Early Childhood Education Student Enjoys Blackhawk Experiences

Hope Hopper loves children and wants to make a difference in their lives.

Originally from Phoenix, Hope is enrolled in Blackhawk’s Early Childhood Education program. She liked the fact that she could start college right in her own community at a smaller school that would give her an inexpensive financial start.

When Hope first came to Blackhawk, she loved how welcoming and friendly the Blackhawk staff was.

“Blackhawk has made it so that I have experience and resources going into teaching,” she said.

Hope received the Essential Child Care grant through the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, which subsidizes training for individuals entering childcare/early childhood education programs. Hope has also received the Donna McKearn Memorial Scholarship, offered through the Blackhawk Technical College Foundation.

In addition to being President of the Student Government Association for the past two years, Hope is a member of Business Professionals of America and the Blackhawk Improvement Group. She is also a student representative for the Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee.

Hope believes she can also use her experience from her time in those student organizations in addition to what she’s learning in her classes.

Outside of Blackhawk, Hope has overcome challenges, including balancing work, school, and family. She had to make sacrifices, but over time was able to create a schedule that best suits her lifestyle.

Planning to graduate in May, Hope wants to apply for jobs within her local school district and transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to obtain her bachelor’s degree.

“If you are looking for a college where you know that you matter and know when you graduate, you can make a difference, Blackhawk is the school for you,” she said.

Learn more about the Early Childhood Education program at blackhawk.edu/earlychildhood.

Donna McKearn Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Donna McKearn Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2021 in memory of Donna McKearn by her family members to support students with scholarships to assist them in their pursuit of a career pathway in either the Education or Business related fields of study at Blackhawk Technical College. A $250 scholarship is awarded to one student each fall to students that are enrolled (or will be enrolling) in the Early Childhood Education or Foundations of Teacher Education associate degree program or in a Business related program at Blackhawk Technical College. Students can either be enrolled as part-time or full-time students and must be in good academic standing. The scholarship is available to new or continuing students and preference shall be given to students showing financial need.