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.
HANCEVILLE, Ala. — In advance of the Nov. 17 Wallace State Community College Future Foundation Luncheon, an online auction is up and running through Nov. 11. The online auction is separate from the Investment Luncheon and attendance at the luncheon is not required to participate in this auction.
Items available in the online auction include international and domestic travel packages, an electric guitar autographed by the Eagles band members Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Randy Meisner, Don Felder and Glen Frey, autographed posters from Star Wars and Star Trek, culinary experiences, home décor and more.
The proceeds from the online auction and the Student Investment Luncheon support Wallace State student scholarships.
“Together Again” is the theme for the Nov. 17 Student Investment Luncheon.
“We are excited to be able to come together again with our supporters and the students who benefit from the scholarships they provide,” said Suzanne Harbin, vice president for Advancement and Innovation. “The luncheon provides more than $200,000 annually for Wallace State student scholarships. For the 2021-2022 academic year, we were able to award 212 students more than $347,000 in scholarship funds.
Harbin continued, “I can’t tell you how much these scholarships mean to the students receiving them. Sometimes, even what may seem like a small amount makes a huge difference to a student who is trying to complete their education and needs some help over a financial hurdle. I’m honored every time we’re able to help a student realize a dream or meet a goal they’ve set for themselves.”
Live and silent auctions will also be held at the Investment Luncheon and will include more international and domestic travel options, sports memorabilia, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, a special Christmas-themed section and more.
Some of the hand-crafted items include a hand pieced lion quilt donated by Carol Steel and Alabama- and Auburn-themed infant clothing. Sports memorabilia includes a football signed by Paul “Bear” Bryant and other Alabama football players and coaches. In the Christmas section, Wallace State Dance Instructor Brooke Desnoes has donated a “Nutcracker” themed basket that includes tickets to a performance of one of the Allegro Dance Theatre’s performances of “The Nutcracker Clara’s Dream” planned for Nov. 19-21. And local decorating Michael Richards is donating his holiday decorating services.
There will also be a “Buy Now” section, where attendees can immediately purchase select items without competing in the bidding process. Several trips and a champagne and cheese package are among the items offered in the “Buy Now” section.
The Student Investment Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., in Traditions Bank Arena at Tom Drake Coliseum. For more information about the Student Investment Luncheon or the online auction, contact the Wallace State Future Foundation at 256-352-7842 or visit www.wsccfuturefoundation.org/sil21.
