The Careers, Advocacy, Resources, and Engagement (CARE) Center's mission is to support Blackhawk students on their path to academic and career success by helping them access services and resources on campus and in the community that assists them in managing barriers and developing connections. Support services available include career and employment services, access to community resources, emergency assistance support, career closet, student cupboard, and engagement opportunities. The CARE Center is located in Room 2220 on Central Campus, and resources are accessible at other campuses. Computers (with access to the Internet) are also available for resume preparation and job searches. For more information contact carecenter@blackhawk.edu.
Counseling and Case Management Services
Counseling and case management services are free and available for all current students to assist in dealing with issues that impact their overall well-being. Your counselor understands that there are pressures and challenges faced while in college – not all of them academic. Through counseling and case management, current students can share problems in a safe and supportive space. https://www.blackhawk.edu/Student-Resources/Counseling-Services
Counselors can help during these times by:
- Sharing ways to manage stress and anxiety
- Linking students to school and community resources
- Discussing emergency assistance options for students
- Assist in improving problem-solving and coping skills
- Helping identify strengths and sources of support
- Offering a different perspective
- Providing a safe place to talk and have someone who will listen
Mental Wellbeing
Counseling and case management services are free and available for all current students to assist in dealing with issues that impact their overall well-being. If individual counseling needs are determined to be beyond what is considered brief, every effort will be made to refer the student to an affordable, appropriate community-based provider. Additionally, students can access support resources like HeadSpace and BetterMynd.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Funding is available for eligible Blackhawk students experiencing unforeseen financial expenses.
Transportation and Childcare assistance is also available for eligible students.
https://www.blackhawk.edu/Paying-for-College/Financial-Aid/Emergency-Financial-Assistance
Non-Traditional Occupations (NTO)
Men and women both want careers they enjoy. The US Department of Labor defines non-traditional occupations as careers in which women or men comprise 25% or less of the total workforce. Advantages of non-traditional occupations include: higher wages, good benefits, advancement opportunities and work you enjoy. But there can be challenges, too, like: feeling isolated, balancing work and your personal life, and finding mentors in the field.
NTO students may be eligible for Transportation or Childcare Assistance.
Student Cupboard
The Blackhawk Student Cupboard provides supplemental food and other necessities for current students and their families who are in need. Our vision is to ensure no Blackhawk student goes hungry because of a lack of income or access to food. The Student Cupboard is located in the CARE Center, Room 2220.
Student Engagement
Student Organizations and Clubs
Student organizations and clubs provide valuable experience to students by fostering leadership, personal development, career opportunity, and community relations. They are considered an integral part of the total education experience at Blackhawk. All Blackhawk students are welcome to join a student organization or club. Active involvement outside the classroom promotes beneficial learning experiences that further develop and enrich students’ interpersonal and professional skills. For detailed information contact the Student Engagement Specialist.
Student Government Association (SGA)
The Student Government Association serves as the voice of Blackhawk students by addressing student needs and concerns and planning campus-wide social, recreational and educational activities. Students will gain professional experience in leadership, marketing, planning, negotiation, and communication. For more information about getting involved with SGA, contact sga@blackhawk.edu.
Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Ambassador Program
The WTCS Ambassador Program recognizes and rewards outstanding student achievement in the Wisconsin Technical College System. Each year, one Blackhawk student is selected as the WTCS Ambassador to represent Blackhawk. The ambassador attends several state-wide events throughout the year, is a spokesperson for the WTCS, and is often a featured speaker at the annual commencement ceremony.
Awards Ceremony
This honors recognition program culminates in late April and is sponsored by Student Engagement. During the program, individuals are recognized for their academic achievements, participation in student organizations, and contributions within the college community.
Career Services and Leadership Development
Blackhawk takes great pride in offering a wide range of career and professional development services for students and alumni to develop the skills needed to get the job. These skills include:
- Job search assistance utilizing Handshake
- Assistance with cover letter and resume writing
- Interview skills, including mock interviews
- Networking through events such as workshops and job fairs
- On-campus employment opportunities through the Student Employment and Internship program
Career Services assistance is available in Room 2220 on the Central Campus. These services are also available at all other Blackhawk sites. Prospective graduates are encouraged to contact careercenter@blackhawk.edu for more information.
Certificate of Professional Development
The Certificate of Professional Development is a non-credit program that allows students and alumni to develop and improve professional skills, which will provide them the edge in their job search. This training program is self-paced and those that complete the full Certificate of Professional Development will be recognized for their accomplishment. Program Benefits:
- Receive specialized training and feedback.
- Gain experience that can be applied in the workplace.
- Take charge of professional development and gain more confidence in the job search/application.
Career Closet
The Career Closet provides all Blackhawk students access to new and gently used professional attire for interviews, career fairs, networking events, and the workplace. The goal of the Career Closet is to remove financial barriers that may prevent students with the highest need from looking and feeling their best during the internship and job search process. The Career Closet is located in the CARE Center (Room 2220).