Pathways to Success: Make Your Foreign Education Count in the U.S. In partnership with 2012 World Education Services, Inc. All rights reserved. April 3rd, 2013 Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus
Today s Agenda Opening Remarks: Ms. Heidi Adamson, Director of Campus Outreach Welcome: Dr. Robert Templin, President Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education: Ms. Jill Casner-Lotto, Director Foreign Credential Recognition: Mr. Paul Feltman, Director, Global Talent Bridge, World Education Services Making Your Education Count Resources & Programs NOVA Admissions, International Students, Financial Aid: Dr. Beth Harper, Associate Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management, and Mr. Steve Bennett, International Student Services Coordinator
Adult Career Pathways: Today s Agenda Ms. Christina Hubbard Coordinator of Counseling Services, Adult Career Pathways Ms. Theresa R. Gentile, Student Success Advisor, Adult Career Pathways Training Futures: Dr. Bill Kosanovich, Director of Community Based Co-enrollment Programs English as a Second Language: Mr. Bill Woodard, Associate Professor and Program Head, ESL, Manassas campus STEM/Biotechnology: Dr. Ia Gomez, Biotechnology Program Head and Assistant Professor of Biotechnology and Biology, Manassas Campus Success Story: Dr. Roger Ramsammy, Provost, Manassas Campus
NOVA is the 21st Century equivalent to Ellis Island. We are the gateway to the American Dream for immigrants seeking economic opportunity for themselves and their children. Bob Templin, President Northern Virginia Community College
What is CCCIE? A national network of community colleges and other organizations committed to supporting immigrant education through innovative programs and services Mission To raise awareness of the important role community colleges play in delivering educational opportunities to immigrants To promote and expand the range and quality of programs for immigrant students among community colleges around the country Current Initiatives Website resources (www.cccie.org), articles, research, presentations Credentialing & Career Pathways for Skilled Immigrants Promising practices online database and report Technical assistance to community colleges and practitioners Advocacy & outreach, including support for foreign educated/skilled immigrants to re-enter careers in US
CCCIE Community College Members
Community Colleges in the U.S. 1,167 Community Colleges Fact: 1 out of 4 Community College students is from an immigrant background 8 million credit students 5 million non-credit students 40% full-time; 60% part-time 28 yrs. average (mean) age 42% first generation to attend college 13% single parents 46% received financial aid Source: Association of American Community Colleges 2012
Community College Degrees Associate Degree = the 1 st two years of a bachelor s degree Designed to: - transfer to four-year colleges and universities - enter the workforce Certificate Programs = One year of university level work, BUT can be taken at any pace - Designed to gain immediate employment
Other reasons to attend a community college To learn professional-level English language skills To fill a gap in your education in order to: - Prepare for graduate school - Gain licensure - Enhance your job skills - Re-enter, change or advance in careers To learn more about community resources
Global Talent Bridge Global Talent Bridge is an initiative of World Education Services (WES) that is dedicated to helping skilled immigrants fully utilize their talents and education in the United States. Online resources Pathways to Success seminars Support and training for institutions and agencies www.globaltalentbridge.org/info
Barriers to Success More than 2.7 million college-educated immigrants in the U.S. are unemployed or working below their skill level You are not alone Academic credentials NOT recognized NOT familiar with U.S. job search process Limited English Source: Migration Policy Institute, Uneven Progress, 2008
Foreign Credential Recognition Your foreign education has value in the U.S.! Each institution/agency/employer sets its own rules regarding recognition and acceptance No government agency or single standard Some institutions do their own evaluations, but most designate external evaluation services Private evaluation services (like WES) Operate independently Charge fees $75-125 (General) $150-350 (Detailed)
Sample Credential Evaluation
Choosing a Service Your international education, once evaluated, can be recognized and accepted by academic institutions, licensing boards and employers. Choosing an evaluation service. What instructions does the recipient provide? Hint: Check the International Student page! Consider your future goals (education, employment, licensing) If given a choice of services, consult www.naces.org to identify a qualified and reliable evaluation service
Choose Carefully Always check with the institution, employer or board about the evaluation service(s) they recommend or will accept Caution about Google searches: 1) Just because it is on Google doesn t mean it is reliable; 2) Know the difference between organic and advertised search results These are ads (appear in box that is lightly shaded) These are organic search results
Evaluations for Education CREDENTIAL EVALUATION Many colleges and universities will require an evaluation from a private evaluation service like WES OR Some schools perform their own evaluations and will NOT accept an evaluation from an outside service ADMISSION The college or university uses the evaluation to decide your eligibility for admission to an academic program TRANSFER CREDIT (Possible) Institutions will also use the evaluation to decide whether to offer transfer credit. Note: Institutions set a limit on the amount of transfer credit they will accept
