Wallace State (Photo from Facebook)
HANCEVILLE, Ala. — More than 30 graduates of the Wallace State Community College Adult Education program walked across the stage Thursday, June 3, to mark their success of receiving their GED. There were around 80 students who earned their GED or high school diploma through the Adult Education program at Wallace State during the 2020-2021 academic year.
While most commonly known for helping students obtain their GED, the Adult Education program also helps students earn their high school diploma and provides classes that offer credentials which can be used for employment.
“The Adult Education program is not only for those without their high school diploma, but also serves adults who need to improve their skills and abilities to be successful in the completion of their chosen program,” said Suzanne Harbin, vice president for advancement and innovation.
The GED is offered to students who dropped out of school before completing required credits needed to graduate. Classes are offered in person, online and at community sites. Vouchers are offered to students completing classes that will pay for the GED exam. Upon receiving their GED, the students receive a 3-credit-hour scholarship to Wallace State.
The high school diploma credential is for students who completed credits needed to graduate but did not pass the high school exit exam. The Adult Education program helps them prepare for and administers the necessary assessments to receive their high school diploma.
The Adult Education program also offers classes that let students earn credentials they can use in the workforce. The program is currently partnering with the Medical Laboratory Technician program to offer the Medical Lab Assistant certificate in two semesters. Medical lab assistants often work in doctors’ offices and urgent care facilities and are responsible for completing waived testing. Waived testing includes pregnancy tests and tests for flu, strep, etc.
The Adult Education program also offers classes in Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, Phlebotomy, OSHA, WorkKeys Certification, Ready to Work and more. Plans are in the works to offer classes for Certified Nursing Assistant.
Skylar Bolton earned her GED and CNA certification last year after years of starting and stopping her efforts. “I’m so thankful for the Wallace State Adult Education program,” she said at the time. “They’ve encouraged me every step of the way, even when I wasn’t receptive. The teachers and staff are top-notch, and they do all they can to help you succeed.”
Adult Education’s efforts to assist students like Bolton fall in line with Gov. Kay Ivey’s Success Plus Initiative. The Success Plus Initiative addresses Alabama’s increasing need for workers with certificates, credentials or degrees in addition to a high school diploma. By 2025, Alabama will need to add 500,000 high-skilled employees to the workforce in order to fill existing industry’s labor needs and compete for new businesses, according to a report produced by the Alabama Workforce Council’s Statewide Educational Attainment Committee.
For more information about Wallace State’s Adult Education program visit www.wallacestate.edu/adulted, call 256-352-8078 or email adulteducation@wallacestate.edu.
FLORENCE, Ala. – Officials with the University of North Alabama and Wallace State Community College, in Hanceville, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will benefit all Wallace State students seeking to earn their bachelor’s degree at UNA, in addition to Wallace State employees opting to pursue an advanced degree at UNA.
“We look forward to furthering our partnership with UNA to increase pathways for our students and employees to advance their academic careers and thereby improve their professional opportunities,” said Lisa German, vice president for Learning at Wallace State.
The agreement is similar to others that have been signed with two-year institutions in Alabama and Tennessee. Further, it provides pathways for Wallace State and UNA to explore additional educational opportunities for the benefit of students. The agreement is effective immediately, and Wallace State students may begin taking advantage of the agreement for courses at UNA that enroll every eight weeks both online and on-campus.
“UNA is pleased to partner with Wallace State Community College on this mutually beneficial and worthy learning agreement,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Both institutions are key players in serving the workforce development needs of our state and region.”
