Albana and Artijola Emini are both students in Blackhawk’s Phlebotomy program and also aid recipients from the Albertson Strategic Opportunities Fund, which helps students, like the sisters, offset college costs.

While there are ample opportunities for learning in many facets as a Blackhawk student, they both take away something different.

“Blackhawk has made me want to learn and do what I want because of how much help I received,” Albana said.

“I’ve learned time management and how to get ready to get a job once I graduate,” Artijola said.

Both Albana and Artijola are graduates of Janesville Craig High School and plan to get jobs as phlebotomists upon graduating from Blackhawk in the spring. Albana also might come back to try another program.

The staff and programs are what both Albana and Artijola like most about Blackhawk, and Albana said she hopes potential students give it a shot, even if they’re wary.

“Even if you didn’t do good in high school, they give you opportunities,” Albana said.

Those opportunities are something that can be relatively easy to come by.

“If you need help, staff and Blackhawk will help with anything and everything,” Artijola said.

Albertson Strategic Opportunities Fund

The Albertson Strategic Opportunities Fund was created through the BTC Foundation by Wayne Albertson, a long-time resident of Albany, Wisconsin, who believes in the power of giving back to the community and making a difference in others’ lives. This fund provides opportunities for the Foundation to address critical College needs, launch new initiatives, offer financial assistance to our Blackhawk students, and support development, alumni, and other external relations activities to help share Blackhawk’s incredible story.