May 2009 Workforce Newsletter

Career Pathway News
Databytes
College Submissions
System Office Updates
Important Dates to Remember
Workforce Development Academy

SPOTLIGHT!

NOVA enrolls Iraqi and Afghan Heroes

Northern Virginia has become a major gateway for resettling political refugees who were forced to flee Iraq and Afghanistan when their lives were endangered after they provided English translation and other assistance with the U.S. military. However, when Northern Virginia Community College’s (NOVA) American Dream Team program manager Evelyn Cromartie initiated a trainee referral relationship with a local nonprofit, The Kurdish Human Rights Watch Group (KHRW), little did she know that NOVA’s ESL for Employment program was poised to serve these New American heroes.

In November 2008, Evelyn Cromartie and Tonia Rodgers, NOVA’s ESL Coordinator for its Annandale, Virginia campus, delivered an ESL for Employment program presentation and English screening assessments for 16 KHRW clients at the organization’s Fairfax office. NOVA’s American Dream Team/ESL for Employment program provides workplace English skills and job search assistance to help low-income, intermediate English speaking immigrants launch higher-paying careers with area employers. Since many of these new neighbors served as English translators, most of them demonstrated fundamental English skills needed to qualify for NOVA’s program.

Through several visits and conversations, NOVA’s staff learned first-hand about the difficulties that many of these heroes face in trying to re-establish professional careers in their adopted country. However, even those with exceptional career experience and academic achievement in their home countries can only find entry-level jobs here in retail and services that typically pay less than $10 an hour, and all of these family breadwinners have children to support as well. “Of our 20 clients, 15 are well-educated, but can’t start working in their fields until they get U.S. credentials. So, most take any job that they can get at first” said Najat Fatah, Case Manager for KHRW.

During the Spring 2009 semester, seven of these heroes enrolled in NOVA’s ESL for Employment courses. Najat has heard enthusiastic reports on the classes from her clients: “It’s hard for our clients to start their careers over from the beginning. But they are learning business English that they didn’t know before, and really love their NOVA instructors.” Along with nearly 40 other participants in NOVA’s ESL for Employment courses this Spring, these seven heroes will complete the courses in June 2009, ready to advance their careers towards their new American Dream of opportunity for them and for their children.

NOVA’s American Dream Team/ESL for Employment program is a grateful recipient of a 2009 VCCS Institute of Excellence grant. For more information about the program, contact NOVA’s Bill Browning at (703) 323-3284.

Career Pathway News (click)

Databytes

Annual Reports Upcoming Deadlines

Annual reports for workforce programs are quickly approaching. We are sending email reminders of data that are due to our distributions lists. However, if you are in email overload, below is a quick summary of upcoming deadlines by program. If you have any questions regarding the reports, please contact Wendy Kang.

WDS Annual Report Data: There are two components to the annual report.  The first is the course data that VCCS extracts from PeopleSoft SIS. The second is the paper copy that includes supplemental data reported by the colleges.  Copies of the supplemental paper copy and instructions can be found on the VCCS website. The following is a list of upcoming deadlines.

July 1:     Fiscal year closes. Colleges finalize data for all courses ending between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009
July 15:  VCCS runs data extract for the fiscal year and sends summary and detailed data to the colleges for review and data cleaning
July 30:  VCCS runs second data extract and sends final data to colleges
July 31:  Supplemental report (paper excel copy) due to the VCCS (send to wdsreports@vccs.edu)

Career Coaches:  Coaches annual reports are due June 15th.  The blackboard site contains links to enter the data. 

Career Readiness Certificate (CRC):  CRC data are extracted from the CRC database. Colleges need to upload their data by June 30, 2009.  VCCS will run the reports from the database in mid-July.

Middle College:  We will run preliminary data for the Middle College program from PeopleSoft SIS at the end of May and work with colleges to have final data by the end of June.

Tech Prep:  Due to the transition on the new methods for measuring students, the annual report is not required. VCCS will update enrollments for FY 2009 based on the programs submitted by college last year. 


