One of the Peckham Community Partnership Foundation’s major grants, the Higher Education Credit Attainment Program (HECAP, enables full-time Team Members to pursue post-secondary credentials at Lansing Community College (LCC) while working a reduced 30-hour schedule while receiving compensation for a full 40-hour workweek. This provides critical time for studying and attending classes, which empowers participants to achieve their educational and career goals with less financial strain.
One former and one current Team Member, Christine Reid and Howard Smith respectively, exemplify HECAP’s impact. Their stories highlight how Peckham’s commitment to investing in its people accelerates personal growth and professional development.
Christine, a former customer service representative, learned about HECAP through her Vocational Services Specialist (VSS). Already enrolled at LCC, she saw the program as a game-changer. “Getting paid for 40 hours while only working 30 was amazing,” she says. “I took a whole day off on Wednesdays to reserve a study room and focus on my homework.” This flexibility allowed her to maintain a 4.0 GPA, graduate on the President’s List, and earn two associate’s degrees in business administration and general business. Now pursuing a Human Resources Business Administration degree at Baker College, Christine credits HECAP and Peckham for making it possible for her to achieve upward mobility and land a position as a secretary for the State of Michigan. “I would have never done this without this program,” she says. “It gave me the cushion I needed to succeed.”
Beyond academics, Christine emphasizes the emotional impact. “HECAP showed me that there are higher-ups (at Peckham) who care about their people and are willing to invest in them,” she says. Her advice to others? “If you want to go back to school, don’t wait. Peckham encourages you, and the resources are there—use them.”
Howard Smith, who joined Peckham in 2011, shares a similar story of opportunity. After his mother’s passing, he began working in the Sparks’ call center and later pursued an A+ computer certification through Peckham’s offerings. When the pandemic disrupted his plans, his VSS introduced him to HECAP. Combining the program with Michigan’s Reconnect initiative, Howard enrolled at LCC. Getting paid for his full 40 hours a week and spending 10 of those on his schooling afforded him crucial time to study and take more classes.
A young 54, Howard is inspired to keep learning, driven by the knowledge he gains and the younger colleagues who motivate him. His goal is to establish a career in computer repair, helping others navigate technology. “I love working for Peckham,” he says. “The opportunities they offer are awesome.”
Through major grants such as HECAP, the Peckham Community Partnership Foundation continues to empower team members to achieve educational and vocational success. Whether pursuing academic degrees or trade certifications, Team Members like Christine and Howard demonstrate that with the right support, barriers can be overcome, and futures can be transformed. For those who qualify for HECAP, the message is clear: seize the opportunity for Peckham to help you invest in yourself.