Spreading the word: College’s Adult Education join in national observance
Meridian Community College will join the country in observing the National Adult Education
and Family Literacy Week Sept. 19-25.
The goal is to raise public awareness about the need for and the value of adult education and family literacy. And to move toward that goal, MCC’s Division of Adult Education will host an open house on Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Ralph E. Young, Jr. Center for Adult Basic Education.
“Many are not fully aware of what we do and how many services we have to offer,” said Jennifer Whitlock, director of adult education. “We’re hoping the open house will show how we’re helping to shape and improve lives.”
MCC’s Adult Education (AE) Program provides foundational math, reading, and writing skills to help students acquire the skills needed to earn a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma, go to college, and/or join the military.
Additionally, the AE program manages HSE Testing. When an examinee successfully passes an HSE test (GED or HiSet), MCC gives them one free academic or workforce class. Basic reading, math, and writing refresher skills are offered to individuals that already have a high school diploma but are deficient in at least one of these areas.
Whitlock noted all instructional services are free of charge. “We have funding to assist with testing and workforce classes for those who qualify,” she noted.
Other services offered include workforce classes, literacy training, and the Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (MI-Best) Program. With MI-Best, qualified participants can earn their high school equivalency and enroll in a career and technical education program simultaneously. Smart Start, another adult education program, teaches participants how to prepare, obtain, and maintain employment.
“Our ultimate goal is to help them develop their skills in order to find sustainable employment which will strengthen the family foundation,” Whitlock said.
Persistence pays off for Adult Ed student Lorenzo Hudson
Lorenzo Hudson is no stranger to Meridian Community College’s Adult Education Program.
He had enrolled a few times before, but he just never seemed to stay committed enough to earn his High School Equivalency due to extenuating circumstances. Hudson re-enrolled in the HSE Prep Classes in July 2020 and, this time, was determined to reach his goals.
Not having much of work history, Hudson dually enrolled in MCC’s Eagle SOAR Out-of-School Youth Program. In August 2020, Hudson met with the College and Career Navigator Rhonda Smith and Adult Education Instructor Jamila Coleman to discuss his goals. He wasn’t sure of what he wanted to do, but he was interested in driving trucks. So, Hudson decided to pursue the MI-BEST Program.
Hudson earned a BRONZE Level on the National Career Readiness Certification by the end of August 2020. Three months later, he earned his SMART Start Credential, passed two subjects of the HSE Exam, enrolled in the MI-BEST Program, and earned his Forklift certification. Through the Eagle SOAR Out-of-School Youth Program, Hudson was able to complete a paid internship with the City of Meridian as a maintenance worker which allowed him to use skills he learned in the Eagle SOAR OSY and SMART Start Courses (effective communication, team building, and work ethic skills) to create a viable work experience.
Through the MI-BEST Program, Hudson enrolled in the Commercial Truck Driving Program in January. In March, he completed the eight-week course and immediately started his work-based learning/internship with Big M Transportation located in Blue Mountain.
Hudson graduated from Meridian Community College’s Career and Technical Commercial Truck Driving Course on May 7. Hudson had not yet earned his HSE Diploma, so he remained enrolled in the HSE Prep Courses.
On May 13, he retook the NCRC and earned a SILVER Level qualifying him for the HSE Competency-Based Diploma. By the end of June, Hudson had completed over 280 hours of on-the-job Training with Big M Transportation, earned his HSE-CB Diploma, completed the MI-BEST Program, and was hired full-time with Big M Transportation as a Truck Driver.
Hudson’s journey was not easy, and he even told Adult Education Director Jennifer Whitlock that he wanted to quit several times. He said, “I’m done. I can’t do this anymore.”
After a bit of counseling, encouragement, and support from the Adult Education staff, Hudson could move forward with reaching his goals and did so in less than a year.
Hudson has visited the College’s Adult Education staff several times, pouring out words of gratitude and appreciation for his support throughout his journey.