Automation Systems Technology student named 2020-21 WCTC Student Ambassador

Anderson_Elyssa_ WCTC - for newsroom

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Monday, April 27, 2020) – Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) recently named Automation Systems Technology student Elyssa Anderson as the 2020-21 WCTC Student Ambassador.

Anderson first came to WCTC as a high school senior in the 2017-18 school year and participated in the Dual Enrollment Academy, EMT-Basic program. She took a gap year and traveled to Germany as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange, and she returned to WCTC in 2019 to pursue an associate degree with plans to graduate in spring 2021. Anderson is also active with the Student Government Association and serves as secretary/treasurer.

“I chose Waukesha County Technical College because my program piqued my interest in the same way as a university, but without the financial burden,” she said. “I've really enjoyed the hands-on technical training, as well as working closely with my instructors. It's also reassuring to know that I have a clear path into the workforce after I graduate. WCTC has taught me so much already and continues to create opportunities for me.”

Each of the 16 colleges within the Wisconsin Technical College System selects one student every year to participate in a leadership development and recognition program sponsored by the Milwaukee-based financial services firm Baird. The recognition event, originally planned for April, has been postponed until November. Additionally, Baird provides a $1,250 scholarship to each ambassador.

Objectives of the WTCS Ambassador program include:

• Fostering public awareness and appreciation for the high-quality System of technical education that contributes to the state's economy and its communities.

• Highlighting the technical skills, academic achievements, community impact and leadership – in the classroom, workplace and community – of Wisconsin’s technical college students and graduates.

• Encouraging ongoing collaboration in the delivery of technical education among state and local education, workforce and economic development, and industry partners.

• Emphasizing the uniquely valuable role of affordable, flexible and responsive technical education in an era of rapid change in the workplace and in every facet of a modern economy.

• Inspiring pride in technical education among students, graduates and all involved in its delivery.