College Access Partners Summit

Quality Management – James Nowak – Brenda Wolfe & Brenda Kujawski

• Description: Learn how fact (data) based decision making can "catapult" your problem solving and critical thinking skills to make meaningful process improvements.
• Room: B079

Baking & Pastry – Angie Todd – Chef Michelle Gasparek

• Description: Learn how to make two types of chocolate chip cookies—browned butter and traditional creamed method. Discover the differences in flavor and texture and of course... enjoy cookie tasting the differences!
• Room: A190

AI - Teachable Machine – Alli Jerger – Matt Green

• Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a part of everyday life, while transforming nearly every field—from healthcare and education to business and the arts. This session will introduce participants to the core ideas behind AI and provide a simple, hands-on activity that demonstrates how a computer can be trained to recognize patterns. The goal is to give participants a starting point for understanding AI and how it may connect to students’ futures.
• Room: L116

Math & Science – Greg Ahrenhoerster - Tracy Neher and Erin O’Connell

• Description: Gumline Gram Stain. Swab the inside of your mouth and put the cells on a stained slide. Using a microscope, see the different kinds of bacteria in your mouth.
• Room: E217

Humanities, Communication, Social Science – Julie Steuber – Kay Eibl

• Description: WCTC Psychology courses: not your typical lecture experience. Participants will explore the WCTC way of teaching Psychology through hands-on learning and application.
• Room: E115

College & Career Readiness – Deatra Holloway

• Description: “Step by Step: Building Student Confidence Through IET” - Play an interactive board game to better understand the student lifecycle of an Integrated Education and Training student. Special focus on English language learners, undecided and at-risk populations.
• Room: K104

Automotive Technology – Lynda Busack and Nicholas Pope

• Description: See the inside workings of what powers an EV vehicle and get hands on experience with the equipment and training required to work on an Electric vehicle. 
• Room: I-109

Architectural Drafting – Angie Todd and Patrick Seitz/Stefano Liotta

• Description:. Experience the emergence of virtual reality in the architectural field by exploring buildings with the latest immersive VR software.
• Room: I-202

Manufacturing Integration Engineering Technology – Steven Walter and Andy Hoerig

• Description: Operate and experience various machines and technologies integral to developing automated manufacturing cells.
• Room: I-104

Surgical Technology – Lynn Richardson and Carrie Galecke

• Description: A surgical technologist’s job is to help ensure a safe and sterile environment for surgery, and to assist the surgeon during the procedure.  Come explore the daily life and some responsibilities of the surgical tech such as: preparing the operating room, scrubbing in, gowning and gloving, make sure all tools are sterile and accounted for while assisting the surgeon.  This is all done while maintaining a sterile environment to prevent patient infect.  
• Room: H204/H206

Medical Interpreter for Healthcare – Lisa Nowak and Melissa Wegner

• Description: In this session you will have the opportunity to explore the Medical Interpreter role and career. You will also participate in an activity designed to give you feel for what a medical interpreter does and why they play such a critical role in equitable healthcare.
• Room: H115

Nursing – Colleen Nuckolls

• Description: In this session, you will participate in an interactive activity related to caring for a patient in our simulation lab. You will learn about the various roles of nurses and the professional opportunities that are available as a graduate from our program and get a chance to experience nursing in action!
• Room: H-230

Education – Dena Constantineau

• Description: Participants will explore the education programs available at WCTC, including Wisconsin’s first teacher apprenticeship. The session will also feature an interactive activity focused on the science of reading, offering a hands-on look at how these concepts are applied in the Foundations of Teacher Education teacher preparation program.
• Room: S211

Criminal Justice – Jodi Crozier

• Description: Participants will be exposed to a use-of-force simulator to better understand use-of-force decision-making for Criminal Justice professionals.
• Room: MILO Room in the W building

Salon and Spa (Aesthetics, Cosmetology and Nails) – Jon Koch and Stacey Fenske

• Description: Our Aesthetics (skin and body care), Nails, and Cosmetology (hair, skin, and nails) programs prepare students for careers in their chosen fields and meet the educational requirements for licensure as set by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. During this session, you will tour our salon and spa, learn about each of the three programs within the salon and spa, and enjoy a relaxing hand paraffin treatment provided by one of our cosmetology students.
• Room: S107A
• Limit of 12 participants

EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) – Courtney Hull

• Description: In this 30-minute interactive session, participants will step into the role of an EMT and get hands-on practice with lifesaving skills. Learn CPR fundamentals, practice basic first aid, and try bleeding-control techniques used in the field. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to roll up your sleeves and see what it’s like to train as an EMT.
• Room: S210

There are a lot of early college opportunities at WCTC, but how do you assure you are providing the right opportunity to the right student? Join our session to learn best practices to use when advising your students to participate in dual credit.

This session will review the new program waitlist process WCTC is implementing for our high demand programs. This presentation will include a brief overview on why we were required to make this change and what the impact will be to new students applying to get into these programs. We will also review the prioritization process on how students will be placed on waitlists.

This session will provide an in-depth look at how the WCTC Foundation supports student success through scholarships and emergency grants. Attendees will learn about the types of donors, including individuals, community organizations and local businesses, and the specific programs and student expenses their contributions support. The session will also cover eligibility criteria, award cycles, and how these funds help remove financial barriers, allowing students to focus on their education and career goals.

In this session, you will explore how WCTC facilitates credit transfers—both incoming and outgoing—and how transcripted credit is applied. We'll cover the evaluation process, highlight articulation agreements, and explain how prior learning, military experience, and dual credit are recognized. You will leave with practical insights to better support students through their transfer journey.