College Submissions

• Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC)
  
  Some 170 individuals from an number of organizations attended the “Disney Keys to Excellence” program sponsored by BRCC’s Workforce Services and Continuing Education (WSCE) division May 6.  During the day-long session, two facilitators from the Disney Institute led the group in exploring four topics:  Leadership, Management, Service, and Loyalty.  The event offered an opportunity to experience the business behind the Disney magic—proven strategies and best practices that are easily adaptable to other businesses and organizations.  One lucky participant, Michael Newman, of Sheetz, won a package to attend the Orlando, FL Disney Institute, worth almost $4,000.  The prize includes admission to attend a 3.5 day Disney Institute program at the Walt Disney Resort in Florida, lodging, and a three-day theme park ticket.  On May 7, the Disney program facilitators presented a program on Service Disney style to more than 60 college employees, customized especially for BRCC.  Sponsors for the event included Augusta Medical Center, Rockingham Memorial Hospital, an anonymous supporter, Shenandoah Valley Society for Human Resource Management, Mrs. Rowe’s Cafes & Catering, KSB Enterprise Solutions, LLC, Nielsen Builders, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, Harrisonburg/Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, Simple Expressions, and the Stonewall Jackson Hotel, with support from the BRCC Educational Foundation and the Robert and Frances Plecker Family Endowment.  Disney Institute programs are unique in the world of training.  Since the premiere of its first professional development program in 1986, Disney Institute programs have attracted millions of business leaders.
  
  
• Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA)
  
  On Friday, April 24, 2009, over 135 administrative professionals gathered at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to participate in A Recipe for Success: Ingredients for Administrative Excellence, CCWA’s annual Administrative Professionals’ Conference focusing on professional development and recognition of the region’s administrative contributions.
  
  The Garden offered a breathtaking setting for kickoff speaker, Chuck Hansen, author of Build Your Castles in the Air: Thoreau's Inspiring Advice for Success in Business (and Life) in the 21st Century, who motivated the audience with his presentation, A Pinch of Perspective, Balance, and Humor in the Workplace.  Also, Sharry Goode (LSE Health & Wellness) kept the audience moving after lunch with Keeping Fit on the Job.  Elizabeth Dowdy, Sheila Weisensale, and Jennifer Romero, all CCWA instructors, presented A Recipe for Change, Office 2007: All New Ingredients, and Blending Time Management with a Dash of Organization respectively.
  
  Paula Otto, Executive Director of the Virginia Lottery, and her assistant, Jo Murphy, and Ken Ampy, CEO of Astyra, and his assistant, Jennifer Gray, wrapped up the eventful day with a panel discussion, A Mixture of Wisdom, Experience, and Success, led by CCWA’s Vice President, Mac McGinty.  They shared insights and ideas for creating strong workplace teams.
  
  Next year’s conference has already been scheduled for April 23, 2010.
  
  
• Dabney S. Lancaster (DSLCC)
  
  Dabney S. Lancaster Community College offers training leading to certification in SIRCHIE comPHOTOfit Composite Software for generating sketches of crime suspects. Administration of Justice program students receive two hours of individualized instruction and then complete written and practical examinations.
  
  Sixteen students who recently completed training are pictured above with the certified instructor, Associate Professor Gary L. Boyer, Sr., Certified Law Enforcement Trainer and ADJ program head. Trained users work with victims or witnesses to construct a composite photo of a suspect,  The database includes facial features such as foreheads, chins, and noses, and also has a selection of accessories, such as hats, helping to produce the most exact likeness possible.  Sketches that result from the exercise are distributed to the media with the goal of apprehending suspected criminal offenders. 
  
  
• Germanna Community College (GCC)
  
  
  Governor Kaine recently announced his Renew Virginia initiative with the stated purpose of making “Virginia a leader in energy conservation and efficiency and protecting the environment.” Supporting this effort, GCC hosted "Making and Saving Money through Green Technology"conference which focused on the opportunities in particular industries and the job training needed for the Northern Piedmont of Virginia to weather the current recession and to build a sustainable local economy. Homeowners, jobseekers and leaders from government, business, and education learned how to both make and save money with green technology.Luncheon speaker, Randy Flood (pictured), spoke about the Green Jobs Alliance; the coalition's purpose, goals and objectives to implement the Green Jobs Act of 2007.
  
