High school journeys don’t always go as planned. Sometimes life gets in the way of a high school diploma, leaving individuals of all ages wondering how to get their education back on track. For anyone in that situation, the College & Career Readiness (CCR) department at Craven Community College (Craven CC) can help.
CCR programs are for adult learners who are ready to take the next step in their academic journey. There are a variety of tuition-free programs that specialize in obtaining a high school equivalency, improving adult literacy skills, English as a Second Language (ESL), and educating adults with mild learning disabilities.
“Our programs are free and open to anyone looking to improve skills in reading, writing, math and technology, earning a high school equivalency, or completing remaining credits for their high school diploma,” said Sandy Bayliss-Carr, CCR director. “We also have classes for students who are not native English speakers and those with mild intellectual disabilities.”
Students in CCR programs vary in age and have differing educational backgrounds. While they are intended for adults ages 18 and older, 16- and 17-year-old students may register with required approval and paperwork. Classes are offered on the New Bern and Havelock campuses, as well as online.
One of CCR’s most sought-after programs is high school equivalency. This program allows students to complete any remaining high school credits to obtain a North Carolina High School Diploma Equivalency. This can be earned through passing a GED® test or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET®).
The Transitions Academy is a program designed for adults with mild intellectual disabilities who want to prepare for the workforce or further their post-secondary
education. It is a free two-year program that increases math, reading, writing, technology, and soft skills. Students take part in career exploration and learn through real-world experiences and multiple instructional modalities. Topics covered include horticulture, government, health programs, childcare, carpentry, and food preparation/safety.
Another is the Family Literacy Program, which provides educational opportunities for children and adults through a combination of adult basic education, parenting education, and early childhood education. While the program is rigorous, it promotes adult literacy and empowers parents to support the educational growth of their children. Participants in this program can also get help with completing a North Carolina High School Diploma Equivalency, as well as ESL classes if needed. The program is free and includes transportation, childcare, breakfast, and lunch.
Additionally, CCR offers customized on-site classes for local employers based upon their needs. Workplace literacy courses are available for local industries and businesses that would like customized English instruction for employees with language barriers, as well as high school equivalency for those who wish to complete their education or need a refresher in basic writing and math.
“We also offer a digital literacy program for people of all ages and computer abilities,” added Bayliss-Carr. “It’s a great program that meets people at their skill level and teaches them the very basics, from turning on a computer and safely navigating the digital world to learning Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. We can also bring these classes to groups off campus.”
For more information on CCR programs, visit CravenCC.edu/CCR or contact Bayliss-Carr at 252-638-4755 or bayliss-carrs@cravencc.edu.