STCC’s no-cost HiSET/GED prep class gives students a second chance

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Students in a high school equivalency test preparation class at Springfield Technical Community College come from different backgrounds, but they all share a common goal: to improve themselves.

“To better yourself, you have to have a GED or a high school diploma,” said one student, Ming Rivera, 35, of Springfield, who dropped out of the 11^th grade and is enrolled in the HiSET/GED Exam preparation program.

About a year ago, Rivera decided to go back to school. She heard about the no-cost classes that are provided through the Springfield Adult Learning Center (SALC) at STCC.

“I’m trying to better myself and do something with myself,” said Rivera, who is not working but wants to one day start a career in early childhood education. She said the SALC program at STCC has given her the support she needs to move toward her goal.

“My English teacher, Ian, was amazing,” she said. “He broke things down. He took the time to sit with you. If you didn’t understand, he was not one to get frustrated.”

She was referring to Ian Noonan, who taught English and is now Director of Instruction and Assessment for Workforce Development at STCC. As director, Noonan makes sure the instructors for the Workforce Development have the resources they need to support students.

The HiSET/GED Exam Prep program runs in eight-week sessions. The next session starts Oct. 30. The program offers in-person day classes Monday through Thursday, 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; in-person evening classes Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:50 p.m-8:30 p.m.; and one-on-one Zoom meetings and Google classroom assignments. Students need to take a week-long preparation class before starting the eight-week sessions.

“We want to provide flexibility for our students,” Noonan said

Students come in at different education levels and might need to remain in prep classes beyond eight weeks if they need more instruction and support to prepare for the diploma equivalency tests.

“We may have a student who needs a lot more support, and they may be in the program for a year or maybe longer,” Noonan said. “We have some students who may come into the program and just need some review and test-taking strategies and are ready to start taking the tests right off the bat. And we have some students who come to us who have already passed most of their subtests for the HiSET or GED and just have one subject area they are focusing on. … We’re here to support them no matter how long it takes.”

I like the teachers and the way the classes are structured. Brendan Majak, Student in HiSET/GED prep class at STCC

Student Brendan Majak, 25, of Springfield dropped out of the ninth grade and then, as he put  it, “worked, worked, worked.” He got married early in life and divorced. He traveled outside of the country and thought about his life. After returning to Western Massachusetts, he set a goal to one day start a business.

“I’m using the GED classes as a stepping stone to get that,” he said.

Majak, Rivera and many of the other students could enroll at STCC and pursue a college degree or certificate after they earn their high school equivalency program. In fact, Majak and Rivera both said they hope to one day become college students.

Because they are 25 years or older and meet other qualifications, Majak and Rivera could seek degrees or certificates from STCC at no cost under the state’s new MassReconnect program. The program is limited to residents who have not previously earned a college degree (associate or bachelor’s) who enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate at a community college.

The students said they were excited about the prospect of continuing their education at STCC as college students at no cost.

“I want to see if I can take up to two majors,” said Majak, looking ahead to a time when he will have his high school equivalency diploma. He was interested in studying business, economics and digital marketing.

Rivera said she would like to study Early Childhood Education at STCC after earning her high school equivalency.

Meanwhile, they are both excited to be coming to STCC this fall as students in the HiSET/GED Exam preparation program.

“I’ve learned more from these first few weeks with these teachers than I ever did in a public school setting,” Majak said. “I like the teachers and the way the classes are structured.”

“It’s a great school,” added Rivera. “I had a rough life growing up. I was in the foster care system. I didn’t finish school. But then life takes a turn. I wanted to come back. It’s never too late.”

Gladys Franco, assistant vice president of Workforce Development, said the Springfield Adult Learning Center offers a range of no-cost programs with flexible schedules to help community members further their education.

Programs include English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) classes, ESOL MassSTEP Culinary/Hospitality classes for careers in food and hospitality; basic computer skills; and transition to college classes for those who have earned their high school equivalency credentials.

“This is an exciting time for students at the Springfield Adult Learning Center,” Franco said. “We encourage our students to consider enrolling at STCC after completing their high school equivalency. We have several Workforce Development non-credit programs that prepare students to compete for good-paying jobs.”

Non-credit classes include training courses focusing on drinking water treatment, which is offered through a partnership STCC has with the Massachusetts Water Works Association (MWWA) and the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission.

Students also can consider STCC credit degree and certificate programs. Those who are 25 and older may get to go to college at STCC for free under MassReconnect, which is being offered for the first time this fall, Franco said.

Franco added that those under 25 who complete the SALC program may be eligible to get free tuition and support for their first year through the Transition to College Program.

Interested in applying for the HiSET/GED Prep Classes or one of the other SALC programs? Visit stcc.edu/salc to learn more and apply online. You can stop by the STCC campus to apply Visit Building 27, Second Floor, or call (413) 755-4300 for more information.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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