Tag: Coconino Community College

CCC student aims for nursing career

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2021 • Comments Off

Flagstaff High School graduate Bonnie Kelch left high school with job skills and college credit.

She took advantage of free college courses at CCC with the help of the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology and is already a Certified Nursing Assistant, and she also has a certification in Pre-Health Careers.

“I always thought I wanted to be a nurse, and this gave me the opportunity to see what it’s about before I committed to it in college,” Kelch said. “I like that it’s a job where I’m actually helping people. I feel like I can make a difference in people’s lives.”

CCC’s Metcalf enjoys diversity, backgrounds of students

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2021 • Comments Off

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, according to the American Psychological Association.

It is a field that has long held fascination for Michele Metcalf, lead faculty for Social and Behavioral Sciences at Coconino Community College. Along her educational journey, she found that what she had a passion for teaching the subject that fascinated her.

Her students can feel that passion and helped her earn the honor of CCC’s 2021 Full-Time Faculty of the Year.

CCC, Habitat for Humanity join forces

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2021 • Comments Off

It’s a perfect partnership.

Coconino Community College needs to offer real-world experience to the students in the Construction Technology Management program. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona needs workers to help build affordable homes for Flagstaff.

In late May, leaders for the two organizations got together and made the arrangement formal. CCC CTM students will help HFH build the first of, with hope, many “starter homes” for the Flagstaff community beginning this fall.

“We want to encourage workforce development and retention to keep that talent in the community,” said Eric Wolverton, executive director of HFH. “Starter homes are an asset that keep giving. They will be a community asset serving multiple families.”

CCC’s Dorel Meier shares love of math, stats with students

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2021 • Comments Off

Math and statistics are Dorel Meier’s game. She finds it a worthy challenge to take students on a journey to understand how much of what they do in the world revolves around math and that it can be fun.

So, it’s no wonder that Meier was chosen as the Part-Time Faculty of the Year for the 2021-22 school year at Coconino Community College. She was nominated by students and by fellow faculty at the college.

“This award truly means the world to me,” Meier said. “I am so proud of the work I have done with CCC students and this award validates that I am making a difference in their lives.”

Coconino Community College — The Comet

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2021 • Comments Off

A quick word from the President

Shouts and whoops of happiness. Songs and singalongs. Bright red, white and blue colors and smiling children. Waving flags and heartfelt laughter.

What a difference a year makes. Last year, all of us here at Coconino Community College decided to host a virtual Shoebox Parade to reach out to the communities we serve during the COVID-19 pandemic to alleviate some of our common isolation. This year, we got the opportunity to engage once again with our communities face to face during the Fourth of July parades in Flagstaff, Page and Williams. I could not help but grin from ear to ear seeing so many people filled with joy and celebration.

CCC commercial driver’s license training underway

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2021 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Safety inspections. Figuring out 13 gears while double clutching. Backing a 53-foot trailer. All very important, among a host of other important skills, to successfully driving a semi, which is why a commercial driver’s license is required to operate…

CCC tutors help students succeed

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Accounting class brought Rhianna Hernandez to Tutoring Services at Coconino Community College.

The first time she took an accounting class, she tried to push through the challenging subject on her own. She ended up dropping the class that first time, but she needed it for her associate degree in Business.

“It was a different language,” Hernandez said. “But my tutor was able to explain it to me where it made sense.”

By the end of the Spring 2021 semester, Hernandez had an “A” in the class, and she said she owes much of that success to the folks in Tutoring Services at CCC. Tutoring Services are available each semester, for free, to all enrolled CCC students.

“All of us at Tutoring Services strive to help students succeed in their courses, whether a student needs one question answered or comes back daily for extra support,” said Kim Shaw, CCC’s Tutoring Coordinator. “Most of our tutors are students as well, so they understand the challenges of the courses they tutor.”

Coconino Community College — ‘A quick word from the President’ and more news

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Here at Coconino Community College, we have celebrated our 512 recent graduates with a Commencement Ceremony held virtually in order to keep everybody healthy and safe during the pandemic. It is our hope of hopes that vaccinations are doing their job, and we can all, once again, celebrate our graduates’ achievements in person next year.