  
• Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC)
  
  Go Green @ NOVA! 
  
  NOVA has ventured into the exciting new area of Green Solutions and Technology training.  The program launched with a spring semester class focusing on LEED for New Construction Accreditation Preparation.  Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is the most widely recognized and accepted environmental design and green building certification.  Currently more than 60,000 building professionals across all areas of practice have become LEED Accredited Professionals, and demand for this credential is increasing at a rapid pace.  The LEED Preparation class will be held again in June.
  
  NOVA has also formed an alliance with CGE Solutions of Ashburn to provide home energy auditor training.  As one of only a handful of training providers on the east coast for Home Energy Rating System (HERS) auditors, CGE is at the forefront of this rapidly growing field.  Classes meet the national standard for training and certification for energy raters as adopted by RESNET, the Residential Energy Services Network.   NOVA has classes scheduled for June and July, and will be scheduling several classes for the fall semester.
  
  The LEED and HERS programs represent just the “tip of the iceberg” in terms of green training, and NOVA is already working on other green programs and classes.  Green solutions and technology training is poised to become one of the core parts of the Workforce Development curriculum.
  
  Primarily delivered at NOVA’ s Loudoun Campus, many of the  green solutions and technology training are now being developed and delivered throughout the six campuses of  NOVA.
  
  
• Paul D. Camp Community College (PDCCC)
  
  The Western Tidewater Tech Prep Consortium, along with other partners, hosted Career Fair 2009 recently at Paul D. Camp Community College's Regional Workforce Development Center. The theme was "Developing Your Game Plan." Dr. Rasha M. Morsi, associate professor of Electronic Engineering and director of the Creative Gaming and Simulation Lab at Norfolk State University, was the motivational speaker for the ninth graders prior to the fair. More than 30 businesses participated and almost 400 people attended the seventh annual event, according to Tech Prep Coordinator Audrey Lawrence."This year, Chowan University was one of our partners," said Lawrence. Michelle Reed served as the Chowan representative. Other partners were the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, Isle of Wight County Social Services, Isle of Wight/Smithfield/Windsor Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Employment Commission. Western Tidewater Tech Prep Consortium is a career development program that helps prepare high school students for college and a career. The program is in partnership with Franklin and Suffolk city public schools,Isle of Wight County and Southampton County public schools, Paul D. Camp Community College and The Pruden Center for Industry and Technology.
  
  
• Southside Virginia Community College (SSVCC)
  
  Dr. John J. Cavan, Southside Virginia Community College’s President with many diverse interests, practices an ancient art form through the doodles he produces to keep his mind focused.  The ancient art form is called Mandala from the Sanskrit word for “circle” and features symmetrical geometric designs usually enclosed within a circle, square or rectangle, that serve as cosmograms and focal points for meditation.
  
  Dr. Cavan’s artwork began as”just doodles”and have evolved into more concentrated, colorful paintings throughout the years.   His work features the telltale mandala circle complete with a central point, varying lines, flower petals, hexagons, diamonds, dots and/or curves or other geometric shapes.  Color combinations enhance each design and offer variety and a continuity of  interest for the viewer.  The eye is drawn into the configuration, the shapes of which are works of art within artwork.  This art form serves as a focusing technique for the busy president as well as a form of creative expression, an activity to stimulate his right brain and to bring about relaxation.
  
  The cover of the SVCC College Catalog for 2006-2008 featured this artwork. 
  
  About his design, he said,”A mosaic of colors and shapes, when put together, form a work of art.  When you educate a diverse student body who are hungry for knowledge and who might not have had opportunities in the past, the result is a work of human art.  That is the mission of America’s community colleges—Democracy’s Colleges like Southside Virginia Community College, of which I am immensely proud.”
  