Evaluations for Professional Licensing Licensing is state regulated, with separate boards for each profession. Licensing requirements are complicated, and usually include most of the elements listed below: http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/professionsandoccupations/ Credential Evaluation Certification from professional association Supplemental courses and/or English language requirements Work experience/ Internship Examinations Fingerprints, fees, citizenship, etc
Licensing Timeframes PROFESSION Accountant (CPA) Architect Dentist Pharmacist Physician Professional Engineer Teacher (K-12) Approximate Time/Costs More Efficient Path 10 months $1,600 5 1/2 years $6,600 4 years 8 months $101,800 3 years 9 months $2,265 5 years 1 to 5 years residency $9,900 4 years 8 months $800 1 year and 4 months $650 Approximate Time/Costs Less Efficient Path 4 years $4,500 11 years $10,680 7 1/2 years $122,500 7 years 8 months $8,110 10 years 1 to 5 years residency $15,650 10 years 9 months $1,700 4 years $31,000 Data Courtesy of Careers for New Americans / Upwardly Global
Alternatives to Licensing Even without being licensed, many professionals can utilize their skills in alternate or related fields; for example: Teachers can work in private schools, as instructors at community colleges or non-profit organizations, or as trainers in private industry. There are also teaching fellowships that allow them to license while working Accountants can work in many positions, including bookkeepers, accounting clerks, loan officers, budget analysts, etc. Healthcare professionals can consider non-regulated occupations such as medical interpretation or positions in health administration, research or community health Engineers or Architects can work in technical, advisory and management positions that can have an important impact on engineering projects
Evaluations for Employment Employers may ask for a credential evaluation and have a preferred service OR Employers may not be familiar with credential evaluation, so it is important that to present evaluation to potential employers When speaking to Employers Market your education Highlight the U.S. equivalency on your resume
Finding a Job in the U.S. It is estimated that 77% of all jobs in the U.S. are found through professional networking U.S. job search process is fast-paced and competitive, therefore, it is important that you develop an excellent professional portfolio (resume, cover letter and interview skills) You should always seek help with developing your professional portfolio Library Department of Labor Community Organization
Gaining U.S. Experience Volunteering or Internships allows you to find opportunities to re-enter your career field or try a new field of interest Gain experience in U.S. workplace Utilize, demonstrate and update your skills Build your network Develop references (and maybe a mentor) Strengthen your resume Improve your English Taking Courses - Even if you have strong academic credentials from overseas, U.S. study can be improve your chances of finding employment Update your skills Gain new skills Improve your English
Online Resources Upwardly Global Guides to Licensed Professions Online Training and Webinars www.upwardlyglobal.org Global Talent Bridge Credential Evaluation, Education, Licensing and Employment www.globaltalentbridge.org/info Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians Career Guides www.welcomingcenter.org Welcome Back Initiative Model programs for foreign trained healthcare professionals, including community college partnerships http://www.welcomebackinitiative.org
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) 76,000 students from 180+ countries Minority majority college Six campuses, several centers, and Extended Learning Institute Five comprehensive campuses Medical education campus Degrees and certificates Noncredit ACLI programs
Annandale Alexandria Loudoun Manassas Woodbridge Medical Education
NOVA Admission Online admission application: www.nvcc.edu In-state tuition for US citizens, permanent residents (green card holders) TPS, refugees, asylees, and certain other visa types Out-of-state tuition for undocumented students (including DACA) and all other visa types
NOVA Transfer Credit Register for at least one credit. US Credit: Have an official transcript sent to the Student Services Center at your campus. International Credit: Have an official transcript sent to an evaluation agency. Request that they send the evaluation to NOVA. Fill out a Request for Evaluation. 25% of your program must be completed at NOVA
NOVA Financial Aid More than $100 million in financial aid annually Financial aid is available for US citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), TPS, refugees, and asylees www.nvcc.edu/finance
NOVA International Students F-1 and M-1 (student) visas Information: http://www.nvcc.edu/futurestudents/admissions/internationalstudents/index.html Contact Office of International Student Services oiss@nvcc.edu
Adult Career Pathways Northern Virginia Community College
What is Adult Career Pathways? NOVA s Adult Career Pathways program is for: unemployed or underemployed workers low-wage workers work-eligible immigrants with strong English skills young career starters with a high school degree or GED
How does ACP Work? ACP Advisors Counselors help participants: identify career goals and pathways to achieve them develop an education plan navigate admission and financial aid processes identify potential personal challenges and developing strategies to minimize their impact connect with community based training programs that align with their career goals What is unique about this program? students receive personalized assistance from NOVA s ACP advisor ACP Advisors assist participants pursuing their career plan for up to three years. participants can access their advisor via phone, email or in-person at community locations, as well as on NOVA campuses.
