Dr. Christine Martey-Ochola welcomed the American Civic group; Assistant Director of Financial Aid Rich Griffis and Professor/Chairperson of Business Information Technology Denise Wells are seated at left.
On December 12, SUNY Broome welcomed 11 students from the American Civic Association’s English-language learning program to campus for a presentation on financial aid and credit for prior learning. This was the final session in a three-part series tailored to help adult immigrants discover how best to leverage previous academic and professional credentials in the United States.
Associate Vice President and Dean of STEM and Workforce Development Christine Martey-Ochola welcomed the group and discussed Broome’s options in computer science. She also touched on her own experience in continuing her career and education in the US after starting in Kenya.
Professor/Chairperson of Business Information Technology Denise Wells spoke about credit for prior learning, offering encouragement to participants that their previous education and experiences can count for something.
Assistant Director of Financial Aid Rich Griffis presented on financial aid, including the necessary documents, available resources, and how the process works for individuals with various immigration statuses. Associate Dean of Nursing Michele McKay presented on Broome’s nursing program.
Previous sessions in the series featured SUNY Broome math professor Tairi Mead visiting the English class at the Civic Association and discussing her immigrant experience and academic/professional journey in the U.S. The group also made a prior visit to campus for a tour as well as a presentation by Success Coach Sam Shaw.
Said series organizer Sarah Armstrong, Workforce Development Senior Staff Assistant, “Participants were able to get individualized information about pursuing degrees at Broome, and were encouraged to hear that their previous certifications and work experience can be considered. Learning how Broome can help them earn credit for this knowledge was a real boost for adults with years of professional practice.”
For more information about the American Civic Association and its programs, visit americancivic.com.
Submitted by: Workforce Development
