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Women In Education Forms
login required Non-Traditional Funding ApplicationIn September 1999, several area women recognized the need for non-academic areas of support for women students at Mott Community College (MCC). Too often, education and professional development were being interrupted for women due to financial difficulties related to their status as single mothers, divorcees or returning students. Their hope was to provide these women with the means to continue their academic and professional pursuits with a fund especially designed for non-academic areas of support.
The ensuing years and the vision of 20 dynamic women who comprised the Women In Education (WIE) Advisory Committee have provided the various components of WIE, which continues to grow stronger each year. WIE truly represents the concept of people helping people at MCC to complete their education through non-traditional financial support, personal and professional guidance and mentoring.
Nontraditional funding is available for eligible students with non-traditional needs such as medical or dental emergency, inoperable car, lack of professional clothing, etc., that create a barrier to the student attending classes. Students must meet eligibility criteria and make application for assistance through the Family Life Center with Carla Clark (810) 235-5257.
The Women in Education Enrichment (WIE) Series is a dynamic mentorship program designed to empower female MCC students to thrive personally, academically, and professionally through wellness, creativity and professional development. Personal and professional mentoring is a large part of this initiative. Volunteer mentors are trained to assist the student in identifying needs, understanding the resources available, as well as offering support and guidance during their educational process at MCC. A monthly workshop is held throughout each semester to encourage participants, strengthen their confidence, prioritize wellness, tap into their creativity, and develop career building skills through meaningful conversations and hands on activities. Students engage with inspiring female speakers who share their own journeys, participate in vision board sessions to clarify goals, and partake in a professional and glam photoshoot that celebrates self-expression and growth. The WIE Series concludes with a year-end luncheon (at the end of the winter semester) where participants reveal their glam photo images, share their visions, and honor the progress they’ve made in finding and using their voice.
Ellen’s Closet was established to help provide gently-used professional clothing for students. Clothing donations are received, by MCC’s Family Life Center (810) 232-4962, and made available to all students. This component was initiated through WIE and named in honor of Dr. Ellen Howe, who was one of several spearheading the WIE Initiative.
The Women in Education Program received the American Council on Education's State Network Leadership Award 2020 for the Advancement of Women in Higher Education, in recognition of its outstanding and innovative program, sponsored by Mott Community College.
Mott Community College received national recognition with the AAWCC National Board Award 2015 for the Women In Education program as it demonstrates commitment to equity and excellence for women on campus. (Pictured: Lennetta Coney, President of The Foundation for MCC; Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, MCC President (2014-2024); and Kacey Seay, Previous WIE Coordinator).
The WIE Fellowship is based on a national program of the Jeannette Rankin Foundation to develop leaders for success in the 21st century through mentoring, networking, nurturing intellectual growth, and inspiring personal transformation. The WIE Fellowship provides up to $2,000 for female MCC students pursuing an Associate’s degree and/or a Certificate who meet strict criteria. The funds are awarded to the students upon graduation as an investment in their future career. For more information on the WIE Fellowship funding awards, please contact Charisse Watts at (810) 762-5108.
Congratulations, ladies!
