Student Success
South Central College student Kailey Forliti is forging a new path and is hoping to encourage more young women to follow in her footsteps.
Forliti is like many students who find themselves questioning their chosen path and what they really want to do in their life. After high school she did what she thought was expected of her – she attended a four-year university. Actually, she attended two different universities with the intention of pursuing the field of social work.
She’s not alone with 30% of students in college changing their major at least once, according to the National Center for Education Statistics*. On average, college students change their major at least three times over the course of their college career. The positive is that this can actually increase a student’s likelihood of graduating from college, according to a study from EAB*. Forliti’s winding path is common and the benefit is that she learned something about herself and sharpened her aspirations along the way.
She knew she needed education and training to have a better life, so she met with an academic advisor at South Central College to explore her career options. As a visual learner who enjoys hands-on, interactive learning, she discovered she was interested in the skilled trades.
Skilled trades, also referred to as Career and Technical Education (CTE), are occupations that require candidates to have certain knowledge, abilities, and skills that apply specifically to their field. Skilled trade training is more hands-on and programs are completed in two years or less, requiring much less time and tuition than earning a four-year degree. Those who complete this education are able to secure good living wage jobs faster than if they attended a four-year institution.
Jay Schmit (left) and Todd Huxford (right).
Forliti learned that many of her previous college credits transferred easily to SCC, and it would only take her three semesters to graduate. She made the choice and is currently enrolled in SCC’s HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) program – an area of study traditionally chosen by men – and she’s excited to graduate this spring.
HVAC/R technicians are skilled professionals who install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems that control the quality and temperature of the air inside residential and commercial buildings. They are the people you need to keep you cool on hot days, warm during cold days, and to make sure the breathing air is filtered and clean.
Every day is different for the HVAC/R service technician. It’s a smart career choice that can provide a comfortable wage and good benefits, and there will always be a need for HVAC/R technicians. “Students who like working with their hands and solving problems would do well in the field,” said SCC HVAC/R instructor, Jay Schmit. “Kailey asks questions to be sure she understands the learning outcomes and even practices many of them beyond our expectations. She’s proven to be a team player and even mentors other students so they, too, can understand the learning outcomes.”
The HVAC/R industry currently has more jobs available than people to fill them. The number of skilled technicians continues to decline, especially as older technicians reach retirement age. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women made up 47% of the U.S. workforce in 2017, but less than 2% of the 448,000 installers and technicians employed in the HVAC industry.
This all creates an excellent opportunity for women. Now more than ever women are needed in the HVAC/R industry to help fill the workforce shortage, close the gender gap, and expand the industry's diversity. Many HVAC/R companies are doing their best to attract female technicians to their businesses.
Forliti is currently the only female in her class of 22 other students. She may have felt apprehensive at first, but she can’t say enough about being accepted by all the students and having the support of her instructors who provide a positive experience inside the classroom. “Both Jay and Todd, my instructors, and advisor have all been supportive of me every step of the way,” said Forliti. “I am excited for my future and a new career and who knows, in 5 to 10 years down the road, I might want to teach this field as well.”
The small class size and excellent student-to-instructor ratio helps in that it gives her the opportunity to know her instructors and more closely engage with other students. Instructors are able to provide individualized attention and personal feedback.
Through SCC, she also began an internship at Countryside Refrigeration and Heating in Mankato and only about a month later the company hired her permanently. Today, she’s already working in the field and independently going on service calls. She noted that many customers are excited to see a woman on the job and she’s received mostly positive comments, but for the random few, they typically change their minds once she fixes their issue. She has an inner confidence, and she knows she can contribute to and transform this exciting field.
“The HVAC/R industry will benefit significantly from a more diverse workforce,” said Schmit. “I have no doubt that Kailey will be successful in her career and even inspire other women and girls to explore careers that men traditionally hold.”