  
• Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC)
  
  TNCC, William & Mary and James City County Host Open House at New Center
  
  In May, local officials and business owners celebrated the opening of the new Discovery Center for Economic and Workforce Development with an Open House. While mingling, those in attendance were given an overview of programs and services and were allowed to tour the new facility.
  
  The Discovery Center for Economic and Workforce Development is a collaborative effort between Thomas Nelson Community College, The College of William & Mary and James City County. It is located in New Town, a 365-acre mixed use community in James City County. The Center provides coordinated, first class training and economic and workforce development services to businesses, community organizations, and the general public in the Historic Triangle. It also serves as an engine for starting, growing, and attracting technology-related businesses essential to the success of the region.
  
  Classes are already being offered at the center. In fact, the center recently held a Lunch and Learn series. Participants were asked to bring a bag lunch while attending customer service training sessions. The Center offers classes for current company employees, entrepreneurs, transitional and dislocated workers needing to advance workplace skills. General interest seminars and workshops are also offered. The Center’s address is 5308 Discovery Park Boulevard, Williamsburg, Virginia.
  
  
• Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC)
  
  VHCC SHRM Review Class Nets 100% Pass Rate
  
  The Center for Business & Industry(CBI) at Virginia Highlands Community College would like to congratulate recent students, Jan Harper, Derek Loudy and Trish Henderson on successfully passing the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) exam through the Society for Human Resource Management.  For the second year, CBI has held the PHR & SPHR review course during the spring semester.  This course is designed to prepare human resource professionals to take, and pass, either the PHR or SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) exam.  The success of Ms. Harper, Mr. Loudy and Ms. Henderson continues the 100% pass rate trend set by students in last year’s class.  Instructors for the 36 hour (12 week course) were SHRM members and local human resource professionals Jane Petro-Hoffer and Joe Pendergast. 
  
  
• Virginia Western Community College (VWCC)
  
  Growing $ales Seminar a big success!
  
  Many thanks to all the partners for making the 2009 Growing Sales Seminar a success!  The event was held at Virginia Western Community College, May 14th, to celebrate Business Appreciation Week.  We had 109 in attendance representing a diverse industry mix.  In addition the event also included 20 buyers and service providers.  Opening remarks were provided by Senator John Edwards, District 21 and Patrick Gottschalk, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. Event topics included:
  
  Explore the potential to selling to state, federal and local government markets
  Sell to the private sector
  Marketing 101 and Credit Issues
  Explore other methods of business growth
   
  Sandy Ratliff, Business Services Manager, Southwest Office, Virginia Department of Business Assistance received great feedback from participants.  She started receiving emails of thanks and to set up appointments for counseling before leaving Virginia Western.  She continues to receive positive feedback.   It's apparent that the event was timely due to the economy and the responses from attendees.  The partners see a need for more networking opportunities and demand for training in developing sales for this region.  Sandy Ratliff has suggested we consider forming an entrepreneur club for the Roanoke area where business owners can network, get counseling, have mini-workshops and learn about resources to help move their business forward.  
   
  Thanks so much to Sandy Ratliff for sharing her talent, energy, and passion.   Also, thanks to Stuart Mease and Lisa Soltis with the City of Roanoke, and Jill Loope with Roanoke County for sponsoring and Carl Mitchell, Virginia Economic Bridge, Inc. 
   
  Our collaborative efforts were successful!  Partners: Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Virginia Western Community College, City of Roanoke, Roanoke County and Virginia Economic Bridge, Inc. 

System Office Updates

• Chancellor's Award for Instructors/Trainers
  
  The 4th annual WDS Chancellor's Award ceremonies for Instructors and Trainers were held throughout May and attracted over 250 people. The ceremonies highlighted one of our most important assets - our instructors! We traveled to all six regions to honor these individuals. The host colleges and luncheons were fabulous and the entertainment was phenomenal - thank you to all who participated in the celebrations. We look forward to continuing this tradition next year.
  
