From the Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence, Montgomery College, Rockville, Maryland.
Paul Miller, EdD – Corresponding Author
Paul.Miller@montgomerycollege.edu
The Student Training and Resource (STaR) Network at Montgomery College (MC) is an innovative initiative designed to provide comprehensive professional development opportunities to students. Launched by the Office of E-Learning Innovation and Teaching Excellence (ELITE), the STaR Network aims to equip students with essential skills needed for career readiness, supporting their academic and professional growth. Funded by an MC Foundation Innovation grant in 2023 with $11,000, the program’s primary goal is to prepare students for future employment. In particular it aims to enhance students’ essential skills including communication, leadership, and teamwork, in alignment with the National Association of Colleges and Employer’s career readiness competencies.
Initially aimed at student employees, the program was expanded to all MC students due to high demand and regulatory limitations affecting Federal work-study employment. Professional development is crucial for students as it bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical workplace skills. It ensures that students are prepared to work in diverse teams and can thrive in professional environments. This training helps students develop essential skills highly valued by employers. Additionally, it builds confidence and encourages a proactive approach to career development. This paper explores the program’s structure, key themes, measurable outcomes, and impact on student success while highlighting the essential skills necessary for career readiness.
The STaR Network at MC is a comprehensive program that provides paid professional development and career readiness opportunities to degree-seeking students. By providing a structured, supportive environment for skill development, the program ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of their current roles and future careers. The primary goal of the STaR Network is to equip students with essential skills and knowledge that will help them excel in their current roles and future careers, supporting MC’s mission to provide a high-quality education and prepare students for post-graduation success. The program’s structure includes 2-3 monthly virtual professional development sessions, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all participants. Each session is designed to cater to the diverse needs of the student body, providing valuable resources and training without the barriers of physical attendance.
In its first year, the STaR Network attracted tremendous interest—over 600 applications were received for a total of 360 program seats across the 15 scheduled sessions, and several sessions filled to capacity within an hour of application launch time. Since students can register for unlimited sessions, many students registered for multiple sessions throughout the program. Ultimately, the program served over 100 individual students and awarded a total of 295 attendance credits to participants in its inaugural year.
The impact of the STaR Network on these student employees has been significant in several ways:
Overall, the STaR Network’s comprehensive approach to professional development ensures that student employees are well-equipped to meet the demands of their current job roles and are prepared for future career opportunities. The program’s success in its first year has laid a strong foundation for its continued evolution and expansion, aiming to make an even greater impact on student success and career readiness in the years to come.
The STaR Network is built around several key themes and objectives that align with MC’s strategic priorities. These themes ensure the program not only enhances students’ professional skills, but also supports their academic success and personal growth.
The STaR Network is structured to provide comprehensive and accessible professional development opportunities for students at MC. The program’s design ensures that all participants can benefit from its offerings, regardless of their schedules or locations.
The STaR Network offers 2-3 virtual professional development sessions per month. These sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging and cover a wide range of topics relevant to career readiness and personal development. Each session typically lasts 1 hour and focuses on a specific skill or competency, such as time management, conflict resolution, resume writing, and leadership skills.
To ensure maximum accessibility and convenience, all sessions are conducted via Zoom. This virtual format allows students to participate from anywhere, eliminating the need for physical attendance and accommodating various schedules. Each session can accommodate up to 24 participants, providing an intimate and interactive learning environment.
Students can register for unlimited sessions, and registration is processed on a first-come, first-served basis. To participate, students complete an online registration form at least 24 hours before the session starts. For each session attended, a $25 credit is applied to the student’s MC account, providing a tangible incentive for participation.
The success of the STaR Network is the result of collaborative efforts between various departments and stakeholders within MC. ELITE spearheaded the program and coordinated the delivery of all the sessions. ELITE’s expertise in professional development and e-learning ensures that the program is of high quality and meets the needs of the students.
Close collaboration between ELITE and the Office of Financial Aid ensures that the student account credit incentives for participation are processed smoothly and efficiently. By working together, these departments provide a seamless experience for the students, from registration to receiving the attendance credit and final certificate of participation.
Additionally, faculty and staff across the college are encouraged to support the STaR Network by volunteering to participate in sessions. Their involvement adds value to the program, offering students diverse perspectives and expertise. Faculty and staff participation also fosters a sense of community and support, enhancing the overall learning experience.
The program’s structure and collaborative approach ensure that the STaR Network effectively supports students in their professional development journey. By leveraging the strengths and resources of various departments and stakeholders, the STaR Network provides a robust and supportive environment for student success.
The STaR Network is designed with a strong focus on sustainability to ensure its long-term impact on student professional development at MC. This sustainability plan includes innovative strategies to maintain and expand the program despite potential funding challenges.
A key component of the STaR Network’s sustainability plan is the introduction of a Student Employee Badge. This badge is modelled after the University of Maryland’s Students Transitioning into Effective Professionals (STEP) Program. The digital microcredential badge is designed to recognize students’ participation and achievements in the program formally and motivates students to engage fully with the program. To earn the badge, students must complete a percentage of all professional development sessions and submit an ePortfolio demonstrating their acquired skills and competencies. The microcredential badge further supports sustainability by providing a structured pathway for students to showcase their professional development. By earning these credentials, students can demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning and skill development, making them more attractive to potential employers.
