Shakopee Student Wins Scholarship from Local Business Partner
Shakopee senior Kendra Vaillancourt says she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do for a career, but college wasn’t necessarily on her radar. She explored career options through many of the courses in the Human Services Academy, but nothing sparked her interest enough to make her consider paying for college. “I was considering not going to college because I have heard of so many people who have gone and are working just to pay off their college debt.”
That is until she met Kami Thompson, director of Shakopee’s New Horizon Academy. With a goal to help provide real life experiences for students and better understand the early childhood education field, Kami partnered with Sara Gilkison’s Advanced Child Development class to provide authentic experiences that included teacher observation, lesson plan development, and even some classroom instruction.
Kami shared New Horizon’s philosophy and staff development program with the students, encouraging them to apply to apply for open positions. Kendra jumped at the opportunity, and has been working there since November. She says she immediately felt a strong connection to the students. “Kendra has a true passion for working with children,” says Sara Gilkison. “Her experiences at New Horizons give her fellow classmates great insight during class discussions.”
She was told of a New Horizon Academy scholarship opportunity. The competitive application included an essay and interview. Kendra soon found out she was chosen to receive a scholarship for a two year degree in early childhood from MCTC. This scholarship is partnered with a job with New Horizon Academy. Starting this fall she will work at New Horizon while going to school. After three years she will have three years of earnings, three years of experience, an Associate’s degree and no school loans.
Kendra says she feels fortunate to have this opportunity, and shares a recent eye-opening moment she had in class. Students did a financial exercise that involved calculating yearly expenses they’ll have as a college student. “When other students had thousands of dollars listed for their tuition, I got to put zero. I feel lucky I will not have student loans.”
“I am thrilled that Kendra, someone who is so naturally talented in their interactions with children, has the opportunity to receive the New Horizon Academy scholarship,” says Kami “ It is very deserving!”
Lisa Larson is New Horizon’s VP of Human Resources: “We are so excited to partner with educators and to be able to help students enter the Early Childhood Education profession without the burden of school loans.”
Thank you, New Horizon Academy, for your dedication to your profession, our district, and our students.
