Biden spoke at MCC-Penn Valley HSI (Stephanie Weissman/The Current).
MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute hosted Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, in a round-table discussion on the topic “Community College to Career” on April 30.
Jill Biden is a long-time educator who continues to teach full-time. She and Assistant Labor Secretary Jane Oates shared the round-table with three students, who took part in giving their own personal experiences with working and their education.
The group discussed the MoHealthWINs program; the way students have been put directly into the workforce; and also businesses that have hired students from the MCC campuses.
“This is exciting for students and the link to education employment. It’s not just getting the degree,” said Cheryl Carpenter Davis, Dean of Instruction at MCC-Blue River.
Before the discussion began, Biden spoke of her support for community colleges. She teaches in the education department of Northern Virginia Community College.
“This was an opportunity to collaborate with people with similar scenarios,” said John Bone, a student at MCC-Business & Technology. Bone, with MCC- B&T student Ethan Roy, spoke during the round-table discussion about his job and how it connects with his MCC experiences.
The panel gave perspectives from every angle about workforce development and the discussion highlighted the importance of gaining an education and the ability to enhance the workforce.
“It’s cool to see the whole picture,” said Roy.
Biden said her visit at MCC gives her a first-hand look at how students from community colleges can truly contribute and make a difference.
May 10, 2012
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