Program Details and Cohorts

All of the first-year students in this program take UN 1000 - a course designed to build strong academic foundations. Taught by staff in the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success, the course focuses on strategies to enhance academic and personal success.

The course objectives include: developing skills and confidence to have a successful college experience; developing time management skills; becoming aware of campus resources; adjusting to the academic rigor of college; creating a productive learning environment; and getting to know other students as well as the Michigan Tech community. 

The course includes a mentoring component where students meet with a peer mentor for the first five weeks of the semester and then can continue to meet beyond that if they wish. Students are required to attend weekly learning center appointments, and must attend events of choice that addresses a dimension of wellness (physical, emotional, financial, social, etc). The final project is an "Infomercial" where students present something to see, do, or experience in the Keweenaw area. There are guest speakers from across campus who discuss their programs, resources, and offices.  

I hope students walk away knowing basic study skills, time management strategies, and how to contact campus resources. [...] I figure if students know how to study and balance their time, how to get help, and are connected to others then I have done my job.

- Thomas Schlitt, Frameworks for Success instructor

Working Families Scholarship Program award recipients are required to participate in a minimum of 20 hours of community service over the course of the school year. The Foundation believes strongly in the power of giving back and reinvesting time into the places that we live. Students can volunteer for formal, organized events such as Make a Difference Day, or can choose their own paths by volunteering at local schools, nonprofits, and events. 

We partner with Student Leadership and Involvement to log volunteer hours through GivePulse. 

There are several events each year that are designed to bring our Working Families Scholarship recipients together in community. Each August, the incoming cohort has a group welcome and orientation during which they can connect with fellow scholars - past cohorts are invited to join in welcoming the new students. When our colleagues from the Thompson Foundation come to visit, socials, meals, and coffee chats are organized so that students can meet the people behind the program. Students connect at additional socials throughout the semesters, as well as regular opportunities to volunteer in groups. 

Every Michigan Tech student is assigned an academic advisor, who helps guide their course choices and degree path. In addition to meeting with their advisor, our Scholars are required to meet with the program coordinator for regular check-ins on their community service hours, academic standing, and general progress at Michigan Tech. 

My biggest priority is ensuring the students have everything they need to succeed in the scholarship program, in school, and in life itself beyond Michigan Tech. Frequent check-ins throughout the semester allow me to get to know each of my students on an individual level, and provide the possibility for them to help shape the program–from finding fun and different volunteer opportunities related to their current interests to creating new connections in the local community and helping students find their niche.

- Kat Hanson, Financial Aid Manager/Coordinator for WFS