Blackhawk among Top Honor Society Chapters; Awards Scholarship

One year ago, Blackhawk Tech inducted its first class of 46 students into a brand new chapter of the National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS) honor society. Blackhawk students were invited to be a part of the NSLS based on specific requirements that included: a minimum GPA of 2.5, completion of at least 6 credits, and/or being a student leader on campus. Out of the more than 715 NSLS chapters across the country, Blackhawk achieved one of the 100 best induction rates for the 2019-20 academic year. Because of this, BTC was able to award one student a scholarship. 

Dixie McKee was selected to receive the $250 scholarship due to her leadership, hard work, and advocacy of NSLS. She is currently pursuing her second Associate's Degree at BTC in Substance Use Disorder Counseling (SUDC). Never one to let grass grow under her feet, Dixie is putting those skills to work in her job as a Unit Specialist at Rosecrance’s adolescent inpatient treatment facility for substance use and mental health.

(Pictured: Dixie assists her son with his homework)

“This is an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and skills I have learned in BTC’s Human Services Associate Program and what I am learning now in BTC’s SUDC Program,” Dixie said. “I love the opportunity to work with adolescents in this capacity and the ability to pursue working with the population that holds the strings to the heart of my future career goals.” Those goals include pursuing her master’s degree in social work. 

Each year, the NSLS Foundation distributes over $350,000 in scholarships and awards exclusively to NSLS members. Along with access to scholarship funds, students inducted into the NSLS become lifetime members of the society with access to letters of recommendation, and the opportunity to complete the Advanced and Executive Leadership Certifications which can help them stand apart from their peers as they apply for internships and jobs. 

Once students are recruited for the NSLS, they have to complete a series of steps to be eligible for induction. These steps include attending an orientation event, a leadership training day, at least three speaker broadcasts, and at least three student success networking group meetings. The NSLS is well-known for its star-studded lineup of speakers recruited to educate and inspire students. For instance, this year’s speakers include actor Jack Black, Yale Law School graduate and television correspondent Tanya Acker, scientist Bill Nye, and actor Matthew McConaughey. All NSLS members can attend the speaker broadcasts live and ask questions of the guests. 

In the pursuit of being a better leader, Dixie appreciates the fact that membership in the NSLS works both ways; she gets to be trained in leadership by others and then practices her newly learned leadership skills in other areas. “It’s given me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills with our support teams, motivational Mondays, speaker broadcasts, and the opportunity for fellowship with like-minded individuals,” she said. “The NSLS has been an opportunity to pursue something for me, while still showing up well for others and leading by example for the people I love.” 

If you think the National Society for Leadership and Success might be right for you, please contact Alicia Acker, BTC Career Services and Leadership Development Coordinator, at aacker@blackhawk.edu or (608) 743-4423.

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