As the vaccination effort progresses, and as numbers of COVID-19 infections decline, CCC has begun the process, with health and safety of our students, faculty and staff as priority, of scheduling more in-person course offerings this summer. This fall, if all trends continue, CCC will welcome back students with an increase of in-person courses to help our students find instructional delivery that fits their needs as they get busy recovering from the effects of this global pandemic.

CCC grad takes MyPath2ASU

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2021 • Comments Off

Travis Barnes has experienced a number of hardships and false starts in his life.

“My parents gave me ‘the talk,” Barnes said, smiling. “They said, ‘School is the best investment you can make in yourself.’”

So, Barnes, a Flagstaff native who graduated from Sinagua High School when it was still a high school, decided to consider a career instead of jobs with little to no upward mobility. He opted for Coconino Community College.

Speaker Series Supporting CCC Cross Country to be held at 6 p.m. May 20

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2021 • Comments Off

Celebrate running in Coconino County and take part in the conversation with Craig Hunt, the new coach of the Coconino Community College Cross Country Program.

“I’m incredibly excited about the energy that has built up to this point in our speaker series,” said Meghan Remington, CCC Community Education Coordinator. “Coach Hunt has been so engaged with our previous five presenters, and it’s fitting that his public introduction is our finale. Prospective athletes and community members alike will want to join us tonight to learn more about his plans and get caught up with the hype.”

Learn American Sign Language Interpreting at CCC

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2021 • Comments Off

Learn American Sign Language Interpreting and earn your ASL AA Degree at Coconino Community College.

Fall instruction begins:

Monday, August 23, 2021

Spring instruction begins:
Monday, January 10, 2022

Learning wildfire suppression at CCC

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2021 • Comments Off

Cascade Parcell and her instructor Brad Williams study the ponderosa pine. They’re looking for “lean” – the direction the tree wants to fall.

“I’m going to use wedges on this one,” Parcell says, picking up a chainsaw.

She fires up the chainsaw, kneels at the base and starts cutting while Williams carefully watches.

Parcell was one of a handful of students taking the Wildland Fire Chainsaws course in April at Coconino Community College. The course is part of a CCC Wildland Fire Suppression Certificate program.

2021 Nursing Pinning Virtual Ceremony at CCC to be held at 5:30 p.m. May 6

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2021 • Comments Off

The Coconino Community College Nursing Pinning Virtual Ceremony is scheduled to premiere at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 6, 2021 on the CCC homepage at www.coconino.edu and on YouTube at https://youtu.be/iF58mQ4-dxg .

FREE and open to the public.
Everyone is invited and welcome to attend online.

CCC selects cross country coach

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2021 • Comments Off

Coconino Community College has hired Flagstaff resident Craig Hunt to be the first coach for the college’s cross country running program, which is slated to begin its first season this fall.

“I’d like to thank Tony Williams and everyone who has helped create the cross country programs at CCC,” Hunt said. “This is an exciting time for CCC and the Flagstaff community, and I am thrilled to lead the way as the inaugural cross country coach.”

Learn English at Coconino Community College

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2021 • Comments Off

English Language Acquisition for Adults (ELAA) classes at CCC makes learning English easy and fun.

Registration is free and CCC now offers new instructional methods for learners to study English online via Zoom.

Coconino Community College — The Comet — A quick word from the President

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2021 • Comments Off

The wonderful scent – and sneezes – of spring blossoms have arrived in Flagstaff, and Coconino Community College is beginning the crunch to the end of another semester.

The excitement of Commencement, although it will be virtual again this year, fills the air with electricity. Student resilience, determination and sheer willpower to achieve those dreams of an education have borne fruit from the spring blossoms of hope. Let us all celebrate that achievement!

This summer, thanks to COVID relief funding, CCC will be offering free tuition to graduating high school seniors in Coconino County to help them gear up for a successful fall semester. All other students will also benefit from the relief funding.

Tutor Time at Coconino Community College

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2021 • Comments Off

CCC students can receive tutoring support services via Zoom for free with no appointment necessary.

Drop-in tutoring is offered online through the links published in the Canvas course.

Getting started is easy –

Step 1: Log into Canvas with CCC Comet ID and password.

Step 2: Open the course on the dashboard titled “CCC Tutoring-Tutoring 101”.

