SIUE Upward Bound Students Graduate with Laboratory Technician Certificates

One lucrative workforce trend in the U.S. today is the demand for laboratory technicians, and several Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Upward Bound (UB) students have positioned themselves to take advantage of it.

Five seniors from the SIUE East St. Louis Center's TRIO UB EC/MLC (East St. Louis, Charter/Madison, Lovejoy, Cahokia) program graduated on Saturday, May 11 with certificates as laboratory technicians. The 16-week, non-credit Alternative Digital Credentials course is taught by Robert Dixon, PhD, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Chemistry, and offered through SIUE's Office of Online Services and Educational Outreach (OSEO).

"The class teaches basic skill sets that are universal in most laboratory settings. It's a combination of online and hands-on training," said Dixon. "Applicants for employment only need a high school diploma, and these are good jobs, paying $25-$35 an hour, with a full-benefit package."

"These Upward Bound students were rock stars. They were the smartest students I have had to date," continued Dixon, who has been teaching the course to Metro East area high school students for the last four years. "They were motivated and interested. This group stood out by far. Immediately, they were able to do the math and science required. So, I expect big things from them. Some of the students don't want to go into laboratory sciences. They took the course for their educational enrichment."

"Alternative Credentials can offer pathways to employment and support SIUE's commitment to meeting regional workforce needs," said OSEO Director Mary Ettling. "We are grateful to Dr. Bob Dixon and those in our office who find spaces and places to offer our courses and programming."

"This course has been fabulously successful," continued Ettling. "These students are leaving with a skill and knowledge they will have for life."

Completing the course and receiving their certificates were: Zarria Clark, Tyrique Davis, Na-Renzo Gardner and Zhakeya Hawkins (not present), all 2024 graduates of Madison Senior High School; and Cameron Smith, a 2024 graduate of East St. Louis Senior High School.

"I want to thank you students. You chose to come to school - to do more schooling," said Maggie Ervin, OSEO specialist of alternative credit and credentials, during the ceremony. "You excelled. I enjoyed watching you participate in the classes. You showed fortitude, perseverance and tenaciousness. We are happy that you have this additional credential and skill set in your toolbox."

"I would also like to thank Dr. (Timothy) Staples (SIUE East St. Louis Center Executive Director) and Mr. (Christopher) Cooper (SIUE TRIO UB EC/MLC Program Director) for inviting us to work with the Upward Bound students," added Ervin.

"I am extremely proud of our students and how well they applied themselves in the class," said Cooper. "This was a wonderful opportunity for them, and I am grateful to Dr. Dixon, Mary Ettling and the Office of Online Servies and Educational Outreach for making it happen."

"Before taking the class, I didn't know anything about lab technicians," said Smith. "But I had a feeling it had something to do with chemistry, which I like." Smith, who was dually enrolled at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) also received his associate degree from the school.

Smith, who plans to attend SIUE, came to the UB program as a sophomore. "Upward Bound allowed me to tour different colleges," he said. "It also helped me with problems in school."

Clark decided to take laboratory technician training because she always shied away from the subjects of math and science. "I liked the class a lot," she said. "It made me realize that even though I was fearful of the subjects of math and science, they weren't as bad as I thought. Taking this class was a way to make me face my fears." Clark is scheduled to attend Georgetown University and has plans to become a funeral director and trust and estate attorney.

Davis wanted to break away from his boredom and decided to enroll in the lab technician course. "I was trying to find something engaging to do that would re-stimulate my brain," shared Davis. "I had lost the enjoyment of learning. As the course continued, a spark happened in me. I enjoyed learning something new. It was more fun than I thought it would be."

After four years of being in UB, Davis commented on the positive effect it had on him. "When I first started Upward Bound, I was timid and scared," he said. "I was afraid of everything. But after being around the students, it helped me break out of my shell. Upward Bound taught me to not be afraid to experience life, and of the importance of college." Davis also graduated with an associate degree from SWIC. He plans to attend SIUE and major in computer science/engineering with a focus on software design.

"Upward Bound helped prepare me for college and connected me to SIUE," said Gardner, who plans to attend SIUE and major in computer engineering with an emphasis on software design.

"I loved the lab technician class," he added. "I enjoyed doing experiments every week. I really looked forward to the hands-on work. I had never done anything like that before. Dr. Bob is probably the funniest and best instructor I've ever had."

Dixon began teaching the weekly class in November at the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Center in East St. Louis.

Upward Bound programs help youth prepare for higher education and serves students from East St. Louis, Charter (EC) and Madison, Lovejoy, Cahokia (MLC) high schools. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition and STEM subjects on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. The quality services provided will prepare the students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs. Upward Bound is a college-preparatory program designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12. Upward Bound is part of the SIUE East St. Louis Center.

In pursuit of SIUE's mission to be a community that is dedicated to expanding knowledge to shape a changing world, the Office of Oline Services and Educational Outreach offers a variety of personal and professional development opportunities. We work across credit, certificate and non-credit programs and provide a wide array of opportunities to engage in continuing education for career enhancement or simply for enjoyment.

Photos:
Top left: SIUE Upward Bound students attend their graduation ceremonies for Lab Technician's, offered by SIUE's Office of Online Services and Educational Outreach.

Top right: Maggie Ervin, OSEO specialist of alternative credit and credentials, talks about the partnerships involved in offering the course.

Bottom left: Robert Dixon, PhD, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Chemistry, congratulates students on their recent success.

Bottom left, from left to right: Tyrique Davis, Na-Renzo Gardner, Zarria Clark and Cameron Smith.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.