WLI Degrees Conferred

May 5, 2012, marked the conclusion of the WLI Bachelor’s Degree cohorts, but it was more a beginning than an ending.  The graduates who attended spoke of how their education had enlightened them and how new perspectives on teaching had better prepared them for the classroom. As a result of this degree, they are competent, confident professionals moving into leadership positions in their field.
 
Through the years, WLI has touched the lives of approximately 100 women through both degree programs and scholarships. If each has approximately 20 children in class each year, through a lifetime, they are helping to change the lives of thousands of children. Classes were conducted by East Stroudsburg University and Northampton Community College.

Jennifer Serowick, Director of Extended Learning at ESU, hosted eight graduates and six WLI members on the May 5th celebration of the graduation of 38 cohort members since 2008. She noted that the graduation rate for the three cohorts was over 60 percent, considerably better than the 50 percent national average. Sixty-three students had benefitted to some degree by attending the cohorts.

The graduates who attended reiterated that it was the cohort that got them through the challenge of completing their degrees while working full time in early childhood education, and seeing to the needs of their families. What started as a group of co-workers, then fellow students, became friends who now are more like family.

The impact on the careers of the graduates is already noticeable. Graduates are teaching with Head Start or at other childcare facilities; some graduates have become directors of childcare programs; others are mentoring interns in early childhood education; one is teaching kindergarten; another has been advocating in Harrisburg for funding for early childcare programs. And this was from a sampling of only the eight students in attendance.

The effects of the WLI cohorts will continue to ripple through our community for years to come. The graduates are deeply appreciative. In their own words:

• “I couldn’t have done it without WLI." - Kathie Rittoper
• “I am so appreciative that this opportunity was there. It has opened doors for me.” - Bertha Ocasio
• “Thank you for all you have done for us.” - Stefanie Stoudt
• “I owe WLI a lot. My two sons were in college at the time your scholarship appeared. I could have never gone back to school without this support.” - Robyn Lee
• “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I now have a whole new way of thinking.” - Rose Fritz
• “I feel important.” - Lynne Appleman
• “This was money well spent. I didn’t have to worry and CSC was able to use funds for the children.” - Angela Hoy
• “NCC was able to open a kindergarten where I teach because I now have this degree.” - Karen Klein