“Many students go to college not knowing what they want to get out of it or how to make it work for them,” Forliti said. “I would encourage more students to look into the trades – even if it’s not HVAC/R.” She encourages students like her to visit with an advisor who can steer them in a new direction because she knows there’s more than one pathway to career success.
Other examples of career-ready trades requiring two years or less at SCC: Accounting, Architectural Drafting and Design, Autobody and Collision Technology, Automotive Service, Business Management, Carpentry, Civil Engineering Technology, Computer Careers, Culinary Arts, Dental Assisting, Emergency Medical Services, Energy Technical Specialist, Geographic Information Systems, Health Unit Coordinator, Intensive Care Paramedic Technician, Marketing Management, Machine Tool Technology, Mechatronics, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technician, Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Nursing Assistant, Office Administration & Technology, Phlebotomy, and Welding.
View a list of all SCC programs including Career and Technical.
HVAC/R degrees include Associate of Applied Science, Advanced Diploma, Foundation Diploma, Refrigeration Technology Certificate, and HVAC/R (Heating) Certificate.
*Sources:
Leu, K. (2017, December 7). Beginning college students who change their majors within 3 years of enrollment. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Home Page, a part of the U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved December 6, 2022, from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2018434
EAB. (2018) How Late Is Too Late, Myths and Facts About the Consequences of Switching College Majors Whitepaper. EAB, formerly the Education Advisory Board. Retrieved December 6, 2022, from https://eab.com/technology/whitepaper/student-success/how-late-is-too-late/
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. Retrieved November 22, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm
South Central College honors and celebrates the success of our first-generation college students, faculty, and staff for National First-Generation Day.
The experiences of these students differ from those who are not first-generation students. Many first-generation students find it hard to navigate the vast landscape of higher education and encounter obstacles that can keep them from being successful.
Student Profile: Jess Dewar
“I belong here.”
In 2020, Jess Dewar found herself in a difficult situation. She was a single mom of two daughters aged four and 10 and was working as a bartender when her place of business closed because of the pandemic.
She knew it would be difficult for her to make ends meet without a degree and limited job options. In hindsight, COVID turned out to be the catalyst for her to make a major life change. Up until then, she didn’t realize how unfulfilling her work life was and how much time she was missing out on with her kids because of working the night shift. She knew she wanted better.
She was faced with a tough decision about what to do about her future. The thought of going back to school crossed her mind. It was intimidating and exciting at the same time. She was nervous and uncertain about whether she would have what it takes to go back to school. It was important for her to enroll in a college that would be able to support her on her journey.
As a first-generation student, Jess didn’t know where to turn and didn’t have people who could help guide her. She reached out and was accepted into South Central College’s (SCC) TRIO program which is known for its commitment to the support of first-generation students, low-income students, or students with disabilities. TRIO offers many programs to support a variety of students and prepare them for the challenges to help them overcome obstacles they face throughout their college experience. Jess has been able to tap into academic, financial, and personal assistance to help her succeed in college, stay in college, maintain good grades and successfully graduate.
Today, Jess is working her way towards a Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway Associate of Science (AS) degree, which allows students to seamlessly transfer to a four-year institution’s Social Work bachelor’s program after graduating from SCC. With every class, she feels more confident and even meets regularly with other students. “I have a huge sense of accomplishment,” said Jess. “I never thought I’d be here.” She found that SCC is a good fit for her, and she appreciates the close-knit community and the one-on-one attention from faculty. “I have not met one instructor or advisor who doesn’t want me to succeed,” she said. “They care.”
After graduating from SCC, she plans to continue her education at Minnesota State University, Mankato to earn a bachelor’s degree then a master’s degree in social work. She is driven to pursue social work in the area of child welfare so she can work towards protecting the most vulnerable in our society and supporting children and families in need of assistance. “Because if I don’t do it – if I don’t help kids, who will?”