Step 3: Click the drop-in tutoring Zoom link on the home page.

Additional online tutoring resources are available in Modules.

CCC gears up to help county reskill and recover

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2021 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Sometimes, they are working more than one job. Sometimes, the job they have don’t support their families. Sometimes, they need training for a new job. And, sometimes, students come to Coconino Community College to test the waters of higher…

Free Summer Classes at Coconino Community College – Info Sessions

by Community Contributor • April 12, 2021 • Comments Off

High school seniors in Coconino County (graduating class of 2021) will be able to attend summer classes at Coconino Community College for FREE!

Registration is now open for the summer semester at CCC.

Summer instruction begins Monday, June 7, 2021.

Coconino Community College will be hosting two (2) free virtual information sessions via ZOOM to answer your questions about this excellent opportunity.

Free classes at CCC this summer for high school seniors in Coconino County

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2021 • Comments Off

High school seniors in Coconino County will be able to attend summer classes at Coconino Community College for free.

Thanks to COVID relief funding from the federal government, county high school seniors will be able to get a head start on a college education this summer.

“In keeping with our philosophy of ‘Students First,’ we are using as much of the federal funding as possible to help students get started in college right away,” said CCC President Dr. Colleen A. Smith. “There will also be funding to help students who have needed to take some time away from their college studies due to the many different impacts of the pandemic. Give us a call, or come see us so that you can gear up for summer and fall classes!”

Coconino Community College’s Stellar Newsletter — The Comet — A quick word from the President and more news

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2021 • Comments Off

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit families hard—emotionally and economically—locally and beyond.

Many hard-working people in Coconino County and across the nation are scraping by, sometimes with more than one job. Many others are out of work or working in jobs that aren’t making ends meet.

I am here to remind everyone we have a local resource that is ready to help—Coconino Community College. Community colleges are needed now more than ever, and we are here, proud to serve as your community college throughout Coconino County.

Statewide, your community colleges, including CCC, have been working tirelessly to gear up for providing fast, job-focused training for unemployed and underemployed residents of our wonderful state. In order for our residents to reskill and recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, CCC is responding quickly to new job trends that will help put people to work.

Register Today for the Summer Semester at Coconino Community College

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Registration is now open for the summer semester at CCC.
In-person summer classes have returned, along with regular online and Zoom instruction.

Social-distancing, face-covering and sanitizing measures will still be in effect for the health and safety of students, faculty and staff.

Monday, June 7, 2021
Summer instruction begins at CCC.

Student/workforce housing at CCC in Page taking shape

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Coconino Community College alum Jessica Dodson was the first generation in her family to attend college.

Living on the Navajo Nation, with no electricity or running water, she had to be creative in doing her homework, and the drive to the college in Page was long.

“It was difficult,” Dodson said. “But I focused on, ‘I’m doing it for myself.’”

If there had been student housing at CCC in Page when she was a student, her journey might have been easier. She’s certain it would help the educational journeys of students with experiences similar to hers.

CCC healthcare programs in Page get boost from SRP

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2021 • Comments Off

A Certified Nursing Assistant student needs important books and tools like a stethoscope and a blood-pressure kit.

An Emergency Medical Technician student needs vital CPR training as well as books and tools.

Thanks to a generous grant from SRP, Coconino Community College CNA and EMT students in Page will get that needed help. SRP awarded CCC $16,000 to help the students purchase books, training, tools, immunizations and more.

CCC students receive more COVID relief funds

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Students attending Coconino Community College for the spring semester will receive a new round of federal COVID relief funds to help them with the cost of college.

On Dec. 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief and Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) was passed into law. CCC will be awarding at least $552,365 in financial aid grants to students. The awards will likely range from $100 to $500 depending on the number of applicants.

Giving youth the chance to Step-Up at CCC

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Young people who cross paths with the Coconino County criminal justice system often have common threads in the tapestries of their lives, according to the professionals at Juvenile Court Services.

They’re usually behind on school credit. They have little educational support at home – not because the parents don’t want to help, but rather, they are often in crisis themselves or working multiple jobs. They’ve typically experienced significant trauma in their lives. Sometimes, there are underlying issues like poverty, substance abuse and mental health disorders.

