Women in Transition scholarship, awarded by the
Friends of McHenry County College Foundation

McHenry County College Nursing Assistant students who started the fall semester with a federal grant were able to complete the fall semester through additional funding from the Women in Transition scholarship, awarded by the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation.

Pictured are some of the students who benefitted: front row, left to right: Nohemi Wence, Arljinda Bedzeti, Betsy Metzger, instructor; Janet Rodriguez, Wanda Rosado, second row, kneeling, left to right: Maria Villanueva, Joan Flanagan, grant administrator, and Amy Haller, academic/health professions opportunity grant advisor. Back row, left to right: Jane Hemstreet, tutor; Katherine Martin, Deborah Kilberry, instructor; Reette Martyne, Karen Cassidy, Chiquita Taylor, Aubri Tubbs-Fox, Jessica Lee, Lisa Baird, and Kathrine Pfister, development coordinator. Not pictured is Tom Daly.

The students pictured used their scholarship funding toward child care expenses. Pictured, front row, Janet Rodriguez, Betsy Metzger (instructor), Wanda Rosaro, back row: Sandy Pierce (Foundation Director/Shoe Ball Chair), Reete Martyne, Maria Villanueva and Chiquita Taylor.

The Women in Transition scholarship provided support to 37 students and is funded from proceeds raised at the Take a Walk in Her Shoes Ball held annually in March.

Comments by Women in Transition Scholarship Recipients

“The Women in Transition scholarship helped me a lot because I’m a single mother. It came in handy and I was able to find daycare for my children, ages 5 and 6, instead of having to find a babysitter while I’m in class.”
– Chiquita Taylor

“I feel good that I received the funding because it helped me a lot and I was able to place my first grader in an after-school care program.  If I didn’t have the assistance for child care, I wouldn’t be able to come to class or participate in clinicals."
– Maria Villanueva, a single mother of three children

“I worked at a nursing home in Puerto Rico and came to the U.S. last June.  I came to MCC to become certified in nurse assisting. Without the Women in Transition scholarship, I would have no one to take care of my three kids. I also work part-time at Wal-mart.”
– Wanda Rosado, a single mother of three children