RichmondCC Plans Special Event to Highlight Need for Adult Education

Sept. 9, 2024 – In partnership with the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), Richmond Community College invites the community to celebrate National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, which is Sept. 16-20.

RichmondCC will be hosting a free information session and registration event Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. at the Cole Auditorium to recognize the accomplishments of adult education and family literacy students, faculty and staff, as well as to celebrate the impact adult education has on the lives of families and businesses.

“We are calling this event ‘Adult Education for the Future: Understanding the Need, the Impact and YOU,’” said Dean of Adult Education Nicole Worley. “We invite people to come learn the difference between a High School Equivalency and Adult High School diploma, the process for earning a GED© or HiSET© diploma, and the need for supporting adult education programs. We also have part-time instructor positions available to those who want to get involved in adult education.”

RichmondCC is also requesting donations to the “Sponsor a Graduate” initiative to help offset the cost of High School Equivalency exam fees for adult education students.

Over 30 million Americans over the age of 25 – or one out of every 10 U.S. citizens – do not have a high school diploma. In Richmond and Scotland counties, the number is closer to one out of every five. RichmondCC’s Adult Education department is working to change that. More than 700 individuals in Richmond and Scotland counties were served last year by RichmondCC’s adult education division, with 80 percent of those students entering the program functioning below the high school level.

“The need for a high school credential continues to grow as does the need for English as a Secondary Language for non-English speaking adults,” Worley said.

Adult education and family literacy programs serve adults who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, obtain a high school equivalence degree, and prepare for postsecondary education or training. These programs are focused on breaking the cycles of low literacy, low education and poverty.

Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that job growth for individuals without a high school diploma or some college experience is about zero or even negative. Approximately 48 percent of job openings require middle-skill and 32 percent require high-skill, which means nearly 80 percent of all job openings require more than a high school education.

Adults who participate in RichmondCC’s Adult Education program can explore career pathways and hone their skills so that they can advance their careers through postsecondary education or training. All High School Equivalency and Adult High School graduates also qualify for the Finish for Your Future Scholarship. This scholarship will cover up to $1,000 in tuition and fees for college curriculum or continuing education classes for adult education graduates.

“Adult Education for the Future: Understanding the Need, the Impact and YOU” on Sept. 17 is open to the public. Anyone who needs to complete their high school credential, improve their English language skills or wants to get involved is encouraged to attend. For more information, call (910) 410-1700.

About COAB

The Coalition on Adult Basic Education is the premier national professional association of adult educators. Over 65,000 members strong, COABE’s mission is to inspire educators so that adults succeed, and communities thrive. To learn more, visit www.coabe.org.