Foreign Education Counts! ACP advisors will provide support to students with foreign education: Provide information about acceptable external evaluation agencies Assist participants in getting the appropriate paperwork completed to have the external evaluation processed at NOVA Review transfer credit with the student to select future courses
Contact information Email our Career Counselors at: acp@nvcc.edu Visit our website to learn more: www.nvcc.edu/acp
Community Based Co-enrollment Programs When a job and income come first, before you can think of college: consider one of NOVA s co-enrollment programs in partnership with a community-based training provider. In 6-12 months, you can earn 6-28 NOVA credits and refine your employment skills. Co-enrollment students have high placement rates and starting wages significantly above minimum.
Community Based Co-enrollment Here s how it works: Programs NOVA helps community based training partners align their curriculum with NOVA courses. NOVA certifies their qualified trainers as adjunct faculty. Low income students in the training programs become co-enrolled, receiving NOVA credits for NOVA instruction from NOVA adjuncts; most become eligible for federal student aid to finance their studies.
NVFS Training Futures The Training Futures/NOVA Program A comprehensive job training and educational program that prepares participants for healthcare or general office administrative jobs and careers. Participants earn 18 NOVA credits from classes in: office administration, computer business applications, business and professional communication, medical terminology, organization behavior, and workplace skills. Includes a 3-week internship with a local employer, wrap around support services, and job placement assistance. 2012 World Education Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
NVFS Training Futures The Training Futures/NOVA Program Serves underemployed adults, 20 years or older, with h.s. diploma or GED, able to work in the U.S., some employment history, and 7th grade reading skills. On average, about 50% of participants were born outside the U.S. NOVA CBO Program Staff assist students NOVA enrollment Applying and qualifying for financial aid Placement testing bridging students into further NOVA study www.nvfs.org/trainingfutures
Other Co-enrollment Programs 24 weeks of training in computer skills, personal development, and job search strategies; sites in Alexandria, Falls Church, Herndon, and Mount Vernon. Students earn up to 7 NOVA credits. www.computercore.org 6 week course in unarmed security guard training at Arlington training center. Students may earn up to 6 NOVA credits and Department of Criminal Justice Services Certification. www.dcgoodwill.org Students earn up to a 31-credit Certificate in Early Childhood Development and a Child Development Associate (CDA) from the Council for Professional Recognition. Centers are located in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax County. www.hopkinshouse.org Serves 18-24 year-old young adults. Students learn computer applications, network and help desk support, personal finance, communication, and work readiness. 26 weeks of coursework followed by 26 week internship with a Fortune 1000 company. Students may earn up to 27 NOVA credits. www.yearup.org Training in entrepreneurship and skills for launching a small business. Training is in Arlington. Students earn up to 26 credits and a Career Studies Certificate in Entrepreneurship. www.entdevgroup.org
English as a Second Language Which program is right for you? Credit (College) ESL Goals Classes Costs Non-Credit (ACLI) ESL Goals Classes Costs
BIOTECHNOLOGY Dr. Ia Gomez Biotechnology Program Head and Assistant Professor of Biotechnology and Biology
Journey from Trinidad to NOVA Manassas Campus Dr. Roger Ramsammy, Provost
Q & A Please share your experiences!
Thank You For More Information Global Talent Bridge www.globaltalentbridge.org/info Please feel free to contact WES/GTB: gtb@wes.org Northern Virginia Community College www.nvcc.edu Please feel free to contact Dr. Elizabeth Harper eharper@nvcc.edu Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education (CCCIE) www.cccie.org Please feel free to contact Jill.CasnerLotto@sunywcc.edu