouces Quality Enhancement Project.
For additional information, contact: Sue Gibbs, NW-SCC Child Development, (256) 331-5351 or sgibbs@nwscc.edu.

JANUARY 2009
January 29, 2009 -- NW-SCC to host Free College Financial Aid Workshop

Lawrence Co., AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will host a free Lawrence County College Financial Aid Workshop on Tuesday, February, 10, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lawrence County High School cafeteria.
NW-SCC Financial Aid Director, Joel Parris, will present information on various forms of financial assistance for attending any college or university. This workshop is open to graduating seniors and their parents from all high schools in Lawrence County. Participants are asked to bring their completed 2007 and 2008 Federal Income Taxes for assistance with free Federal Aid.
The event is sponsored by Northwest-Shoals and the Educational Talent Search Projects. For more information, contact Lanetta Phillips at (256) 331-5348.

January 29, 2009 -- NW-SCC Child Development Center to Hold Pre-K Registration February 27th

Muscle Shoals, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College's Child Development Center will be holding registration for its Alabama First Class Pre-Kindergarten Program for the 2009-2010 class on Friday, February 27th, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in Room 102 of Building 127 (located adjacent to the Child Development Center) on the Shoals campus.
Parents and/or guardians should bring:

• Child's social security card
• Child's original birth certificate
• Child's up-to-date certificate of immunization (blue slip)
• Valid driver's license
• Proof of residency

Children who will be four years old by September 1, 2009 are eligible for the 2009-2010 Alabama First Class Pre-Kindergarten Program. Eighteen registered children will be selected for the program by lottery or promotion as required by the Alabama Office of School Readiness. Children will not be denied participation on the basis of race, color, or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); sex (Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Title II of the Vocational Education Amendments of 1976); or disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) in educational programs [OSR Operating Guidelines, Section 3.1, 2008-09]. the official enrollment of children into the Alabama First Class Pre-Kindergarten program is contingent upon legislative funding for FY 2009-2010.
For additional information, contact the NW-SCC Child Development Center at (256) 331-5245.

January 29, 2009 -- NW-SCC offers a FREE class to 2009 high school graduates

Muscle Shoals & Phil Campbell, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) is providing a "Jump Start" on education for the 2009 graduating class. This summer scholarship program is designed to help graduating seniors get an early start on college by awarding them one free class.
Each year thousands of dollars selected for Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grant) go untapped. "This program is intended to help students apply for the unused funds," stated Joel Parris, NW-SCC Financial Aid Director. "These funds along with the summer scholarship program are selected to help college freshmen prepare for their future while saving time and money. We want to encourage students to apply early for Federal Aid. Those not receiving Federal Aid will still be eligible for summer scholarships."
Students who graduate from high school in spring 2009 with the Standard or Advanced High School Diploma are eligible to apply. The scholarship has no effect on any other financial aid and it will not affect plans to attend another school in the fall. To qualify for the free tuition scholarship, students should complete the following by the priority deadline of April 1, 2009:

1. Complete the 2008-2009 Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form using 2007 income information. This application can be submitted online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or through the mail.
2. Complete the NW-SCC application for admission. The application is obtainable from the high school counselor or at NW-SCC. There is no application fee.
3. Approximately three weeks after submitting your financial aid forms, all students should contact the NW-SCC Financial Aid office for further assistance. Those not qualifying for Financial Aid will be eligible to apply for a summer scholarship.

Once this process is completed, the student will then receive information on college placement testing, advising and registration for the 2009 summer semester. Students taking advantage of the "Jump Start" program will be given the opportunity to register early for academic, technical, day, evening, or online courses.
For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office on the Shoals Campus at (256) 331-5364 or on the Phil Campbell Campus at (256) 331-6232.

January 28, 2009 -- NW-SCC To Be Featured In "On the Job" Television Series
Muscle Shoals, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will once again be featured in an upcoming episode of "On the Job." This weekly TV show, on Alabama Public Television (APT), was created by Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT). The half-hour show will provide viewers information on how and where to find educational and career opportunities in Alabama.
An upcoming "On the Job" episode will feature the NW-SCC Carpentry/Cabinetmaking program and Charles Hardy, winner of the Chancellor's Award for Technical Faculty of the Year. The Northwest-Shoals' Registered Nursing program was featured in 2007. The new NW-SCC episode will be taped on Thursday, February 5th. "On the Job" airs Sundays at 12:30 p.m. on APT. The air date for the new episode has yet to be determined.
"On the Job", (http://onthejob.org/) which is hosted by Bobby Jon Drinkard, a former cast member of the CBS hit reality television show "Survivor" is produced by the AIDT staff. The staff is traveling all over the state to showcase available jobs, and training opportunities to prepare Alabamians for employment.

(L-R) Charles Hardy, students Karl Beckloff (Florence, AL) and Joshua Lassiter (Collinwood, TN)

January 15, 2009 -- NW-SCC Announces Art Scholarship
Muscle Shoals & Phil Campbell, AL -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) is taking applications for an Art Scholarship for the 2009-2010 academic year. The scholarship will pay $750 per semester toward tuition and fees for a student majoring in Art.
Interested High School Seniors should complete a Scholarship Applicaiton from the Financial Aid Office or High School Counselor's office. Applicants will also need to submit a CD representing a variety of their artwork by March 2, 2009. A brief explanation of their desire to study art should be included as well.
All submissions should be labeled with the artist's contact. Entries must arrive no later than March 2, 2009. Art work in frames will not be accepted.
Selected applicants will be contacted to interview with the Art faculty.
Scholarship recipients must declare Art as a major, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and remain enrolled on a full-time basis.
The Art Department offers classes in: Photography, Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, 2-dimensional Composition, 3-dimensional Composition, Computer Graphics, Art Appreciation & Art History Survey I. Students interested in exploring these offerings should apply for this scholarship.
For additional information or questions, please contact Jan Frederick at (256) 331-5494 or jfrederick@nwscc.edu or Jonathan Cain at (256) 331-5433 or jcai @nwscc.edu.

January 8, 2009 -- NW-SCC Announces Emergency Medical Dispatch Course
Muscle Shoals & Phil Campbell, AL - Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program announces a Priority Dispatch Corporation "Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch Course" on the Muscle Shoals campus January 27-29, 2009. The course times are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day in EMS classroom #160 in the Bevill Center.
Being certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch is a desirable skill set for persons wishing to pursue a career in the public safety (911) telecommunication field.
Upon successful competion of this course, the participant will be certified by the National Academy of Emergency Dispatch (NAED).
Cost for the course is $295 and includes all books, course materials and the NAED certification fee. Pre-requesite for this cours is Healthcare Provider (BCLS) CPR.
For more information, contact Shelia Barnes at 331-5336 or 5436.