The supportive programs at SCC have proven to be a game-changer for Jessica. She is no longer a bartender and has a work-study job that she is proud of. She has changed in so many positive ways and she now sees herself in a new light with a promising future.
According to Linda Leech, TRIO Program Director, “Jessica is an amazing collaborator and shares information to help other students. She has become a respected mentor.”
Jess is putting in the work to improve herself, and in doing so, she is improving the lives of her family. Soon she’ll be changing the lives of children who need her assistance, and all these efforts will also help her community. Going back to school as an adult has a ripple effect that benefits everyone.
Jess gives advice to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation. “If anyone is on the fence about going back to school, just come here and talk with someone. It’s very doable. This is not impossible. You’ll feel like you belong here.”
Student Profile: Farhiya M Abdirahman
“Falling Forward.”
Farhiya Abidrahman has lived in Indonesia, Ethiopia and East Africa. But due to civil conflict and unrest, she needed to flee East Africa and couldn’t return to her homeland of Ethiopia. Farhiya may have left war behind, but life in the U.S. meant overcoming new challenges as a refugee. In 2018, she was homeless and had a young child. She had already endured a difficult journey, but she was determined not to give up.
As a first-generation, immigrant, single mother, and diverse student, she knew she was going to need a plan. A friend recommended South Central College (SCC) because she could get an advisor that speaks her native language. She made the choice to move to the area and start a new life.
“I never thought I’d be here,” Farhiya said. “When I got here, I didn’t know where to go, how to register, which classes would benefit me, or how anything works.” She speaks six languages (four fluently) but understanding life in the U.S. and how to navigate the realm of higher education was another challenge.
She was connected to Mandy Quist, TRIO Advisor, and it has made all the difference. Fast forward to today, Farhiya will be graduating this spring with her AA degree and will transfer to Mankato State University, Mankato to pursue her educational journey in the Social Work program. She is also an active member of TRIO Leadership Council (TLC) which is a student organization for TRIO students to develop and hone their leadership skills.
Mandy described Farhiya in one word – Resilient! “Farhiya sees the positive in everything and always with the glass being 100% full,” she said. “She is determined, motivated and goal-oriented and we are so happy to see her succeed as a student.”
“I am so proud of myself and never knew I would be able to go to school one day,” said Farhiya. “SCC is helping me make my dream come true, and I know I’m making my dad in heaven proud. My goal is to help single mothers and I will not stop until I get my degree.”
“Falling back to where I was is not an option,” she said. “If I fall, I’m going to fall forward.”
“I don’t know where I’d be without Mandy helping me – I just love her,” she said, adding, “If other students have the opportunity, join TRIO!”
TRIO Student Support Services provides a variety of comprehensive and supplemental academic and educational support. TRIO provides advising, financial aid counseling, personal support, and help with academic planning, major, and career exploration for low- to moderate-income, first-generation, and special-needs students.
Learn more about SCC’s TRIO program and find out if you qualify.
Established in 1949, May became Mental Health Awareness Month, focused on promoting mental health awareness and increasing focus on the importance of mental health.
Due to an increase in stress, loss, worry, and unpredictability, there has been an increase in negative mental health consequences during the pandemic.
College can be a stressful time and there has never been a more important time to recognize that mental health is an essential factor to overall health and wellbeing.
"SCC recognizes the importance of mental health supports through on-campus resources and by connecting to community supports for ongoing assistance," said Judy Endres, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs. "Ultimately, this will support students' achieving their academic goals."
"The college truly sets you up to succeed," said Tabby Willner, first year SCC Graphic Communications student, who shares her own struggles with mental health.
"Whether I go to my TRIO adviser, the college social worker, or my instructors, they have all surprised me with how understanding and supportive they are if you keep open communication with them," she said.
"Being here I have learned how to advocate for myself because it is highly encouraged to ask for help when you need it, and there is always someone ready and willing to help.
Tabby is not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), mental illnesses are common with nearly one in five adults in America living with a mental illness.
