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Preparing Tomorrow's ProfessionalsHenry Ford Community College Empowers Students with Education and TechnologyBy Brian Warkoczeski, November 2008
Henry Ford Community College (HFCC) is providing its students with leading-edge tools and top-notch educational
programs to prepare them for future careers.
Recently, the Community College hosted its annual
Non-Traditional Seminar for Women in Technology at its
Dearborn campus. The seminar was held at the Ghafari Conference Room and
featured information on technical programs such as
energy technology, construction technology, architecture, manufacturing processing,
industrial drafting, and more.
The free event highlighted opportunites for women in technology fields
and presented important information to assist students interested
in high-tech careers.
M-TECThrough its Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC),
Henry Ford Community College is training workers from metro Detroit
businesses, improving their computer and business skills, and giving them
a competitive edge in high-tech fields.
M-TEC offers Cisco training courses that teach students how to
design, build, and maintain computer networks, preparing
individuals for Cisco certifications and building skills
that can be used on the job.
HFCC trainers have expertise in technology, manufacturing, health, business,
communications, and employment skills. Customized training, workplace skills assessment, and certification testing are also available through M-TEC.
HFCC's Michigan Technical Education Center was completed in 2002 and
features high-tech amenities to give students the best educational experience possible. The facility offers broadband access and WiFi, has digital projectors in
every room, and includes an 120-seat auditorium equipped for
interactive video conferencing.
HFCC UnpluggedIn Dearborn, HFCC is providing a connected campus that enables students
with laptops and PDAs to reach the Internet wirelessly from eight buildings,
including the Eshleman Library and the Learning Technology Center.
The free wireless access allows students to download homework assignments and
lectures, complete coursework, email instructors, and access
online course materials. Soon all buildings on the 75-acre campus will have
access to the HFCC wireless network.
The wireless network, which is called HFCC Unplugged, was completed with financial assistance from
the HFCC Foundation. Henry Ford Community College has a high-speed connection to the Internet
from an optical connection to Merit's backbone network.
Healthy StartsHFCC is also creating innovative programs to better prepare Dearborn-area students for
a career after graduation.
In Fall 2007, Henry Ford Community College launched Henry Ford Early College,
a collaboration between HFCC, Dearborn Public Schools, and Henry Ford Health System.
The Early College allows ninth and tenth graders to get a head start on a career
by enrolling in high school classes, with an emphasis on math and science, and then
gradually dual enroll in college classes later in their high school career. Students
in their 12th and 13th years take mostly HFCC courses and clinicals.
At the end of the five-year program, students receive a high school diploma and significant
credit toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in pharmacy technology,
surgical technology, radiography, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy assistance.
During its first year, almost 40 ninth graders participated in the Early College
program.
Another program that HFCC created aims to help students find employment in
Michigan's growing film industry. HFCC partnered with TicTock Studios to
offer a two-week, 40-hour Basic Film Set Training course in late September.
The intensive, hands-on course was offered at M-TEC and prepared
students for entry-level employment in the film and television industry.
In April 2008, Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation that created
lucrative incentives for companies to produce movies and television programs
in Michigan. During the past few months, Drew Barrymore's "Whip It",
Clint Eastwood's "Grand Torino," and Michael Cera's "Youth in Revolt"
have been filmed in Southeast Michigan.
This is just a small sampling of the exciting programs that
HFCC has developed to give its students a competitive edge in
the workforce. Combined with leading-edge technology at its
Michigan Technical Education Center and its Dearborn campus,
Henry Ford Community College is preparing students for future careers
and success after school.
More About HFCCHenry Ford Community College was founded in 1938 and is located in Dearborn, Michigan.
The Community College serves more than 25,000 students annually and has more than 100 degree, certificate, and transfer programs. HFCC became a Member of Merit Network in 2003.
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