At a time when many Ivy League grads have duct taped the words "hire me" on their mortar boards, it's clear that the looming debt students frequently acquire has many degree seekers feeling skittish.

That's why Las Vegas Local 357 member Alex Garcia decided to boost his brain power and earning potential with a degree from the National Labor College. Garcia is on track to soon graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration — all for a fraction of the cost of a high-priced university.

Garcia said one of the selling points for him was the fact that he could transfer past college credits and NJATC apprentice program credentials toward his degree.

"It was the best thing I could do," he said. "I would tell other union members who are undecided about finishing their degree to get off the sidelines and get started."

The father of two had been one of many in the Silver State enduring unemployment. Garcia said that finishing his degree had been a goal for some time, and the school's flexible online schedule made it easier to balance academic and family responsibilities. Financial benefits from a Union Plus scholarship provided additional support.

"The Union Plus scholarship helped a lot, especially because I've been out of work," Garcia said. "It allowed me to buy books and pay for my tuition. I was glad that I didn't have to take out more loans."

For more information on degree programs, visit www.NLC.edu. To learn more about scholarship opportunities, go to www.UnionPlus.org.

For many young people with disabilities, horse riding is a proven therapy that can teach valuable life skills and offer soothing calmness. Now, one facility that specializes in such treatments is getting a big boost from Michigan IBEW members.

The Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center in Lansing could not afford to update its 30-year-old facilities and equipment. So last spring, Lansing Local 665 apprentices volunteered their skills to modernize the center, which teaches riding skills to students who need physical and cognitive supports.

Three apprentices installed and wired two automatic horse watering systems at the riding center, including watering boxes that automatically refill and heaters to keep the water flowing even in frigid temperatures. No longer will the center's volunteers have to struggle to haul a heavy hose out of the greenhouse or deal with frozen water lines.

Lansing Electrical JATC Training Director Lawrence Hidalgo Jr. said this was an appealing project for his apprentices. "Our apprenticeship program is known for doing community work," he said. "As soon as I received the call, I knew my students would want to help out."

The riding facility is part of the Marvin E. Beekman Center, a program that provides assistance to those with special needs so they can achieve their full potential. Therapeutic riding offers students companionship, responsibility, confidence, leadership and vocational and educational skills, says the center's staff.

The riding program began in 1979 with a small group of weekly volunteers during the warmer months. Today, Beekman Therapeutic provides year-round services to 30-40 students per week with the help of nearly 50 volunteers.

Even after receiving a grant for renovations, the center was limited by a lean budget. That's when Beekman Program Manager Janet Gross was referred to Hidalgo, who immediately recognized the unique opportunity for his apprentices to combine on-the-job experience with local community outreach.

Hidalgo and his apprentices received high marks from the center staff. "They really did a top-notch job and everyone was great to work with," Gross said. "We couldn't have asked for anything better."

Hidalgo and Gross also coordinated to have four apprentices wire lights and electrical outlets at a pool barn on the Beekman site that houses equipment for the local Special Olympics. Anne Goudie, director of Special Olympics for Ingham and Eaton counties, said the upgrades help with security because staff often returns from the games after dark to drop off equipment.

"We were grateful to get so much help on these projects," added Gross. "When they turned on those automatic watering systems and gave them life, it was a golden moment for us."

To see the riding center's newly renovated facility, visit the Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center Facebook page at www.facebook.com/btrc2901.