CCC students get nod for All-Arizona Academic Scholarship

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2021 • Comments Off

Two Coconino Community College students – Jake Zimmerman and Lee Hartwig – have been recognized for the prestigious 2021 All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship.

The scholarship offers free tuition for 60 credit hours at the recipient’s choice of one of the three state universities.

“A financial burden has been taken off my shoulders,” said Zimmerman, who has moved onto Northern Arizona University to continue his studies for a degree in Physical Therapy. “It’s an awesome feeling.”

Gear up for computer support job by year’s end with CCC help

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2021 • Comments Off

The scenario is all too common: The computer isn’t working right. What’s wrong with it?

The customer dials a number or submits a ticket via email. The line engages; the email is answered.

“Support desk,” the voice says. “How may I help you?”

Coconino Community College is collaborating with Google to offer an Information Technology Support Professional certificate beginning this summer, and the three-class program can be completed before the end of the year.

A night in the CCC auto lab at Findlay Honda

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Eleven students sit in room, dressed in clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. They learn about filters, batteries, fluids, belts, tires, brakes, suspensions, lights and so much more.

The average vehicle, when it gets a thorough inspection, undergoes a system check from top to bottom, bumper to bumper and all points in between, said Jonathan Begay.

“Every car is a good car if you take care of it,” Begay said. “You take care of it, it’ll take care of you.”

Welcome to Automotive Technician 100 at Coconino Community College, an evening class geared toward people who work or go to school during the day.

CCC and ASU partner to make transfer an easy path with MyPath2ASUTM

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2021 • Comments Off

Coconino Community College has partnered with Arizona State University to offer a seamless transfer experience with the MyPath2ASU™ program.

MyPath2ASU™ allows students to take the steps needed, at the start of their college experience, to successfully plan their transfer to ASU and ensure a smooth transition process for success.

CCC nurses lend a hand with COVID-19 vaccinations

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2021 • Comments Off

“Do you have any allergies?”

“No.”

“Do you have a fever?”

“No.”

As she received answers, Coconino Community College Nursing student Jodie Santillan marked off a checklist. She prepared the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination to deliver to Coconino County resident Lita Byerly. She swabbed Byerly’s arm, and before too much thought could be put into whether Byerly would feel it, Santillan delivered the vaccine.

It was one of more than 30 she delivered that day, doing the work to help fulfill her clinical requirements for the Nursing program. All of CCC’s 55 first-year and second-year Nursing students have done or will do at least one clinical rotation at the Fort Tuthill County Park COVID-19 vaccination site.

Coconino County Donates HVACR Chiller to CCC Trades Program

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2021 • Comments Off

On Sunday, Feb. 21, Coconino County replaced an 80-ton HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) chiller on the County administrative building located at 110 Cherry Ave. in Flagstaff, donating the unsalvageable system to Coconino Community College’s HVACR Training Program. Trade skills programs are increasingly limited, and Coconino Community College offers a much-needed program for the next generation of tradespeople, including those trained in HVACR.

Scarves for Scholarships Online Store is Open – Your Purchase Helps Support Nursing Scholarships at Coconino Community College

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2021 • Comments Off

Good morning Coconino Community College partners and friends,

Scarves for Scholarships is an annual fundraiser in support of Nursing Student Scholarships at Coconino Community College.

Why not stay warm and cozy this year while helping to support a good cause all at the same time?

To shop, please visit the online store at https://app.mobilecause.com/e/U1k9qQ or text SCARF to 41444. Your purchase of one-of-a-kind, hand-made knitted items will help the CCC Foundation reach its goal of $1,500.

All online sales are final and can be picked up at the CCC Lone Tree Campus, 2800 S. Lone Tree Road, Flagstaff.

CCC alum blends modern with traditional Navajo culture

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2021 • Comments Off

The Mandalorian’s helmet is adorned with arrowheads, and he sports a Navajo Nation seal and traditional hair bun. He wears a silver bow guard decorated with turquoise. Yoda strikes a pose, very much in the Navajo tradition, also wearing turquoise necklace and a traditional hair bun.

His work is the blending of modern and traditional: The purpose about making connection across time, and that the traditional continues to be alive and incredibly important. His goal: To teach.