    
  
  2009 Recipients
  
  

  BRCC	Lester Smith Williams Hopkins Gayle Driver Tommy Thompson	CCWA	Jan Iacopinelli Katherine Schwieder Toni Bennett
  CVCC	Barbara Bragg Mary Canfield	DCC	Teressa Hairston Meagan Lee Harold Garrison Phil Bauphman
  DSLCC	Chuck Almarez Michael Bryant Leo Mulcahy	ESCC	Grace Cormons  Jonathan Kilmon  Michael Walsh  Nelda Basuel
  GCC	Tracy Chase  Carolyn Bynum  Robert Kenny  Andrew Ohnstad  Rachel Anderson	LFCC	Susan Miller Christina Thompson Brian Wetter
  MECC	Kim Dorton Todd Meade Edward Wright	NRCC	Rick Weaver Montie Fleshman Shane Carpenter Keith McAllister
  NVCC	Margaret Salehi Nichole Kerschberg Eva Kallo Kati Jennings Ellen Gray Thelma Jefferson-George Lisa O'Quinne Shana Mobley Mark Sirkus James Bateman Gloria Bonds Chris Tran Jay Vanover	PHCC	Patrick Ephriam Nancy Pool Cheryl Joyce Steve Draper
  PDCCC	Cindy Thomason	PVCC	Betty St. Peter
  RCC	Pegy Spiak Harriet Dawson	SsVCC	Jeff Grant Dwayne Tharpe
  SwVCC	Sharon Peery	TNCC	Lisa Taylor Christine Rogan Mary Graham Elisabeth Whetstine Crystal Taylor
  TCC	Jeff Ainslie Mike Padden Jeanne Steffanelli Bonita Volker	VHCC	Jim Johnson Toby Cook Ken McGlothlin Thomas Springer
  VWCC	Jerome Frederick  Edwin Meyer  Paul Coleman	WCC	Vicki Delp  Roger Halsey  Rhonda Patron Woods Joe Bybee

  
  
  
• Virginia Foundation for Community College Education welcomes a new chair
  
  When it comes to educating Virginia’s health care workforce, Laurens “Larry” Sartoris “gets it.” 
  
  The president of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, Larry has been committed to supporting workforce education through the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) since he was first appointed to the foundation board in 2005 when the VFCCE was revitalized.
  
  Instrumental in many foundation projects, Larry recently became chair of the VFCCE after serving for vice chair for two years. He initiated a scholarship for nursing students to support the effort to increase the numbers of nurses in the Commonwealth, and his organization co-sponsors that scholarship every other year through the foundation. Two scholarships have been awarded.
  
  Virginia’s Community Colleges educate more than half of the new registered nurses in Virginia each year.
   
  
• Middle College celebrates its graduates
  
  Throughout May (and continuing into June) Middle Colleges celebrated their new graduates. Located at six community colleges, Middle College allows individuals without a high school degree to increase their income and employability by simultaneously pursuing a GED, community college education and a workforce certification in a college environment. The program offers targeted remedial courses, access to workforce readiness courses, enrollment in community college courses applicable to a degree or industry-based certificate and comprehensive support services. Congratulations graduates!
  
  
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• Vice Chancellor Peter Blake, Chancellor Glenn DuBois and State Board member Hank Chao tour China
  
    
  

Important Dates to Remember

June 1: Deadline for Commonwealth Scholars Grant Proposals for 2009-10
June 8: Deadline for Postsecondary Perkins Grant Proposals for 2009-10
June 9 - 10: Virginia Workforce Council Annual Retreat
June 16: Rappahannock Middle College graduation
June 26: New River Middle College graduation


Workforce Development Academy

The Workforce Development Professional Compentencies course will be held in Lebanon, VA from June 15-19, 2009 and Charlottesville, VA from August 3-7, 2009.

Contact Barbara Kessler for more information on the Workforce Development Academy.

Want to read more good news in Workforce Development? Check out the Virginia Workforce Network's quarterly newsletter, created by the Virginia Workforce Council.