Applications for 12th annual JWCC Foundation and WGEM Career Makeover competition taken through March 12

QUINCY — The John Wood Community College Foundation and WGEM have partnered for a 12th year to provide a free career makeover for one person.

Adults 24 years of age or older, who are not current or recent JWCC students, can apply for the opportunity at www.jwcc.edu/makeover. One winner will earn a scholarship from the JWCC Foundation to cover up to 64 credit hours, or completion of a selected degree or certificate, including tuition, fees and books. Interested people are encouraged to visit the site to view the contest process, rules and regulations. Applications will be accepted until March 12.

 In a press release, Barb Holthaus, JWCC Foundation executive director, said, “The JWCC Foundation creates educational opportunities. Thanks to the continued partnership with WGEM, the Career Makeover contest is a public way of showing the power education has to change someone’s path in life.”

WGEM supports the project as an extension of serving the community and partnership with JWCC.

“The Career Makeover has more than a decade of success, and we want to continue to invest in the people of our community who work to advance themselves through education,” said Ben Van Ness, WGEM general manager. “We are proud to partner with John Wood to help the next winner change his or her life.”

Regional employers are searching for people with the right skills to begin a career and greatly value employees willing to pursue education to help drive their company forward.

“Many adults work hard each day for their families, and the Career Makeover is just one way we can help them pursue their hopes and dreams of a new career path or a promotion with their current employer,” JWCC president Bryan Renfro said. “Everyone can achieve a credential or degree after high school, and for those who need a little competition to move toward that opportunity, the Career Makeover is it.

“We are here to support them every step of the way. Each day we are inspired by our current adult students, who balance full-time jobs and family to make their lives better.”

More information is available at www.jwcc.edu/makeover or by contacting Kelsey Deters, JWCC adult admissions advisor, at 217-641-4335. People without internet access may pick up paper application materials at JWCC or WGEM.

Caption: April Spears won the 2023 Career Makeover Competition, earning free tuition, fees, and books to study a healthcare related field at JWCC.