MADISON, Wis. — Roxanne Johnson is a Madison resident who works two jobs to pay the bills.
“I am an office manager for Fountain of Life Church,” said Johnson. “I also work for UW-Health in registration and billing in the emergency department. “
Recently, Johnson said she started to worry about her financial future as she starts to get older.
That is when she heard about a collaboration between the Black Men Coalition and eCornell.
“Of course I did not believe, free courses and you get certified in whatever class or course you decide to take,” said Johnson.
Through this collaboration, Dane County residents can pick from 21 different certificates in various industries, such as cyber security and real estate.
Laura Ford-Harris is the education and learning officer with the Black Men Coalition (BMC).
She said in order to take the courses, people are required to be Dane County residents, have a high school diploma or GED, be able to read, write and speak English and make below $70k a year.
“Several individuals who are taking these courses are using the learning and knowledge they are getting to provide opportunities in their own businesses,” said Ford-Harris. “We have someone who completed a cybersecurity certificate, and she currently has a cybersecurity company.”
Ford-Harris said there have been 485 people enrolled in eCornell courses so far.
“While we have about a 50% completion rate, we are so excited that we have about 17 individuals who have already earned certificates through the eCornell program,” said Ford-Harris.
Johnson is one of the 17 people who have completed courses through the eCornell program as she works toward her goal of becoming a real estate agent.
“It was a good experience, hard experience, trying experience. Almost quit twice but finished,” said Johnson.
Johnson said she is giving herself three months to become a licensed real estate agent.
“I am planning to take my time and do this one piece at a time,” said Johnson. “My goal is to still do what I am doing right now and still use that license as a part-time job to show houses.”