“I chose Blackhawk Technical College because it was affordable and, thanks to the Start College Now program, I was able to start my degree in high school. I also love that it is a small school with amazing instructors,” Madeline Schulz said.

Schulz is an Early Childhood Education, or ECE, student who was drawn to the program by her passion for working with young children. Her favorite course so far is Child Development. She said, “I love learning how children learn and grow and how to help them through that process!”

The Janesville native is a graduate of The Lincoln Academy in Beloit. Balancing her high school work with her Blackhawk classes was challenging, she said, but allowed her to complete more than half of her ECE program while still in high school. She plans to graduate from Blackhawk in spring 2027.

“Blackhawk has started me on my goal to have my bachelor's and (maybe) my master’s in ECE through an affordable college experience that can transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater very seamlessly,” she said.

Schulz shared how her K-4 mentor at Blackhawk has shown her the joy of teaching. She has also been inspired by her mom.

“My mom has worked hard for us and shown me that I need to work hard for my passions, which keeps me going during this hard road,” Schulz said.

Currently working as a special education assistant at The Lincoln Academy, Schulz encourages anyone considering classes at Blackhawk to not be shy about asking questions. “The instructors are happy to help!” she exclaimed.

When not at school or work, Schulz practices mixed martial arts in Janesville.

Learn more about the Early Childhood Education program.

Learn more about the Start College Now program.