Coconino Community College — A quick word from the President and more news

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2021 • Comments Off

Last spring semester, when classes began at Coconino Community College, students were busily passing through the halls of our campuses on their way to classes. Their attention was on their studies and on achieving their educational goals.

Then, just before Spring Break, the world started to take notice of the virus that was making its way across the globe – COVID-19. The world went on lockdown to try to halt the spread of the virus. Safety measures were put into place at CCC. Our halls and classrooms grew quiet. Faculty and staff, dedicated to delivering a quality, affordable education to students, worked long hours to offer classes online and through Zoom videoconferencing to keep the machinery of education moving so students could keep working toward their goals. Events were canceled, or they were held “virtually” in the digital world. A new kind of normal developed. Some of our students decided to wait until they could rejoin their fellow students and faculty in the classroom. Many of our students adapted to taking classes virtually, even if that was not what they preferred.

This spring, our halls and classrooms are still mostly quiet. All classes, except for ones that absolutely require an in-person component, continue to be online and through Zoom. Big events like the Commencement and Nurses Pinning ceremonies will again be virtual this May. Our signature fundraising event for the CCC Foundation, Palette to Palate, which supports the Fine Arts Department at CCC, will reimagine itself as a virtual event this April.

CCC Adult Education makes easy conversation

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Jiyoung Lee comes from South Korea, and Jose Landaverde comes from El Salvador. Kaoru Pierre comes from Japan, and Aurora Silleni comes from Italy. There’s Victor Parra from Mexico and May Henao from Colombia.

They may have come from all over the world, but they have one thing in common: They’re all taking classes with the Adult Education program at Coconino Community College to improve their English language skills.

“It’s college and career preparation,” said Jennifer Dennis, Adult Education instructor at CCC, of the class, which is an advanced English language-acquisition class. “A lot of our students have been through university in their home country.”

Home Brew Academy on tap with CCC Feb. 16

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2021 • Comments Off

Grain or barley. Hops. Yeast. Water.

Like the chords of a great blues tune, the ingredients to make beer are simple and few, but they are infinitely interchangeable for a complexity of experience that borders on heavenly.

Beginning Feb. 16, Coconino Community College Community Education will be hosting the non-credit course, “Northern Arizona Home Brew Academy,” led by Flagstaff-based Brewmeister Adam Harrington, owner of High Altitude Homebrew Supply and Bottle Shop.

“I love teaching what I know,” Harrington said. “It seems daunting, but it’s actually pretty easy.”

CCC receives financial excellence award for 25th year in a row

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2021 • Comments Off

Twenty-five years in a row and counting.
Coconino Community College received recognition for its financial responsibility to the public by being awarded the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for its 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The award is issued by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

“Receiving this recognition for 25 years is an amazing accomplishment,” said CCC’s Executive Vice President Dr. Jami Van Ess. “First, I want to thank the District Governing Board for their dedication to being good stewards of public funds.”

Dr. Nathaniel White named Chair of the District Governing Board for Coconino Community College.

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2021 • Comments Off

The Coconino Community College District Governing Board voted Wednesday to name Dr. Nathaniel White as its next Chair.

“It has been a pleasure to work under the calm, steady leadership of Governing Board Chair Patty Garcia and with my dedicated Board members for the past several years,” White said. “It is an honor, and I look forward to being a part of the Governing Board and the CCC family as we optimistically move ahead in 2021.”

Eikenberry appointed to CCC District Governing Board

by Community Contributor • January 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Williams resident Eric Eikenberry has been appointed to the Coconino Community College District Governing Board.

“All of my adult life, I’ve been a huge advocate and supportive of the community college mission,” Eikenberry said. “And since I’ve been living here, I’ve supported the CCC mission in particular. I’m delighted to be appointed and can’t wait to serve our students and community.”

CCC Comets Caring Campaign 2021

by Community Contributor • January 15, 2021 • Comments Off

The CCC Foundation Annual Fund Drive is now the CCC Comets Caring Campaign.
The change of name reflects who we are at CCC and our commitment to caring for our students, faculty, staff and the community.

Your financial support provides the opportunity to help CCC students write their own success stories in the year ahead and beyond.