Learning for Life program at MATC
Daniel Schott, Staff Writer
Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: News
Two years ago, Learning for Life was a thought that crossed the minds of several people. Today, it is an active and thriving program, statewide, that is held at the MATC Truax Campus.
In June 2008, 24 Wisconsin Army National Guards recruits first came to Truax, most of them visiting the campus for the first time. Soon after they took up residence in the Madison area, completely paid for by the Wisconsin Army, they began to attend classes held by MATC teachers with only one goal in mind: getting those 24 men and women their GEDs.
Those first 24 all passed their five tests (Writing, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Math), and moved on in their training. The next group, 25 more recruits, are now in the program.
"The idea of this program," Jane Griswold, the Business and Industry Liaison, explains, "is to remove them from any distractions they had while in high school, and allow them to study and prepare to take the five tests. We had amazing results with the first group, and expect another great result from this group."
Two to four weeks before the program begins, a campus orientation is held and they take part in tape testing. This allows them to re-familiarize themselves with school, and allows the program to properly measure their strengths and weaknesses in specific areas of education. With this knowledge, the MATC staff members can develop the entire curriculum based on the needs of the recruits.
Phase 2 of this program is to send career advisors to the new recruits allowing them the chance to talk over and plan their future beyond the military. This second phase gives them a chance to review their futures either in the army or back in school. Nicholas Fredrick and Michael Johnson, both 18, are 2 of the most recent recruits to enter the program. Both made it to their senior year in high school, but due to one reason or another they were unable to finish their schooling. Now the program is giving them a second chance, and they are extremely pleased with the program.
Nicholas, born in Wausau, dreams of becoming a Gym instructor, while Michael, born in Milwaukee, is bound for an Architecture degree. "My life," comments Michael, "It was pretty wild, and I couldn't see myself living that way. I need discipline, and the army was just what I needed. I didn't want to be just another statistic, like some of my friends."
The program has only just begun, but it seems to be a shining ray of light for the future of many that wish to join the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
In June 2008, 24 Wisconsin Army National Guards recruits first came to Truax, most of them visiting the campus for the first time. Soon after they took up residence in the Madison area, completely paid for by the Wisconsin Army, they began to attend classes held by MATC teachers with only one goal in mind: getting those 24 men and women their GEDs.
Those first 24 all passed their five tests (Writing, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Math), and moved on in their training. The next group, 25 more recruits, are now in the program.
"The idea of this program," Jane Griswold, the Business and Industry Liaison, explains, "is to remove them from any distractions they had while in high school, and allow them to study and prepare to take the five tests. We had amazing results with the first group, and expect another great result from this group."
Two to four weeks before the program begins, a campus orientation is held and they take part in tape testing. This allows them to re-familiarize themselves with school, and allows the program to properly measure their strengths and weaknesses in specific areas of education. With this knowledge, the MATC staff members can develop the entire curriculum based on the needs of the recruits.
Phase 2 of this program is to send career advisors to the new recruits allowing them the chance to talk over and plan their future beyond the military. This second phase gives them a chance to review their futures either in the army or back in school. Nicholas Fredrick and Michael Johnson, both 18, are 2 of the most recent recruits to enter the program. Both made it to their senior year in high school, but due to one reason or another they were unable to finish their schooling. Now the program is giving them a second chance, and they are extremely pleased with the program.
Nicholas, born in Wausau, dreams of becoming a Gym instructor, while Michael, born in Milwaukee, is bound for an Architecture degree. "My life," comments Michael, "It was pretty wild, and I couldn't see myself living that way. I need discipline, and the army was just what I needed. I didn't want to be just another statistic, like some of my friends."
The program has only just begun, but it seems to be a shining ray of light for the future of many that wish to join the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
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