education

Michigan Reconnect Program Expands Eligibility To Ages 21 And Older

The State of Michigan has updated the guidelines for the Michigan Reconnect program, broadening eligibility to residents aged 21 and older. Previously, the program was available only to those 24 and older. 

The Michigan Reconnect program is a last-dollar scholarship initiative that covers tuition for in-district residents at local community colleges, such as SC4, and offers reduced rates for out-of-district students. The scholarship is applicable to both associate degrees and certificate programs. “Extending the age range to 21 and older provides the opportunity for more members of our community to pursue an education,” said Sarah Rutallie, chief of staff at SC4. 

For more information, visit:  sc4.edu/reconnect.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Area Braces For Annual Mayfly Swarms

Residents in the Blue Water Area and surrounding communities will soon witness the annual swarms of mayflies, or “fish flies,” especially near and around bright lights. 

Emerging from the water as adults for about two days solely to mate, these harmless insects do not bite or sting. Mayflies spend most of their life as larvae in water, hatching after one to two years. 

Michigan is home to over 100 species of mayflies, which resemble dragonflies with long, thin abdomens that can be gray, yellow, or brown, and range from a quarter inch to just over an inch in length. Residents can expect to see swarms around gas stations, grocery stores, parking lots, and ATMs. With their short life spans they often litter areas with hundreds or thousands of their crunchy corpses that often leave a fishy odor when crushed or stepped on. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

The Milgram Experiment: Insights Into Blind Obedience And Herd Mentality

The Stanley Milgram experiment, conducted in the early 1960s, remains one of psychology’s most famous and controversial studies. It examined humans’ willingness to obey authority, even when such obedience caused harm to others. 

The experiment involved a real participant (the “teacher”) instructed to administer electric shocks to a “learner” or confederate for giving wrong answers. Despite the learner’s pretended pain and pleas to stop, the experimenter urged the teacher to continue.

The results were startling, the majority of participants administered shocks to the maximum level, even though they believed they were causing severe harm. This demonstrated high rates of obedience to authority figures. 

Milgram’s study challenged beliefs about human behavior, highlighting the power of authority and the limits of individual autonomy. Despite ethical concerns, the experiment remains influential, shedding light on social influence and herd mentality.

Source: structural-learning.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Offers Free Hearing And Vision Screenings For Children

The St. Clair County Health Department is providing free hearing and vision screenings for children, highlighting the critical role these senses play in academic success. Early detection of hearing and vision problems is essential, as undiagnosed issues can significantly impact a child’s ability to learn and thrive in a school environment.

If a child does not pass a hearing or vision screening, the Health Department will send a referral letter advising parents to follow up with a pediatrician, an ENT specialist, an optometrist, ophthalmologist or RESA.

If parents are unavailable to bring their child to the scheduled appointment, they can appoint someone else to do so, provided the child’s name, address, phone number, and birthdate are given.

For more information, call the St. Clair County Health Department at (810) 987-5300 or set an appointment online.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Win Prizes By Participating In The SCCLS Summer Reading Program

The St. Clair County Library System (SCCLS) invites everyone to join the Summer Reading Program from Monday, June 17th to Saturday, August 17th. 

This year’s theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” encourages readers of all ages to explore and earn rewards. Participants can log their hours and books using the READsquared app or paper logs available at each branch.

Exciting grand prizes include a Detroit Zoo annual membership, a Nintendo Switch OLED bundle, a Mega Quest 3 VR Headset, and more. Children can win educational toys, while teens and adults can win items like a drawing tablet or a hammock chair.

Earn points by reading, attending library events, and completing missions on READsquared. New this year is the SCCLS Treasure Map, featuring activities at each branch for additional points and raffle tickets. 

For more information, visit: stclaircountylibrary.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Hosts Juneteenth Celebration: A Taste of Heritage, Freedom, And Unity

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is teaming up with the Port Huron community for the 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration, “A Taste of Heritage, Freedom, and Unity,” on Wednesday, June 19th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at SC4.

This event honors African American contributions to the nation’s culinary culture and celebrates freedom and unity. It features a live-tasting exhibit showcasing African American foods’ rich history, and influence on American cuisine. Highlights include a free live-tasting exhibit, cultural showcase with music, dancing, storytelling, and spoken word performances, and signature food and drinks from local restaurants.

Jessica Brown, SC4 Chief DEI Officer, emphasized the importance of the celebration, stating, “Juneteenth is a celebration of progress despite the most painful parts of history.”

For more information, visit: sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell