How Experiential Learning Programs Will Help Your Future

(source: MLive)

If you are thinking about higher education, you have many factors to consider. The most important questions you should ask yourself when choosing a program are: how will my education help me stand out? How will this prepare me for the real world?

The occupational programs at Mott Community College (MCC) all offer experiential components to the curriculum.  What does this mean? It means that MCC graduates are entering the workforce with confidence and the experience to step directly into the workforce.

Experiential learning gives you the opportunity to use skills you learn in the classroom and apply them to real life scenarios. Experience isn't the only benefit to experiential learning at Mott Community College; students are also given the opportunity to make a difference in their community. 

Almost thirty accounting students at Mott Community College are participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program this year.

"This is a great opportunity for our accounting students to apply direct knowledge from the classroom to a real life situation and practice their professional skills," said Alana Ferguson, an accounting faculty member in the Business Division at MCC. And, as a service learning component in two of our accounting courses, it lets our students give back to the community," she added.

Another program at Mott Community College is also making its mark in the community as well.

Fifteen students from the baking and pastry arts program at MCC are teaching residents and visitors of Carriage Town Ministries basic baking skills along with preparing freshly baked breads and desserts.

"This is a win-win situation," said Debra Gibes, faculty director of Experiential Learning at MCC. "Giving students an opportunity to teach someone else how to do what they learn in the classroom reinforces the lesson, and helps residents at Carriage Town learn a new skill."

This past holiday season, MCC photography students provided free, professional-quality photo portraits to the community. The Automotive Technology program offers basic car repairs for only the cost of parts and the Dental Hygiene program provides low-cost screenings and cleanings for the public. MCC students are going above and beyond to master their desired professions.

An education from Mott Community College means aiming higher than just a degree, it means giving back to your community while preparing for life post-college. Citizenship and critical thinking are both a part of the MCC General Education Requirements, meaning you will serve your community while demonstrating your education before you graduate. If you want to create a better future for yourself and use your skills to help others, check out the occupational programs at Mott Community College.

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