"I love being at the campus," Willner said. "I am genuinely excited to go to class and learn more, and that's not something I ever felt in high school. SCC has been a safe space for me."
The bottom line is to remember that you are the best advocate for yourself and your loved ones. Make mental wellness a priority in your life. You don't need to navigate this alone. South Central College social workers, counselors and advisors are available to meet with you for when you need assistance with mental health or basic needs issues.
Mental Health Screenings:
Screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Take a mental health test to help promote prevention, early identification, and intervention during the month of May.
Additional Mental Health Information:
- National Alliance for Mental Health article on Managing a Mental Health Condition While In College
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website (nami.org) has a significant number of resources that focus on support, education, and advocacy.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Talk To Someone Now: Lifeline
- Veterans Crisis Line
Learn about SCC's network of Student Resources to ensure personal wellbeing and success. Online scheduling is available. Contact social workers or counselors for more assistance.
There are several reasons to pursue a career in the health care field. South Central College students and graduates express that working in health care is fulfilling and they enjoy being able to help others in need. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecopro.pdf) expects health care to be the fastest growing employment field, with projected growth of 16% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for other fields.
“The statistics affirm that health care is a good career sector for many,” said Dr. Dimitria Harding, SCC Dean of Health Sciences and Career and Technical Education. “Because of the growing aging population, the need for health care services will continue to increase.”
This projection is good news for students as it means increased job security as more and more positions are being created for people who are driven to make a difference in their communities. Health care professionals have always had a respected role in society in addition to the job security of having an in-demand job. Salary varies based on education levels and roles.
In addition to having extensive background working in healthcare, many faculty members remain active in their fields. Students learn from seasoned faculty who have been teaching for over twenty years along with newer faculty who bring the latest trends, knowledge, and experience.
For professional nursing (preparation for RN) and medical assisting graduates who would like to pursue their bachelor’s degree after earning their associate degree at SCC, transfer agreements are in place making it easy. After receiving their associate of science degree at SCC and passing their RN nursing licensure exam, SCC’s professional nursing graduates who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree have two smooth transfer options: Minnesota State University, Mankato’s all online program or Metro State University’s mostly online program. SCC’s medical assisting grads can also seamlessly transfer into Winona State University’s (WSU) Healthcare Leadership Administration Bachelor of Science degree program. With an emphasis on online learning, these programs allow graduates to work in their field, while simultaneously pursing their bachelor’s degree.
"At SCC you have the respect, the dignity, and you are treated equally,” said RN student Evans Nyame when he attended SCC.
With endless career pathways, job opportunities, competitive salaries, and most importantly, the power to help those in need, the healthcare field has much to offer.
SCC’s Health Sciences programs include:
See all of SCC's programs
Footnote: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
If you are looking for a degree that can prepare you for a wide range of career options, then an Arts & Sciences degree may be perfect for you.
An Arts & Sciences education focuses on a holistic approach by opening your mind to new perspectives. An Arts & Sciences degree makes you more versatile. You may have one specific specialty, but you’ll be equipped for a variety of careers and will be able to adapt to changes in the marketplace.
One of the programs within the Arts & Sciences field of study at SCC is Graphic Communications. “I love Graphic Communications because of how versatile it is. I can go from photography, print, design, and illustration, and then screen printing so I can make custom-designed shirts. I really like the idea of having people wear my art,” said SCC student, Vanessa Rodriguez.
Like Graphic Communications, other programs within the Arts and Sciences area prepare you for specific careers, including Multimedia Technology, Family Serves and Early Childhood Education.
Other Arts and Sciences programs provide a more general array of courses, exposing you to ideas and topics that range from art to science to math. This broad foundation knowledge inspires critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity that you can then apply to an endless range of career fields and professions.
If you are undecided about what exactly you want to do, an Arts and Sciences degree gives you two years to take courses in different areas and develop an educational plan that allows you to explore different facets of your field of interest.
