Basic Skills Program / Literacy

Brock Administration Building, Suite 131
New Bern Campus
(252)638-7265
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

The purpose of the Basic Skills Program is to assist adults in improving their literacy skills and obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency; to assist adults who are parents to obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children; and to assist in the completion of a secondary school education.

Day and Evening classes are available, on and off campus and throughout the year.

The following programs are offered through the Basic Skills Department:

Adult Basic Education

Prepares students to enter one of the high school equivalency programs
Provides instruction for improvement in reading, writing, and math
Serves students with intellectual disabilities
Offers classes at both the New Bern and Havelock campuses and other locations across Craven County

High School Equivalency

The Adult High School Diploma

Complete remaining high school credits and earn the North Carolina Adult High School Diploma

GED Program

Earn a North Carolina High School Diploma Equivalency by passing the four-part test (social studies, science, language, and math)
Recognized by most colleges, government agencies and employers
Offered on both the New Bern and Havelock Campuses

Student interested in enrolling in either the Adult Basic Education or High School Equivalency programs must attend a mandatory testing session and an orientation session. Please call (252) 638-7265 for testing and orientation dates and to schedule a time. Testing and orientation must be completed before attending class.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Provides non-native English speakers with instruction in speaking, reading, and writing the English language to help with proficiency in community, social, business, and employment or post-secondary educational settings. Students interested in attending ESL classes should call (252) 638-4755 for registration information.

Esta clase provee a estudiantes de no habla ingles con instruccion en el hablar, lectura, y escritura en ingles para que sean competentes en sus interacciones con la comunidad, en contextos de negocios, en su empleo, en interelaciones sociales, o para avanzar su educacion. Estudiantes interesados en las clases de ingles deben llamar a 252-638-4755 para mas informacion y registracion.

Basic Skills Plus

Provides students with a competitive edge in today’s employment market by providing opportunities to earn a High School Equivalency Diploma, Certified Nurse Aid Certificate and college credit. Applications for entry into the program are in the Basic Skills Office. For more information, please call (252) 638-1587.

Family Literacy

The Family Literacy Program provides educational opportunities to children and adults by integrating adult basic education, parenting education, and early childhood education. It is a high-quality, intensive instructional program which promotes adult literacy and empowers parents to support the educational growth of their children. Additionally, preparation to complete a North Carolina High School Diploma Equivalency is offered, as well as ESL classes. The program is FREE to include transportation, childcare, breakfast, and lunch. There are two locations: Vanceboro Farmlife Elementary School and James W. Smith Elementary School. For more information, contact Craven Community College at (252) 638-7265 or the Family Literacy Program at (252) 244-3225 or (252) 672-7023.

Transitions Academy

The mission of the Transitions Academy is for Craven Community College, along with local community agencies, to provide adults with mild intellectual disabilities the opportunity to continue their education by improving their reading, writing, math, and technological skills while preparing for the world of work or other appropriate post-secondary programs.

Minor Enrollment

Basic skills programs are intended for adult learners who are 18 years or older. However, 16 and 17 year olds may receive program services with the approval of their legal guardian and a release from the local school system. The Basic Skills Permission Forms must be completed and notarized. It can be found below under Special Permission to Attend Craven Community College or in the Basic Skills main office. Services cannot be provided to a minor until the required paperwork has been successfully completed.

Once the completed paperwork has been received, the student may sign up for a mandatory testing and orientation session. It is recommended that a parent of legal guardian attend the orientation session with their student. The student may enroll in classes once they have completed testing and orientation.

Special Permission to Attend Craven Community College Form

You will need to follow the instructions below and complete the Basic Skills Special Permission Forms:

Craven County Students: Return to the last school you attended and request an Alternative Education Referral Form. The form should be signed by the school Principal and Counselor, and then taken to the Craven County Board of Education to be signed by the Superintendent or his/her designee. Lastly, the form is to be signed by the parent or legal guardian and notarized. You must also complete the Basic Skills Application for Minors and the Basic Skills Conduct Guidelines pages of the minor enrollment packet.
North Carolina Students from outside of Craven County or Private School Students: Request the Basic Skills Special Permission Forms. Then, have them signed by the school Principal and the Superintendent or his/her designee. The forms will also need to be signed by the parent of legal guardian and notarized.
Home-Schooled Students: Request the Basic Skills Special Permission Forms. Then, have them signed by the parent or legal guardian and notarized. Attach a copy of the state approval for the home school program issued by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and certify the student has not been enrolled in any NC public school for the past six months.
Out-of-State Students: Parent or legal guardian must complete and notarize the Basic Skills Special Permission Forms if the student has never been enrolled in the North Carolina Public School System.
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor is a person under the age of 18 who has complete responsibility for him/herself. Admission requirements for an emancipated minor are the same as for an applicant 17 years of age or older. Proof of status is required and determined in the following ways:

Marriage certificate/I.D.
Legal document from the court system

Without legal documentation, the student will be subject to the standard admissions procedures for minors. You must complete the Basic Skills Special Permission Forms