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Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, today announced a growing suite of services focused on student life and success.  With students coming from all walks of life across the country, Ecotech’s administration is committed to extending assistance beyond the classroom.  Ecotech’s Student Services department, Career Services department and mentorship program all serve as examples of the school’s focus on fostering an engaging, well rounded experience.

As part of that initiative, Ecotech recently named Kim Stromire as Manager of Student Services. Kim and her team help students in all aspects of settling in, from the enrollment and orientation process to relocation plans for out-of-state students.  Under her direction, Ecotech provides students with local and community resources, including housing information, part-time job opportunities and more.  In addition, Student Services implements student activities and clubs; supervises the Military Strategy Committee and the Political Action Committee; provides campus communication tools; and offers tutoring assistance and advisement.

Under the Student Services umbrella, Ecotech also offers a unique mentorship program for students.  The program, MORE (Mentoring Others Results in Excellence), is open to all first-term Ecotech students to help them acclimate into a new school – and, for many, a new city.  Since more experienced students have expertise and knowledge about Ecotech, course material and the Denver Metro area, students are matched up to get the “inside scoop.”

During students’ tenure at Ecotech, they will also become acquainted with Susan Pawlak, who Ecotech recently named as its Director of Career Services.  Susan is committed to matching students with renewable energy careers that fit their skills and personal assets.  She is well connected with sustainable companies nationally and locally and ensures that Ecotech students are in front of hiring managers in their respective fields.

“A school is just a building without its students.  We are focused on producing graduates who are fulfilled from an educational experience that meet all of their needs,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute.  “We have built a team that truly cares about every person in our diverse student body.”

To help with relocation, Ecotech has also created a relocation guide that details information about Aurora and the Denver Metro area.  That guide can be found at http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/ecotech-location.cfm.

Ecotech Institute will have its first graduating class in June 2012.  Ecotech, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, launched in Aurora, Colorado in April 2010 with seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainable design, today announced that it has created MORE (Mentoring Others Results in Excellence), a mentorship program to help incoming students.  Now that Ecotech has students entering into their third and fourth terms, many of these more experienced students have great expertise and knowledge about Ecotech, the course material and the Denver Metro area.  These qualities are great attributes to help acclimate first-term students with their surroundings.

“Many of our students are not only studying subject matter that they are unfamiliar with, but they are also taking classes in a new building and may even be living in an entirely new city or state,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute.  “Now that we have students who have walked our halls many times and are familiar with the Denver Metro area and Ecotech’s course material, we want to embrace the leadership skills of these students and give them the chance to share their knowledge and serve as a resource for our new students.”

The mentorship program is open to all first-term Ecotech students, but to qualify to become a mentor the students must meet several criteria including:

• Have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Have completed a minimum of two terms at Ecotech.
• Make time to meet with his or her “buddy” student at least one time each week throughout the term.
• Willingness to develop study groups and help with tutoring.

Right now Ecotech has seven student mentors signed up for the program.  One of those students, who actually brought up the idea for a mentorship program,  is Michael Streight. Streight is serving his 22nd year in the Navy, but he sees his military career coming to an end since the aircraft system he works with is being phased out.  With one career on its last legs, Streight says he wants a future career that has growing potential.  Streight is now working full-time, while going to school four nights a week.  With dozens of new students starting at Ecotech each term, Streight started thinking about the mentor program the Navy uses and wondered how Ecotech could implement a similar program.  That idea helped lead to Ecotech’s mentorship program today.

“It’s a great program because as mentors we’ve been in their shoes,” said Streight.  “We’ve had their classes and had the different instructors.  We can also offer our opinions on non-school subjects such as the best areas to live and ideas for things to do on the weekends.”

With 25 percent of Ecotech’s students relocating to Colorado to attend school, this program helps students instantly have a buddy when they move.

“We have students from as far away as Florida and Maryland coming to Ecotech so it’s important those students especially feel connected, since their friends and family may be thousands of miles from their new home,” said Seifert.

To help with relocation, Ecotech has also created a relocation guide that details information about Aurora and the Denver Metro area.  That guide can be found at http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/ecotech-location.cfm.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, launched in Aurora, Colorado in April 2010 with seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com. The next round of classes begins this fall and applications are being accepted now.  Financial assistance is available.