In addition to the microcredential badge, the STaR Network’s virtual delivery model contributes to its sustainability. Using Zoom for sessions minimizes logistical costs and allows for greater flexibility in scheduling and participation. This model ensures that the program can continue to operate efficiently, even with limited physical resources.
The STaR Network aligns closely with MC’s mission and strategic priorities. The program supports MC’s commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing students for the workforce and post-graduation success. By offering comprehensive professional development opportunities, the STaR Network enhances students’ career readiness and academic success, directly contributing to MC’s goals of improving graduation, completion, and retention rates.
The program’s focus on equity and inclusion aligns with MC’s dedication to fostering a diverse and supportive learning environment. By providing equal access to professional development for all degree-seeking students, including those from underrepresented groups, the STaR Network promotes cultural competency and inclusivity.
The program’s emphasis on critical thinking and continuous improvement resonates with MC’s strategic initiatives. By using data to assess the program’s effectiveness and inform its practices, the STaR Network ensures that it remains responsive to the evolving needs of students and the job market. The STaR Network’s innovative approach to professional development, combined with its alignment with MC’s mission, ensures that it remains a valuable asset to the MC community.
The effectiveness of the STaR Network is systematically evaluated through a comprehensive assessment strategy that includes pre-program assessments, data collection during program implementation, post-program assessments, and follow-up evaluations. This rigorous approach ensures that the program continuously improves and meets the evolving needs of student employees.
Before the start of the program, students participate in a pre-program assessment designed to gauge their initial skill levels, knowledge, and expectations. This assessment helps identify areas where students need the most development and sets a baseline for measuring progress. By understanding each participant’s starting point, the program can tailor its sessions to address the specific needs of the students better.
Throughout the duration of the STaR Network, data is collected to monitor student participation, engagement, and progress. Attendance records, session feedback, and participation in discussions and activities are tracked to ensure that students are actively involved and benefiting from the program. This ongoing data collection allows the program coordinators to make real-time adjustments and improvements to enhance the learning experience.
At the end of the program, students complete a post-program assessment to evaluate the knowledge and skills they have acquired. This assessment measures the effectiveness of the training sessions and identifies the impact on students’ job performance, confidence, and career readiness.
The collected data are thoroughly analyzed to assess the overall effectiveness of the STaR Network. This analysis includes quantitative data, such as attendance rates and assessment scores, and qualitative data, such as student testimonials and feedback. Detailed reports are generated to summarize the findings and provide insights into areas for improvement.
Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the significant impact of the STaR Network on their professional and academic development. Success stories include students securing internships and improving their job performance due to the skills gained from the program. Testimonials highlight the program’s transformative impact on their personal and professional development in a variety of ways:
Feedback from supervisors indicates that student employees who participated in the STaR Network demonstrated noticeable improvements in their job performance, particularly in areas such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
The STaR Network sessions were incredibly helpful. I improved my communication skills and gained confidence in my job. The time management session, in particular, helped me balance my work and studies better
Many students reported feeling more prepared for job interviews and career opportunities after completing the program. The practical skills gained through the STaR Network sessions, such as resume writing and interview techniques, have directly contributed to their success in securing internships and job offers.
Participating in the STaR Network was a game-changer for me. The resume writing and interview skills session prepared me for my job search, and I recently secured an internship thanks to the skills I learned.
Students noted a boost in confidence and a greater sense of belonging within the college community. The program’s emphasis on inclusivity and cultural competency has empowered students to engage more actively in both their academic and professional environments.
The diversity and inclusion session opened my eyes to the importance of cultural competency in the workplace. I feel more equipped to contribute positively to a diverse work environment.
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the STaR Network has secured additional funding to enhance and expand the program. The second year of the STaR Network will be marked by significant improvements and strategic changes designed further to support student employees’ professional and academic growth.
The STaR Network has been refunded through MC’s Innovation grant, securing $11,000 for the upcoming year. This funding will enable the program to offer more sessions, reach a broader audience, and introduce new resources and tools to enhance the student experience. The commitment to sustaining and expanding the STaR Network reflects MC’s dedication to providing high-quality professional development opportunities for its students.
The refunding and strategic changes to the STaR Network underscore MC’s commitment to innovation and excellence in student professional development. By expanding eligibility, introducing new topics, and offering personalized learning pathways, the STaR Network is poised to make an even greater impact on student success and career readiness in the coming year.
The STaR Network at MC has proven to be a transformative initiative, providing students with comprehensive professional development and career readiness opportunities. The program has successfully engaged over 100 students, significantly enhancing their skills in communication, leadership, teamwork, and more. Focusing on essential skills is crucial for career readiness. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the top skills employers seek include problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and leadership. The STaR Network aligns with these competencies, ensuring students are well-prepared for the job market. By developing these skills, students improve their immediate job performance and gain a competitive edge in their future career pursuits. The positive feedback and high attendance rates underscore the program’s relevance and impact. This initiative prepares students for immediate job roles and equips them with lifelong skills essential for their future careers, making a lasting impact on their professional journeys. As the program continues to evolve and expand, it will remain a cornerstone of student professional development, fostering a capable and confident future workforce.