tca Chooses Scholarship Winners

March 8, 2006 - St. Joseph, Michigan - Local IT Business, The Computer Assistant (tca), recently sponsored an essay contest in cooperation with Michigan Works! of Berrien-Cass-Van Buren. Applicants were competing for one of eight Microsoft Training scholarships.  The object of the essay contest was for applicants to demonstrate why they felt computer classes would enrich their lives. Company Spokesperson, Tracey Malesa, comments: “There were so many strong essays, but in the end, we were only able to select 8.”  The winners are Marteze Williams, Linda Johnson, Amy Williams, Edward Isom, Paul Pschigoda, Lethea Ann Griffin, Christine Pfiefie, and Talecia Dale.

Applicants were judged on the content of their essays and the manner in which they were able to convey their need in a manner that was sincere, compelling and convincing.  Continued Malesa, “The eight winners that were chosen were selected because their essays all demonstrated a remarkable and an unwavering commitment to personal growth and vocational success despite the difficulty they have faced in their lives. Clearly, the desire to overcome adversity was the common central theme with all of these essays and I was touched at the outpouring of emotion within these pages. There can be little question that these scholarship recipients are motivated and tenacious people and I am excited that they will have this opportunity to learn new skills”.

Students began classes on Monday February 27^th.  While Malesa is enthusiastic about the opportunity these scholarship recipients will receive, she knows that the true measure of this initiative’s success can really only be measured in terms of outcomes.  Malesa elaborates, “What will ultimately matter the most is whether or not the skills these pupils acquire in our classroom will take them where they want to go career-wise.  That is why we are pleased that Michigan works will help us abreast of their progress long after the classes have ended. It’s important for us to know if what we have given them has truly created any meaningful impact in their lives.  If so, it is certainly something will we consider doing again for others like them”.

Todd Gustafson, Executive Director of Michigan Works! Remarked, “The local businesses we serve constantly tell us they require employees with increased computer skills.  This training exemplifies how Michigan Works! is enhancing the skills of area jobseekers while meeting the needs of employers, benefiting the local economy as a result.  We are proud to collaborate with The Computer Assistant on our shared goal to increase computer literacy for the citizens of our  tri-county area.”