See what South Central College students and alumni are up to, as well as find information on strategies that help students succeed.
Linsey Lawton took her first welding class in 2016 at Mankato East High School and ever since that first spark, she saw it as a potential career. She became aware of South Central College’s welding program and enrolled to pursue her new goal!
Lindsay pursued the one-semester long welding certificate and appreciated the class structure and instructors. “I received so much exposure to different types and sub-types of welding,” said Lindsay. “The format of the class allowed me to expand and explore areas I was interested in.” Most importantly she felt valued and supported by the instructors.
“The instructors were a huge part of my success. It was the most important part of the class – not just because they were my teachers but it was obvious they wanted to see me and everyone else in the class succeed.”
Her advice for future welding students is to be willing to learn and listen when being taught. She encourages future welding students to let it all in but also prepare to get frustrated. “You’re not learning if you’re not making mistakes,” she said. “Be prepared to step back and take a walk then come back and start it up again.”
After completing the Welding and Machining Tool Technology Diploma she will continue to pursue her Associate of Arts degree. With her welding diploma in hand, she will be able to earn a good wage while continuing her education.
“From welding instruction to non-welding skills, everything that went into the class was to support the students,” she said. “I think many of our current instructors are wonderful teachers who make the learning experience here easy and feel most people would think the same.”
You can learn more about the program on the Welding webpage.
South Central College’s Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) provides many benefits to students, whether measured in time, money, or both. The program allows students to receive credit for their knowledge gained in past work, life, or military experiences.
One Graphics Communications student who utilized Credit for Prior Learning at SCC is Pricilla Guerro. She loves art. Creativity is her passion and so is establishing a bright future for herself. As a full-time mom of three kids – all under 5 years old – she knew it would not be easy. She wanted to get the skills, experience, and education as quickly and as cost-effectively as she could.
Guerro qualified for the CPL program based on her demonstration of foreign language skills. She was able to save one entire semester. Not only can CPL save money and time, but data also indicates it may increase the likelihood that students graduate. It has been shown that the CPL program motivates students to finish their undergraduate education. It also inspires them to pursue additional academic opportunities.
As a graduate with an associate degree from SCC, Guerro is now continuing her studies by pursuing a Bachelor's of Fine Art at Mankato State University, Mankato where she'll be graduating earlier than she expected.
“The CPL Program has helped me reach my goals so I can get into the workforce earlier with a career I am so excited about.”
SCC encourages all students to learn if they qualify for Credit for Prior Learning. Doing so allows students to earn college-level credit for subjects and skills obtained outside a traditional classroom. It can be particularly helpful for transfer students, industry professionals with experience, or students who may wish to graduate sooner.
You can learn more on the Credit for Prior Learning webpage.