When you study Arts and Sciences, you get it all. It makes you a well-rounded and well-educated individual with a broader understanding of the world in addition to your area of study. You will be equipped to succeed in any field.
Within the Arts and Sciences area, SCC offers both a general Arts and Sciences associate degree as well as Minnesota State Transfer Pathway Degrees that are guaranteed to transfer to all seven Minnesota State universities. Save thousands on your bachelor’s degree. SCC offers many benefits but completing the first two years of your bachelor’s degree while earning your associate degree is always a win-win.
No matter what you choose to study, make sure you do what you love, then you’ll always love what you do!
Agriculture careers go well beyond farming. Contributing to the worldwide food supply – what’s not to love? Agriculture provides a rewarding and fulfilling future.
Many job seekers may not be aware of the incredible, high-paying opportunities agriculture has to offer. It’s an industry that is constantly evolving and consistently in need of new talent. Ag careers provide job security, competitive pay rates and the chance to make an impact.
SCC Ag student Zachary Mohr has been working on the family farm and is now enrolled in an SCC’s Agribusiness program. “I love agriculture because every day is different; you never know what it’s going to bring. I love seeing the crops grow in the growing season starting out as a little seed to finally being able to have the reward of harvesting your crop,” said Mohr. “I enjoy working outside, continuing the family business and working beside my dad.”
Zachary is continuing the family farm tradition. However, experience on a family farm is not a pre-requisite to succeed in the field of agriculture. Attaining an agriculture degree can ensure you build upon the foundation you already have from your hands-on experiences, with education on the latest innovations.
For over 50 years, SCC has been educating the next generation of farmers. SCC offers a variety of agribusiness programs ranging from production to management and service to educating the next generation of ag professionals.
No matter what you choose to study, make sure you do what you love, and then you'll always love what you do!
South Central College (SCC) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and want to shine the light on the amazing work being done by our partners!
Apprenticeship (also known at SCC as Learn-Work-Earn) is a time‐honored method for preparing workers to master occupational skills and achieve career success. Under apprenticeship programs, students can earn a salary while receiving training through supervised, work‐based learning paired with related academic instruction.
SCC students are taking advantage of these valuable work-based learning opportunities. Our Learn-Work-Earn programs help local employers fill the need for skilled worker in high-demand industries. At the same time students recieve a paid position in their career field while learning from experienced mentors in a program that is designed to minimize student dept.
Currently Seneca Foods is offering Learn-Work-Earn positions as Agricultural Mechanics starting at 16.75 an hour for SCC Agribusiness Service Technician students. Under the guidance of mentors, apprentices at Seneca benefit from good-paying wages and relevant on-the-job training, as well as having their spring 2022 tuition paid by the company.
For more information about SCC’s Learn-Work-Earn Apprenticeship opportunities at South Central College, contact Kelcey Woods-Nord at
Apprenticeship Programs are a Win-Win for SCC's Agribusiness Service Technician and Mechatronics Students
SCC students are taking advantage of valuable work-based learning experiences for the Fall Semester. These Learn-Work-Earn apprenticeship programs help local employers fill the need for skilled worker in high-demand industries and provide students funding to support their education while earning a living wage.
Our students experience several benefits from participating in an apprenticeship, including
- Having a paid, flexible part-time position in their career field
- Learning from experienced mentors while finishing their education
- Graduating from college with minimal debt
Recently Seneca Foods offered apprenticeship positions as an Ag Diesel Technician for first-and-second-year Agribusiness Service Technician students. These students benefit from a good-paying wage and receive on-the-job training. Students have the opportunity to work along experienced mechanics.
V-Tek, Inc. also offered apprenticeship positions for first-and-second-year students in SCC’s Mechatronics program.
For more information about SCC’s Learn-Work-Earn Apprenticeship opportunities at South Central College, contact Kelcey Woods-Nord at
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.
