麻豆视频

Workforce Development and Community Education Celebrates Graduates

May 29, 2025

麻豆视频 celebrated 854 graduates who completed Workforce Development and Community Education (WDCE) programs at the College. Graduates from these programs represent over 20 Delaware Tech short-term training and certification programs in such fields as phlebotomy, Java coding, construction technology, and more.

The first ceremony was held on May 6 to celebrate 373 graduates from both the Stanton and Wilmington campuses. Jared Stampp, an HVAC technician graduate, was this year’s student speaker and addressed his peers with a motivating speech.

“What an incredible moment this is, not just for our graduates, but for every family member, instructor, and friend who stood beside us,” said Stampp. “Today, we honor our hard work, persistence, the power of skilled hands, and sharp minds. Trade school isn’t easy, it requires focus, determination, and humility so that we can start with the basics and then build our way up.”

The WDCE graduation ceremony at the Owens Campus in Georgetown was held on May 27 and celebrated 481 graduates. The ceremony included high school seniors who are a part of Delaware Tech’s TRIO program, a federally funded initiative designed to support low-income, first-generation students trying to navigate a journey toward higher education.

Zy-nasia Cannon was the first of three student speakers at the ceremony. She enrolled in the dental assistant program so she could change her career path and study dentistry. She also received a scholarship through the Metallica Scholars initiative.

“I did my research and became fascinated that there were so many paths that could lead me to my goal of hopefully becoming a dental hygienist,” said Cannon. “The Metallica Scholars program was life-changing and relieved the financial stress so I was able to focus on my education. Despite facing many challenges, such as losing my job and struggling with anxiety, the scholarship reassured me that all the hard work was worth it.”

Robert Lewis, a student in the College’s heavy equipment operator program, shared his personal challenges, aspirations, and what his journey at Delaware Tech meant to him.

“Delaware Tech has helped me achieve my goal of obtaining the credentials I need to stay informed on heavy equipment operation and has provided me the opportunity to sustain a good-paying job,” said Lewis. “My long-term goal is to build and own a hotel. In the meantime, I will continue to make my parents proud by using my education and certification to clear lots and properties.”

And graduate Melisa Velasquez-Zunun spoke as a representative of Delaware Tech’s Upward Bound Math and Science Program, which is part of the TRIO initiative.

“I joined the Upward Bound Math and Science program at Delaware Tech with the hopes of getting academic support but found so much more,” said Velasquez-Zunun. “I discovered exposure. I was given the opportunity to learn about and visit colleges that I thought were out of my reach; colleges like Villanova University, Swarthmore College, Dartmouth College, and Hamilton College. However, these weren’t just random college visits. They were transformational experiences that helped me envision myself in spaces I never thought I belonged.”

The College will host a final WDCE graduation ceremony for students at the Terry Campus in Dover on June 11. Photos from each event are accessible through .