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. — The Wallace State Community College Genealogy program is offering several classes during the spring 2022 semester that will allow individuals to research their family history and document it for future generations.
Upcoming classes include Genealogy and the Computer, Advanced Genealogy, Southern Genealogy and Civil War Genealogy, and will be taught by history professor Robert S. Davis. The non-credit classes are two-night sessions on a Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the basement of the Wallace State library and cost $50. These classes are offered as Continuing Education classes through the Center for Career and Workforce Development. To register contact Ashley Baker at ashley.baker@wallacestate.edu or 256-352-8386.
Davis also offers a three-hour intendent study college course (History 282V) for credit in researching a family tree
Wallace State Hanceville has one of the best research facilities for Family History and Genealogy in Alabama, including books, databases, files, microfilm and more. It also offers classes in researching ancestors and local history.
Davis will also conduct a series of free public presentations o on researching family pasts for the Comer Library in Sylacauga. Upcoming classes will be Researching in the South; Friday, March 11, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Military Records and the Civil War; Friday, March 25, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., and Computer Research; Friday, April 8, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. This program and others will also be available on Zoom and recorded. For more information, contact Catherine Dobbs at 256-249-0961.
Davis will also be giving a free talk on writing your autobiography and book publishing, as well as introduction to genealogy for the Alabama Humanities Council. This program will be on April 15 at the Dothan Houston County Library. For information contact Ashley Bynum at 334-899-3121.
Wallace State’s genealogy collection in the college’s library is open free to the public with its helpful staff to answer questions. The regular hours are Monday – Thursday; 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (the staff goes home at 4:30 p.m.), Friday; 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Saturday; 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 256-352-8263 or visit https://www.wallacestate.edu/library/genealogy.
